A divorce is a stressful experience.
At Universal Law Group, our Houston divorce attorneys believe it’s essential for our clients to understand their rights. With the right attorney, you have someone to guide you through the process from beginning to end. Moreover, you have someone to offer advice in tough situations.
Throughout the divorce process, we ensure you have everything you need to make the best decisions for your future and your family. As experienced family law attorneys, we provide personalized representation with open communication.
Whenever you have a question about the process, we strive to provide you with a clear understanding of your position. Additionally, when problems arise, we seek the best solution for your case. Through mediation and court proceedings, we offer quality representation as your advocates.
Contact our team today to schedule a case evaluation. Learn more about the process, your rights, and how to protect your future.
Why Choose Universal Law Group?
Through a divorce, you hope to improve things in your life and the lives of your family. Our family lawyers work closely with you to ensure you have the information you need. When you stay informed, you make better decisions for yourself, your children, and any property you have.
In the early stages of the process, we offer an honest, thorough evaluation of your circumstances. From there, we offer clear insight on how to move forward.
As Houston divorce lawyers, we also want to empower and educate you. In Texas, the divorce process is complex. From child custody and support to the division of property, it also draws out a lot of emotion. As your advocates, we help you maintain a clear vision and make informed decisions.
Experience That Matters
Our team has handled hundreds of divorce and family law cases across Texas. With backgrounds in criminal prosecution, civil litigation, and family law, our attorneys approach every case strategically — balancing compassion with precision.
- Brian Nguyen: Former Assistant District Attorney with extensive trial experience.
- Anissah Nguyen: Recognized Super Lawyers® Rising Star, Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and experienced litigator in family and civil matters.
Personalized Legal Strategy
Every divorce is unique. We take time to understand your priorities — whether it’s protecting your assets, securing custody, or minimizing conflict. From your first consultation, you’ll receive a tailored strategy based on your goals and your family’s needs.
Comprehensive Representation
Our Houston divorce lawyers handle all aspects of family law, including:
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- Child custody and visitation
- Property and asset division
- Spousal maintenance (alimony)
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Divorce mediation and litigation
- Modifications and enforcement
Understanding Divorce in Texas
Grounds for Divorce
Texas recognizes both no-fault and fault-based divorces. Most couples file under “insupportability,” meaning the marriage can no longer continue due to conflict or discord. However, fault-based grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment can affect property division and spousal support. Our attorneys help you determine which path best protects your interests.
Types of Divorce
Contested Divorce
In a contested divorce, the spouses do not reach an agreement on an array of issues. Oftentimes, this process is much more involved in comparison to an uncontested divorce.
However, while “contested” sounds frustrating, an amicable resolution is still possible. With our divorce lawyer, Houstonians gain experience and expertise. You have an advocate well-versed in these matters who strives for a smooth, clear process.
Generally speaking, many contested divorces reach a resolution through mediation. With an experienced attorney, you have someone to negotiate a fair and favorable outcome. We strive to remove emotion from the conversation and focus on the legal rights of you and your spouse.
Uncontested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, both parties strive to remove the emotion from the process. While it may sound strange, the goal is to treat it as a business transaction. In doing so, we avoid drawn-out litigation.
With an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree to the separation based on “in-supportability.” In some cases, we also refer to this as a no-fault divorce. Typically, the process is simple and straightforward because the spouses agree on every matter.
- Child custody and visitation rights
- Support
- Division of property
Generally, this is an efficient, less expensive means of divorce. However, for it to work, it’s essential to agree on every matter. In Texas, it’s possible to finalize an uncontested divorce on the 61st day after you file the original petition. This is because Texas requires a 60-day waiting period when you petition for divorce.
High Net Worth Divorce
In a high net worth divorce, both parties accumulate substantial assets throughout the course of the marriage. With an experienced divorce lawyer, Houston’s high net worth divorces don’t need to be complex.
However, the proceedings differ from standard divorce proceedings. That’s why the guidance of an experienced Houston divorce attorney is essential. With an advocate on your side, you have someone to guide you through these difficult waters.
Oftentimes, there are multiple assets to divide.
- Stocks and bonds
- Retirement accounts
- Businesses
Generally, these matters require an analysis of complex legal documents. Still, with the right representation, you establish an equitable, fair division of property.
Key Issues in a Houston Divorce
1. Property Division
Texas is a community property state, which means assets acquired during marriage are generally divided equally. This includes real estate, vehicles, investments, and retirement accounts. Our team helps clients identify, value, and divide assets — including complex portfolios, businesses, and high-net-worth estates.
2. Child Custody and Visitation
Your children’s well-being comes first. We help parents establish custody arrangements that serve the child’s best interests while respecting each parent’s role. Whether through mediation or litigation, we aim for outcomes that foster stability and cooperation.
3. Spousal Support
Also known as spousal maintenance, this support ensures financial fairness when one spouse earns significantly more than the other. We evaluate eligibility, calculate potential payments, and advocate for equitable solutions.
4. Divorce for Professionals and Business Owners
Our attorneys understand the financial complexities of divorce involving business assets, professional practices, and executive compensation. We work with financial experts when necessary to ensure accuracy in valuation and division.
Protecting Your Rights Through Every Step
Mediation and Negotiation
We believe in resolving disputes efficiently whenever possible. Mediation allows both parties to maintain control and reach agreements without court intervention.
Litigation and Trial
When cooperation fails, our attorneys are fully prepared to litigate. With courtroom experience across Harris County and surrounding areas, we know how to present your case effectively to secure the results you need.
What to Expect During the Divorce Process
- Consultation and Case Evaluation – We assess your situation, explain your legal options, and outline the next steps.
- Filing and Service – We prepare and file the divorce petition in the proper Texas county.
- Temporary Orders – When needed, we request court orders to establish child custody, support, and financial responsibilities during the process.
- Discovery and Negotiation – We gather financial records and negotiate settlement terms.
- Resolution or Trial – Whether through settlement or court judgment, we pursue the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Why Experience Makes a Difference
At Universal Law Group, divorce cases are handled with strategic preparation and clear communication. Our attorneys combine legal precision with empathy — because every decision during divorce affects your future. We use our experience to anticipate challenges and minimize emotional and financial strain.
Our leadership has been recognized for excellence in Texas law:
- Super Lawyers® Rising Star (Anissah Nguyen)
- Fellow, Texas Bar Foundation
- Admitted in all Texas and New York state courts
- Proven record of client success in family, civil, and criminal matters
Divorce Lawyer Houston FAQ
Will my spouse have to cover my attorney fees?
Oftentimes, each spouse bears the responsibility for their own attorney fees and costs of litigation. However, the court does have the power to require someone to cover some or all of the other party’s attorney fees.
Whether this happens depends on the financial resources available to each party. The facts of the case also factor into this decision. Additionally, it’s possible for either party to make this request. Then, the decision falls to judge whether they order it or not.
When the court renders a judgment for these fees, the party pays directly to the attorney. From there, it’s on the law firm to enforce the judgment for debt.
What do I do after we serve the divorce papers?
If you receive an “Original Petition for Divorce,” you become the “Respondent” in your case. With a divorce lawyer, Houston Respondents know when and how to act to protect themselves. When you act quickly, you avoid a default judgment.
Moreover, refusal to participate in the process prevents your spouse from achieving the divorce. Once someone serves you papers, you have about 20 days to file a response and make an appearance.
If you fail to appear within this time period, your spouse has the option to move forward with a Default hearing. Often, in this instance, the court grants every request they make. That means the court awards property and rights related to your children.
That’s why it is essential for you to protect your rights and best interests. When you work with a Houston divorce attorney, you have a few options.
- Request a temporary order hearing
- File a counterclaim to seek relief from the divorce court
Does social media matter in the divorce process?
Unfortunately, this popular pastime has the potential to impact your case. It’s essential to understand that anything you post online carries potential consequences. Per a survey from the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, over a 5-year period, 81% of its member used or faced social media evidence in divorce proceedings.
From a legal standpoint, information on social media is discoverable in Texas. Here are a few tips to prevent a negative impact on your divorce.
- De-activate your profiles
- Update your passwords
- Change your privacy settings to hide posts
- Be wary of your “friends” list – additionally your “close friends” on Instagram
- Think hard before you post
Hire a Divorce Lawyer Houstonians Count On
At Universal Law Group, we are a full-service law firm. This offers our clients a depth of legal expertise and experience most law firms lack.
With our divorce lawyer, Houstonians gain a compassionate, aggressive expert who offers personalized representation. In any family law matter, the details are essential. There’s no universal solution to your legal problems.
When you need an advocate on your side, trust the Houston divorce lawyers at Universal Law Group. Schedule a case evaluation with our legal team to see what we can do for you.