Deerfield Employment Law Firm

Can You Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 04:00:04 GMT

Can You Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

Divorce is often associated with courtroom hearings, lengthy legal proceedings, and stressful disputes. While some divorces do require a judge to resolve disagreements, many couples in Texas are surprised to learn that it may be possible to complete much of the divorce process without a traditional courtroom trial.

If you're considering ending your marriage, understanding your options can help you make informed decisions about the path that's right for your family. At Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC , Attorney Stella C. Andrews helps individuals throughout Houston navigate the divorce process while working toward practical solutions that align with their goals.

Is It Possible to Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

In many cases, yes. If you and your spouse are able to reach an agreement on all major issues, your divorce may be resolved without a contested court trial. These cases are commonly known as uncontested divorces.

Even in an uncontested divorce, a judge must approve and sign the Final Decree of Divorce before your divorce becomes legally final. Depending on the county and the circumstances of your case, this approval may involve only a brief hearing or another court-approved process rather than a full trial.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on every significant issue, including:

Division of marital property
Allocation of debts
Child custody (known as conservatorship in Texas)
Parenting time and visitation
Child support
Spousal maintenance, if applicable

Because there are no unresolved disputes for a judge to decide, uncontested divorces are often less stressful, more efficient, and less expensive than contested cases.

When Is Court Still Necessary?

Although many divorces avoid a courtroom trial, some situations require judicial involvement.

You may need to appear before a judge if you and your spouse cannot agree on issues such as:

Child custody
Property division
Spousal maintenance
Child support
Responsibility for marital debts

When negotiations reach an impasse, the court may be asked to make decisions based on Texas law and the specific facts of the case.

Can Mediation Help You Avoid Trial?

Yes. Mediation is one of the most common ways couples resolve divorce disputes without going through a contested trial.

During mediation, a neutral third party helps spouses discuss unresolved issues and work toward mutually acceptable agreements. Rather than having a judge decide your future, mediation allows both parties to participate in creating solutions that fit their family's needs. Texas courts may refer divorce cases to mediation, and many cases are successfully resolved through this process.

Benefits of mediation may include:

Greater privacy
Reduced conflict
More control over the outcome
Lower legal costs
Faster resolution

What If We Agree on Everything?

If you and your spouse already agree on all aspects of your divorce, your attorney can prepare the necessary legal documents and help ensure they comply with Texas law.

Even when both spouses cooperate, properly drafted agreements remain important because they can affect:

Property ownership
Retirement accounts
Parenting arrangements
Financial obligations
Future legal rights

A carefully prepared divorce decree helps reduce the likelihood of misunderstandings or disputes after the divorce is finalized.

What Happens If We Cannot Agree?

Not every divorce can be resolved through negotiation.

If disagreements remain despite good-faith efforts to reach an agreement, your case may become a contested divorce. Depending on the issues involved, the court may schedule hearings or a trial where a judge will make decisions regarding matters such as property division, child custody, and financial support.

While litigation is sometimes necessary, many contested cases still settle before reaching trial.

Does Every Divorce Require a Final Hearing?

Texas law requires every divorce to be finalized by a court, but that does not necessarily mean a lengthy courtroom appearance.

In many uncontested divorces, the final hearing is brief and focuses on confirming that all legal requirements have been satisfied before the judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. Some Texas courts also allow remote appearances or other approved procedures in appropriate cases.

Benefits of Resolving Divorce Outside of Trial

When appropriate, resolving a divorce through agreement instead of litigation can offer several advantages, including:

Less emotional stress
Lower legal expenses
Greater privacy
More flexibility
Faster resolution
Improved communication between parents
Better foundation for future co-parenting

Every family's circumstances are different, so the best approach depends on your unique situation.

When Should You Speak With a Houston Divorce Attorney?

Whether your divorce appears straightforward or involves complex legal issues, obtaining legal guidance early can help you understand your options and avoid costly mistakes.

A divorce attorney can assist with:

Explaining Texas divorce laws
Preparing legal documents
Negotiating settlement agreements
Representing your interests during mediation
Protecting parental rights
Addressing property and financial concerns
Representing you if litigation becomes necessary

Having knowledgeable legal guidance can provide clarity during an emotionally challenging time.

How The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC Can Help

Every divorce is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. At The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC , Attorney Stella C. Andrews understands that divorce involves more than legal paperwork—it often affects your family, finances, and future.

Whether your case can be resolved through negotiation, mediation, or requires court proceedings, our firm is committed to protecting your rights while helping you pursue a fair and practical outcome. We take the time to understand your goals, answer your questions, and provide personalized guidance throughout every stage of the divorce process.

If you're considering divorce or have questions about your legal options, we're here to help.

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston

Wed, 05 Aug 2026 16:53:24 GMT

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston

A car accident can happen without warning, turning an ordinary day into a stressful and confusing experience. Whether the collision is minor or severe, the steps you take immediately afterward can affect both your health and your ability to pursue compensation.

If you've been involved in a crash in Houston, knowing what to do next can help protect your rights while avoiding common mistakes. Below is a guide to the actions every driver should take after a car accident in Texas.

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

Your safety should always come first. Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately.

Even if injuries appear minor, it's important to have emergency responders evaluate the situation. Some injuries, including whiplash, internal injuries, and concussions, may not show symptoms right away.

If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic to reduce the risk of another collision.

2. Contact the Police

Texas law requires certain accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage to be reported to law enforcement. A responding officer will investigate the accident and prepare an official police report, which often becomes valuable evidence during an insurance claim or personal injury case.

When speaking with officers:

Answer questions honestly.
Stick to the facts.
Avoid admitting fault or speculating about what caused the accident.

3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Many accident victims believe they are unharmed immediately after a crash, only to develop pain hours or days later.

Prompt medical treatment can:

Identify hidden injuries
Begin necessary treatment
Create medical records connecting your injuries to the accident

Waiting too long to seek care may allow insurance companies to argue that your injuries were unrelated to the collision.

4. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

Gather the following information from every driver involved:

Full name
Phone number
Driver's license number
Insurance company
Policy number
License plate number
Vehicle make and model

Remain calm and courteous during the exchange. Do not argue or discuss who was responsible.

5. Document the Accident Scene

If you can safely do so, collect as much evidence as possible before leaving.

Take photographs of:

Vehicle damage
Road conditions
Traffic signals and signs
Skid marks
Debris
Weather conditions
Visible injuries

Also collect contact information from any witnesses. Their statements may become valuable if liability is disputed.

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

Most insurance policies require prompt notification after an accident.

Provide basic facts about the collision but avoid guessing about injuries or fault. If the other driver's insurance company contacts you, be cautious before providing recorded statements or accepting a settlement offer. Early offers often fail to account for the full extent of medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

7. Avoid Admitting Fault

Immediately after an accident, emotions are high, and the full circumstances may not yet be known.

Simple statements like:

"I'm sorry."
"I didn't see you."
"This was my fault."

can later be interpreted as admissions of liability.

Instead, let investigators review the evidence before fault is determined.

8. Keep Every Document Related to the Accident

Organization can make a significant difference during your claim.

Keep copies of:

Medical bills
Hospital records
Prescription receipts
Repair estimates
Vehicle repair invoices
Insurance correspondence
Rental car expenses
Lost wage documentation

These records help demonstrate the financial impact of the accident.

9. Understand Texas Comparative Fault Rules

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system.

If you are found to be 50% or less responsible for the accident, you may still recover compensation. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% responsible , you generally cannot recover damages from the other party.

Because fault can directly affect compensation, preserving evidence immediately after the accident is extremely important.

10. Don't Wait Too Long to Take Action

Texas generally allows two years from the date of a car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Although that may seem like plenty of time, evidence can disappear, witnesses' memories may fade, and insurance investigations begin quickly.

Taking action early helps preserve important evidence and protects your legal rights.

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Houston Car Accident

Many people unintentionally damage their claims by making avoidable mistakes, including:

Delaying medical treatment
Accepting the first settlement offer
Posting about the accident on social media
Failing to document the accident scene
Giving recorded statements without understanding the consequences
Ignoring follow-up medical appointments

Avoiding these errors can strengthen your claim and improve your chances of obtaining fair compensation.

How a Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Recovering from a serious accident often involves much more than repairing your vehicle. Medical expenses, lost income, ongoing treatment, and negotiations with insurance companies can quickly become overwhelming.

A Houston car accident attorney can assist by:

Investigating the accident
Collecting evidence
Working with insurance companies
Calculating the full value of your damages
Negotiating a fair settlement
Representing you in court if necessary

Having legal guidance allows you to focus on healing while your case is handled.

Contact The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in Houston, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone.

At Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC , Attorney Stella C. Andrews is committed to helping accident victims understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve. Whether your accident involved distracted driving, speeding, impaired driving, or another act of negligence, our firm is prepared to stand by your side throughout every stage of your claim.

Contact Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you move forward after a Houston car accident.

Divorce in Texas

Thu, 20 Aug 2020 21:29:42 GMT

To be eligible to file for divorce in Texas, at least one of the spouses must have been a continuous resident of the state for at least six months. To be eligible to file for divorce in any county in Texas, at least one spouse must have been a resident of that county for at least 90 days.

Divorce in Texas is a Lengthy Process

In Texas, a divorce is not final for at least 60 days after a petition is filed. It typically takes about six months to one year or longer to finalize a divorce, depending on the complexity of the issues and the degree of conflict.

No Legal Separation

Texas does not recognize legal separation. This means that even when you are living apart from your spouse, all of the property you or your spouse acquire during the marriage is community property—regardless of the way it is titled—and all debt you or your spouse incurred during the marriage is community debt. You are married until you are legally divorced.

“No-Fault” Divorce in Texas

Texas law allows for “no-fault” divorce, the spouse filing for divorce does not have to prove any fault, wrongdoing, or marital misconduct on the part of the other spouse.

Divorce in Texas – Leave it for an Attorney

Getting divorced is a complicated process. While you can technically represent yourself in a divorce suit, it can be a difficult process and end up costing you time, money, and stress. You need an experienced and aggressive lawyer to represent you.

CHECK OUT OUR NEXT BLOG ON COMMON LAW MARRIAGE COMING SOON!

Child Custody in Texas

Sat, 15 Aug 2020 21:27:25 GMT

According to the Texas Statutes, Family Code, Chapter 153, the court presumes for joint managing conservators; however, the best interest of the child transcends all other considerations.

The Texas court has several options when issuing a custody order. Sole custody can be awarded to one parent, which means that the child resides primarily with that parent and that parent has the exclusive right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. However, Texas courts prefer joint custody arrangements, so the child maintains a meaningful relationship with both parents. Joint legal custody means that the child still primarily resides with one parent and the other parent enjoys visitation; however, the parents share decision-making in raising the child. Shared custody means that the parents share legal custody rights but also that the child has two residences and lives with each parent for at least 35 percent of the year. The last option is split custody and is rarely used. With this arrangement, there are at least two children, and each parent is awarded full custody of at least one child.

Legal and Physical Custody

Legal custody means a parent’s right to raise the child and make decisions regarding the child’s day-to-day upbringing, such as where the child goes to school, what religion the child practices, what medical treatments that child receives and what activities the child participates in. Physical custody means possession. In Texas, a parent with physical custody is called the “possessory conservator,” and the child resides with that parent.

Determining Child Custody in Texas

The court has great discretion when making custody determinations, but considers:

the child’s wishes;
the current and future emotional and physical needs of the child;
any current or future emotional and physical danger to the child;
the parenting abilities of each parent;
the programs available to assist each parent to promote the best interest of the child;
the plans for the child by each parent;
the stability of the proposed home; and
any acts or omissions of the parent that may indicate parental unfitness, and any explanations for such acts or omissions

Custody battles are often contentious and can be complex because the court considers so many factors when making decisions in these cases.

Texas Child Custody

In Texas, there are two different forms of custody, or conservatorship, rights given to parents. A managing conservatorship allows a parent to make legal decisions regarding the child, such as which school or church to attend, as well as the power to make financial and medical decisions for the child. A possessory conservatorship gives a parent the right to access and visit the child but not necessarily the authority to make legal decisions for the child.

Deerfield Employment Law Firm

Can You Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

Can You Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

Is It Possible to Get Divorced Without Going to Court?

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

When Is Court Still Necessary?

Can Mediation Help You Avoid Trial?

What If We Agree on Everything?

What Happens If We Cannot Agree?

Does Every Divorce Require a Final Hearing?

Benefits of Resolving Divorce Outside of Trial

When Should You Speak With a Houston Divorce Attorney?

How The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC Can Help

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston

What to Do Immediately After a Car Accident in Houston

1. Check for Injuries and Call 911

2. Contact the Police

3. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

4. Exchange Information With the Other Driver

5. Document the Accident Scene

6. Notify Your Insurance Company

7. Avoid Admitting Fault

8. Keep Every Document Related to the Accident

9. Understand Texas Comparative Fault Rules

10. Don't Wait Too Long to Take Action

Common Mistakes to Avoid After a Houston Car Accident

How a Houston Car Accident Attorney Can Help

Contact The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC ﻿

Divorce in Texas

Divorce in Texas is a Lengthy Process

No Legal Separation

“No-Fault” Divorce in Texas

Divorce in Texas – Leave it for an Attorney

Child Custody in Texas

Legal and Physical Custody

Determining Child Custody in Texas

Texas Child Custody

Contact The Law Offices of Andrews & Associates, PLLC