“The divorce process,” says Plano lawyer Armstrong, “begins when the party seeking relief files a document entitled Original Petition for Divorce.”

More properly termed a pleading, this document may be anywhere from several pages to thirty or more pages in length, depending on the facts of your particular case and the extent of the relief you are seeking. Unless you choose to represent yourself, you are generally not required to sign the petition. Therefore, it is essential to let your lawyer know if you’d like to review it before filing and delivery to your spouse.  Armstrong the Law Firm, as a matter of course allows the client to review the pleading for accuracy before filing.

Note that the petition is required by law to contain certain information and must also include certain representations by the party. A few examples include: (1) that one or more parties’ residence within the State of Texas for six months and in the county of filing for ninety days; (2) the existence of  a premarital agreement between the parties; and (3) the existence and identity of children of the marital relationship.  Family law cases are typically filed in district courts rather than county courts.  In larger counties such as Dallas and Tarrant, certain district courses are specially designated to handle only family law cases. In Collin, Denton and other growing counties, the district court is often a court of general jurisdiction—meaning it hears family, criminal and civil matters. In such counties, a divorce may be filed in any district court.  Contrary to the belief of some, however, cases are randomly assigned to courts to prevent a party “selecting” a particular court.

Armstrong the Law Firm has Plano lawyers with nearly thirty years of experience in handling all types of  litigation, including family law matters. Among others, it also practices in the business litigation arena.