Westlake Hills Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Attorney in Westlake Hills, TX

Complex divorces in Westlake Hills may involve business interests, equity compensation structures, real estate portfolios, or long-term financial planning. When large assets and high conflicts are at stake in your divorce, a Westlake Hills divorce lawyer can help you protect your future and proceed strategically. Texas law dictates certain outcomes in divorce cases, but many variables control how a divorce actually unfolds.

The Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, handles Westlake Hills divorce cases and complex divorces throughout Travis County. We focus exclusively on contested divorce and high-net-worth divorce cases where attention to detail, discretion, and trial skills matter.

Divorce Laws in Westlake Hills

The CDC’s most recent data shows that Texas has about 2.1 divorces per 1,000 citizens. This was fewer than the 672,502 divorces nationwide, or around 2.4 divorces per 1,000 Americans, many of which involved disputes over the distribution of assets.

Texas is both a no-fault and fault divorce state. The primary legal basis for most divorce cases in Texas stems from the irreconcilable differences statute, which permits no-fault filings. Texas Family Code § 6.001 allows spouses to divorce based on insupportability of the marriage. Insupportability means the marriage has broken down due to discord, rendering it unreasonable to continue.

When Spouses Can File

Texas spouses may also file for divorce on fault grounds, including adultery, cruelty, abandonment, conviction of a felony, or other reasons. Fault grounds for divorce may be considered by the court when dividing property or awarding spousal maintenance. Fault is common in high-net-worth divorce cases because one spouse often accuses the other of marital waste or financial adultery.

Texas also requires proof of residency before a couple can file for divorce. One spouse must have been a Texas resident for at least six months and a resident of the county where the divorce will be filed for at least 90 days. Divorce cases for spouses living in Westlake Hills are filed in and heard by the Travis County District Courts.

Unique Divorce Issues in Westlake Hills

Many Westlake Hills spouses come to us with complex financial arrangements. Clients may have equity compensation, executive bonuses, other forms of deferred income, trusts, or ownership interests in closely held businesses. How Texas community property laws apply to these assets can be very nuanced.

In Westlake Hills divorce cases, individuals typically conflict with their ex-partners over how to classify assets as joint or individual property, and dispute asset valuations while questioning when particular income was generated. The process of dividing marital income can become highly contentious for wealthy families attempting to separate personal assets from shared property.

Temporary Orders

Courts can issue temporary orders relating to the use of property, payment of debts, and child support during the divorce process. Either party can request these temporary orders. Temporary issues in high-net-worth divorce cases often focus on who controls business interests, who lives in the family residence, and who pays the marital bills.

It is critical to avoid early missteps in temporary hearings that haunt you later in the divorce process. Taking charge of the story and facts early can impact negotiation leverage and outcomes many months down the road.

Privacy Concerns

We understand that some of our clients care about their privacy as much as they care about the outcome of their case. Divorce claims can become public record, exposing your finances and personal matters to anyone who seeks them out. Requesting a protective order or confidentiality agreement can limit the scope of disclosure in your case.

While some Westlake Hills divorce cases can be resolved confidentially through mediation and negotiation, others require litigation to reach a fair resolution. Being prepared to go to trial does not mean you cannot achieve a private resolution.

Property Division

Texas is a community property state, which means most property acquired during the marriage is subject to division in divorce. Family Courts do not divide community property 50/50 in Texas. Judges have discretion to divide property in ways that are fair, which can be influenced by:

• Fault in the divorce
• Each spouse’s earning capacity and their ability to earn in the future
• Financial needs of both spouses

Westlake Hills divorces involving multiple properties, investment accounts, or businesses require careful consideration of settlement structure. Understanding the tax and liquidity implications of each asset is crucial to your long-term financial stability. It’s important to hire a divorce lawyer as soon as possible, as divorce decrees can impact your financial future and freedom for years to come.

Spousal Maintenance

Like property division, spousal maintenance is limited by Texas statute. The duration of maintenance awards is controlled by laws outlined in the Texas Family Code. Courts will consider the length of the marriage, the ability to earn income, and each spouse’s contributions to the family unit.

Numerous wealthy families face legal battles over their contractual alimony terms, necessitating court intervention due to spousal support demands. These often go beyond state-mandated maintenance levels. These contractual agreements should be carefully reviewed to avoid unintended consequences.

Hire a Divorce Lawyer

When deciding whether to hire a divorce lawyer, you should evaluate how complex your divorce situation is. High-net-worth and/or high-conflict cases require professional financial input, strategic negotiation, and seasoned litigation experience.

A Westlake Hills divorce attorney with divorce trial experience can help you identify unknown risks, collaborate with financial professionals, and ensure all assets are disclosed and valued appropriately. Diligent preparation prevents costly mistakes and unfair outcomes.

About the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC

The attorneys at the Law Office of Ben Carrasco, PLLC, focus exclusively on family law. We have significant experience representing clients in contested divorces and high-net-worth divorce negotiations. Ben Carrasco is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law. He graduated from Stanford University before serving as a law clerk to a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

Ben offers clients the direct access of a small firm with seasoned trial skills and attention to detail. If you are getting divorced in Westlake Hills, contact us to see how we can help you move forward with confidence and peace of mind.