Clear Guidance For Same-Sex Divorce In Texas

Ending a marriage is never simple, and same-sex spouses often face added questions about their rights, their children, and their financial future. At BTR Law, we represent spouses in same-sex divorces with the same care and focus we bring to every family law case. Our attorneys listen first, explain the law in plain language, and work with you to protect what matters most, from parenting time to property.

Call us at (979) 316-7133 to schedule a consultation with our Angleton same-sex divorce attorneys.

Why LGBTQ+ Spouses Choose Our Firm

When you are facing the end of a marriage, you need more than general information about divorce. You need a legal team that understands Texas family law, respects your relationship, and knows the Brazoria County courts. Our attorneys bring nearly a century of combined legal experience to every family case we handle.

BTR Law was founded in 2010 by three accomplished attorneys, Brooks Bass, Shannon Tigner, and Patton Ritter. Brooks and Shannon have been licensed in Texas since the 1990s, and Patton has practiced here since 2018. Their education from respected Texas law schools provides a strong foundation for analyzing complex issues that often arise in same-sex divorce, such as long relationships that predate legal marriage or out of state moves.

How Same-Sex Divorce Works In Texas

Same-sex divorces in Texas follow the same basic statutes that apply to all marriages, but the details can feel very different to the people involved. We work to make sure you understand how the law applies to your situation so you can make informed decisions at every step.

To file for divorce, one spouse typically must meet Texas residency rules, which often means living in the state for a set period and in a particular county for a shorter period. For spouses who live in or around Angleton, cases are usually filed in Brazoria County courts. We can explain which court is likely to consider your case and what that process usually looks like.

Texas is a community property state. In many cases, this means that income and assets acquired during the marriage are considered jointly owned, although there are exceptions such as certain gifts or inheritances. For same-sex couples, there can be added questions if the relationship began long before legal marriage was available. Our attorneys help clients sort through what is considered separate property and what may be considered community property, then work on proposals for a fair division.

Spousal maintenance, sometimes called support, is another concern for many people. Texas courts consider several factors when deciding whether to award maintenance, such as length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, health issues, and contributions to the household. We walk you through these factors, discuss how courts in Brazoria County tend to view them, and help you prepare information that supports your position.

Children & Same-Sex Divorce

For many same-sex spouses, the most important question is what will happen with their children. Texas uses terms like conservatorship, possession, and access to describe what many people think of as custody and visitation. Courts generally look to the best interests of the child, and they expect parents to present plans that support stability and healthy relationships.

Same-sex parents often have additional layers to consider. Children may have been adopted by both parents, adopted by one parent with a second parent adoption later, or conceived with the help of donors or assisted reproduction. Each of these paths can affect how the law views legal parentage. Our attorneys review the history of your family formation, including any adoption orders or parentage documents, and explain how those records may influence the case.

Sometimes, disputes arise about decision-making authority, such as education, medical care, or religious practices. We help clients think through these questions ahead of time and consider where shared decision-making is realistic and where specific arrangements are needed. By addressing these issues early, we can often present clearer proposals to the court or a mediator.

Throughout child-related issues, we aim to lower the temperature wherever possible. High-conflict litigation can be particularly hard on children. We discuss dispute resolution options and help you evaluate whether negotiation or mediation could help you reach a parenting plan that serves your child’s needs while protecting your role in their life.

Planning Your Next Steps

Once you start thinking seriously about divorce, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Breaking the process into concrete steps can make it more manageable and give you a sense of control. Our attorneys guide clients through each stage, from the first conversation to the final orders.

Here are practical steps to take if you are considering divorce:

• Gather recent financial documents, such as bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage information, and tax returns.
• Write down a list of your assets and debts, including property acquired before and during the marriage.
• Think about your children’s schedules, schooling, and important routines, and consider what a realistic parenting plan might look like.
• Avoid major financial changes, such as large withdrawals or new debts, without legal advice.
• Schedule a confidential consultation to discuss your rights and options before making final decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Texas treat my same-sex divorce fairly?

Texas family courts apply the same divorce statutes to same-sex and different-sex couples. Judges generally focus on legal rights and the best interests of children. Our attorneys work to present your case clearly and to protect your rights within the law and local Brazoria County procedures.

What if I am not my child’s biological parent?

Your legal rights depend on factors such as adoption orders, parentage documents, and past court rulings. We review your history and explain how Texas law may view your relationship. Then we work with you on strategies to protect your role in your child’s life whenever the law allows.

How long does a same-sex divorce usually take?

Texas has a minimum waiting period, and the overall timeline depends on issues like conflict level, court schedules, and whether agreements are reached. Some cases resolve in a few months, while others take longer. We discuss realistic timeframes based on your circumstances and Brazoria County court patterns.

Will everything about my relationship be public?

Court filings are generally public records, but not every detail of your relationship must be included. We focus on providing the information the court needs without unnecessary personal details. During your consultation, we talk about what documents are required and ways to manage sensitive information.

Call us at (979) 316-7133 to speak with our Angleton same-sex divorce attorneys.