Family Law

The Law Office of Shannon M. Sears, P.C. handles three different types of divorces:
1. Uncontested Divorce
2. Collaborative Law Divorce
3. Traditional Divorce

Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce occurs when there are no disagreements between you and your spouse over any financial or divorce-related issues (i.e., child custody and support, division of marital property or spousal support); and your spouse either agrees to the divorce or fails to appear in the divorce action.

Why should I hire a lawyer for my divorce when we both agree? Even if you have no kids, no real estate, and no retirement accounts, the legal process requires that the documents are drafted correctly and that you follow the correct procedures.

Call the Law Office of Shannon M. Sears, P.C. at 817-416-2711 and let me assist you by guiding you through this process.

Collaborative Law Divorce
To help Texas families minimize the emotional and financial damage caused to one another during the traditional divorce process, Texas has passed a collaborative law statute which allows couples to agree to an open and transparent process of negotiating the terms to end their marriage. read more

Traditional Divorce
This divorce is for couples who can't agree on one or more items contained in a divorce decree. This divorce is the most expensive and extensive divorce.

How Can I Decide Which Approach to Take?
I understand you will have questions about which approach is right for you, and I am happy to discuss all of your options. Please let me help you determine which option is right for you and your family.

What is mediation?
Mediation is a voluntary process which allows both spouses to maintain control over your fate and the terms of your settlement. Both parties and their attorneys attend either a 4-hour or 8-hour mediation, depending on the complexity of your case. read more

What residency requirement is required for starting the process for a divorce?
In Texas, you must be a resident of the state for six months and you or your spouse must be a resident of the county where the divorce is filed for 3 months (90 days).

How long does the process take to obtain a divorce?
In Texas a divorce may be granted after the petition has been on file for sixty (60) days, however, it can be longer if the parties do not agree on all issues.