Our Keller divorce lawyer helps you end your marriage legally while protecting your rights to property, custody, and financial support. If you’re considering divorce in Keller, Texas, Varghese Summersett offers experienced legal guidance through every step of the process, from filing the initial petition to finalizing your decree in Tarrant County Family Court.
Every year, thousands of Texans make the difficult decision to end their marriage. While divorce is never easy, having the right legal team can make all the difference. Whether you’re facing an uncontested divorce or a complex, high-conflict case, our Keller divorce attorneys guide you with clarity, confidence, and solutions tailored to your family.
At Varghese Summersett, we have attorneys with decades of combined experience handling divorce, custody disputes, and property division in Tarrant County courts. Our team includes licensed mediators who can help resolve disputes outside of court and seasoned trial lawyers who will fight for you when litigation becomes necessary. We have the resources to handle even the most complex divorce cases.
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What Does Our Keller Divorce Lawyer Do?
A Keller divorce lawyer represents you through every phase of the divorce process. This includes filing paperwork with the court, negotiating with your spouse’s attorney, and advocating for your interests if your case goes to trial. Your attorney protects your parental rights, helps divide marital property fairly, and works to secure any spousal support you may deserve.
Beyond the legal work, a good divorce lawyer also serves as your advisor and strategist. We help you understand what to expect, prepare you for court appearances, and make sure you don’t agree to terms that could harm you long-term.
What Are the Grounds for Divorce in Texas?
Texas is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove your spouse did anything wrong to end your marriage. Under Texas Family Code § 6.001, the most common ground for divorce is “insupportability,” meaning the marriage has become insupportable because of discord or conflict that destroys the legitimate ends of the marriage with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation.
Texas law also allows fault-based grounds for divorce, including cruelty, adultery, conviction of a felony, abandonment, living apart for three years, or confinement in a mental hospital. Proving fault can affect property division and spousal maintenance awards, though the court will still divide the community estate in a “just and right” manner under Texas Family Code § 7.001.
For no-fault divorces based on insupportability, neither spouse bears a burden of proof. The petitioner simply needs to allege that the marriage has become insupportable. For fault-based grounds, the petitioner must prove the alleged misconduct by a preponderance of the evidence.
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Keller?
Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date you file before a divorce can be finalized. Most divorces in Keller and Tarrant County take 2 to 6 months to complete, depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested and how cooperative both spouses are.
Simple, uncontested divorces where both parties agree on everything can wrap up shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested cases involving disputes over children, property, or support can take a year or longer.
What Are the Steps in a Keller Divorce?
Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the legal process. At Varghese Summersett, our Keller divorce lawyers walk you through each step, offering clarity and support from start to finish.
The process begins with an initial consultation where we learn about your goals, priorities, and circumstances. This conversation helps us develop a clear strategy tailored to your needs.
Once you’re ready, we file an Original Petition for Divorce with the court. In most cases, that will be in Tarrant County. During the mandatory 60-day waiting period, we may pursue temporary orders to address immediate concerns like who stays in the home, temporary custody arrangements, and financial support.
After filing, the discovery phase begins. Both sides exchange information about assets, debts, income, and parenting plans. Many cases resolve during this phase through negotiation or mediation, which saves time, money, and stress.
If no agreement can be reached, your case will proceed to trial. Our Keller divorce attorneys are experienced litigators who will advocate fiercely for your interests in court. Once the judge rules or both parties sign off on a settlement, the divorce is finalized and the decree becomes legally binding.
| Step | What Happens | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Initial Consultation & Preparation Meet with a divorce lawyer, gather financial records, and determine the type of divorce. | A day or more |
| 2 | Filing the Divorce Petition File with the Tarrant County District Clerk. Case officially begins. | 1 day to several weeks |
| 3 | Serving the Other Spouse Spouse is notified and has approximately 20 days to respond. | 1 to 3 weeks |
| 4 | 60-Day Waiting Period & Temporary Orders Required waiting period; may include temporary orders for custody and support. | 60 days minimum |
| 5 | Discovery & Negotiation Exchange financial and parenting information. Attempt settlement. | 1 to 6 months or more |
| 6 | Mediation Often required. A neutral third party helps reach an agreement. | 1 day to several weeks |
| 7 | Final Hearing or Trial Either a brief hearing or a full trial, depending on case complexity. | 2 to 12 months after filing |
| 8 | Final Decree of Divorce Judge signs the order, making it official. | At conclusion of case |
How Does Property Division Work in a Texas Divorce?
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during marriage belong equally to both spouses. Under Texas Family Code § 7.001, the court must divide the community estate in a manner that is “just and right,” which doesn’t always mean a 50/50 split.
Factors the court considers when dividing property include each spouse’s earning capacity, the health and age of each party, fault in the breakup of the marriage, which spouse has primary custody of minor children, and the size of each spouse’s separate estate. Separate property (assets owned before marriage, inheritances, and gifts) generally stays with the original owner.
For high-net-worth divorces involving business interests, real estate portfolios, or complex investments, professional business valuation may be necessary to ensure fair division.
How Is Child Custody Determined in Keller?
Texas courts make all child custody decisions based on the best interest of the child, as required by Texas Family Code § 153.002. The law creates a rebuttable presumption that appointing both parents as joint managing conservators is in the child’s best interest under Texas Family Code § 153.131.
The parent seeking sole managing conservatorship or a deviation from the standard possession schedule must prove by a preponderance of the evidence that such an arrangement serves the child’s best interest. Courts consider factors including each parent’s physical and emotional needs, the stability of each home, the child’s expressed preferences (if the child is 12 or older), and any history of family violence or substance abuse.
Ready to discuss your custody concerns? Call 817-203-2220 to speak with a Keller divorce lawyer today.
How Preparation Makes the Difference: A Real Case Example
A client in Keller came to us hoping for a simple, uncontested divorce. Both spouses agreed on most things, so our team got to work preparing the paperwork and parenting plan. We also anticipated potential issues, especially with custody.
Soon after, a disagreement over visitation turned the case contested. Because we had prepared thoroughly, we acted quickly without delays or extra costs.
We filed for temporary orders and presented strong evidence. At mediation, we protected the client’s goals and preserved the children’s routines.
Preparation and strategy made the difference. A potentially drawn-out conflict stayed controlled because we were ready from day one.
Watch: What to Expect at a Temporary Orders Hearing
What to Expect From Varghese Summersett
Decades of Local Experience. We know Keller and Tarrant County courts. That local knowledge gives our clients an edge.
Custom Legal Strategies. We align our approach with your values and goals, not a one-size-fits-all template.
High-Net-Worth Divorce Expertise. We represent business owners, executives, and professionals with complex assets requiring business valuation and sophisticated property division.
Skilled in Mediation and Collaboration. Many of our clients resolve their cases privately and respectfully with our guidance.
Seasoned Trial Lawyers. When trial is necessary, we show up prepared. Our courtroom record speaks for itself.
A Team-Based Approach. You get the power of a full legal team with over 70 attorneys and staff, not just a single lawyer, on your side.
A Reputation You Can Trust. We’ve earned more than 1,100 five-star reviews through excellence and compassion.
Award-Winning Legal Excellence
What Family Law Services Does Varghese Summersett Offer?
Whether you’re facing divorce, a custody battle, or complex property division, our firm delivers legal services in Keller and nearby areas:
- High-Net-Worth Divorce
- Child Custody & Visitation
- Temporary Orders
- Spousal Support
- Complex Property Division
- Support Modifications
- Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
If your divorce involves children, you may also need to complete Tarrant County parenting classes before finalizing your case.
What Our Keller Clients Say
We’ve helped individuals and families across Keller handle divorce with confidence and clarity. Here’s what a few of them had to say:
“I was nervous about starting over, but Varghese Summersett handled my divorce with care and precision. I’m grateful for their honesty and responsiveness.” – Keller Resident
“Their knowledge of the Tarrant County courts gave me an advantage I didn’t even know I needed. Highly recommend for anyone in Keller.”
Want to see more? Read our client reviews or schedule a consultation.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Keller, Texas
How do I start the divorce process in Keller?
File an Original Petition for Divorce with the Tarrant County District Clerk. You must have been a Texas resident for at least six months and a Tarrant County resident for at least 90 days before filing. Our team can guide you through the paperwork and filing process.
How long does a divorce take in Keller?
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period, but most divorces take 2 to 6 months depending on complexity, cooperation, and court availability.
Do I have to appear in court?
Not necessarily. Many uncontested or collaborative divorces only require a short final hearing. We aim to keep court time minimal whenever possible.
What does a Keller divorce lawyer cost?
Uncontested divorces may qualify for a flat fee that includes filings and standard paperwork. Contested divorces are usually billed hourly, with cost depending on the level of dispute and complexity. We offer consultations to help you understand expected costs upfront.
Can I get a divorce if my spouse doesn’t agree?
Yes. Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don’t need your spouse’s permission to end the marriage. However, a contested divorce typically takes longer and costs more than an uncontested one.
Our Family Law Practice Areas
Experienced family law attorneys serving Tarrant County
Tarrant County Resources
Need family law help in Fort Worth? Talk to our team today.
Talk to a Keller Divorce Attorney Today
Let us help you move forward with confidence. Our Keller divorce lawyers are ready to guide you through negotiation, mediation, or trial. Call 817-203-2220 today or contact us online to get started.
