Steps to Take When Filing for Divorce in Fort Bend County

The union of two people can be blissful and fulfilling, but sometimes couples grow apart. Whether due to infidelity, domestic violence, neglect, or simply evolving lives, the reasons for divorce vary widely. If you’ve reached the place where dissolving the marriage is the next step, the process can be emotionally, mentally, spiritually and physically challenging. At Mokolo Law Firm, we understand. That’s why we’ve pulled together an easy-to-follow guide to help you understand the steps to take when filing for divorce in Fort Bend County, Texas.

1. Starting a Divorce in Fort Bend County

To initiate a divorce in Texas, you must file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Case Information Sheet with the county clerk. If children are involved, you’ll also need to submit an Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship form.
Importantly, you or your spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months and a resident of the county (such as Fort Bend) for at least 90 days before filing for the court to have jurisdiction.
Once the petition is filed, your spouse must be properly served with a copy of the petition and a citation. Depending on how service is done (personal service or other approved method), your spouse generally has until the Monday following the 20th day after being served to respond.

2. Waiting Periods & Temporary Orders in Fort Bend County

Divorce isn’t instantaneous, and many people entering the process are surprised at how much there is to consider.

• Mandatory Waiting Period: Texas law requires that a divorce cannot be finalized until 60 days after the date the petition is filed.
• Temporary Orders: While you wait, and whether you’re dealing with issues of custody, assets, support or safety, you can ask the court to enter temporary orders that preserve your rights, protect your children and secure your property until the final decree is entered.

3. Finalizing the Divorce in Fort Bend County

When your case is ready to wrap up, there are several paths to resolution:

• Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): This includes mediation, collaborative law, or informal settlement conferences that help you and your spouse resolve issues outside of a full trial.
• Binding Arbitration: If you and your spouse agree, unresolved matters can be submitted to an arbitrator whose decision becomes binding.
• Contested Trial: If no resolution is reached, the matter proceeds to a full trial before the court, where the judge decides the disputed issues.
  Remember: even after hearings are completed, the 60-day waiting period must still be met (unless there’s a showing of family violence) before the court will sign off on the final decree.
  After the divorce is final, if your spouse fails to comply with the judge’s orders, say by not transferring property, not paying support or refusing to comply with custody obligations, you may need to file a suit to enforce the decree. In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the final decree to bring such an enforcement action for property-division issues.

4. Why You Should Consider Legal Representation

Going through a divorce is often overwhelming. Properly defending your rights and dividing assets can become complicated. While Texas allows you to represent yourself (“pro se”), doing so in a divorce, especially one with children, substantial assets or contested issues, is rarely wise.
At Mokolo Law Firm, we specialise in family law, and we understand the sensitivity, the urgency and the strategic decisions that matter most. With our experience in Fort Bend County divorce cases, we work hard to protect your interests and help you move forward.

5. How Mokolo Law Firm Can Help You

• We guide you through meeting the residency and filing requirements for Fort Bend County.
• We help you draft and serve the petition correctly so nothing gets delayed.
• We explain the waiting period, your temporary-order rights and the available dispute-resolution methods.
• We strategically advise on final resolution alternatives: mediation, arbitration or trial.
• We assist with enforcement of the divorce decree if needed including property division, support orders or custody compliance.

Need help taking the next step in Fort Bend County? Contact Mokolo Law Firm, PLLC today for a consultation where we’ll review your unique situation, answer your questions, and build a plan tailored to your goals.