Justia Lawyer Rating
Justia Lawyer Rating
National Bar Association
Fort Bend County Bar Association
State Bar of Texas
HLA
United States District Court of Southern Texas
Texas Supreme Court
Avvo Reviews Badge
Texas Bar College
Expertise Best of 2024

Understanding the Evidence Needed for a Contested Divorce in Texas

Understanding the Evidence Needed for a Contested Divorce in Texas In a contested divorce in Texas, it is important to present evidence to support your case. Evidence plays a crucial role in persuading a judge to rule in your favor. Here are various types of evidence that may be beneficial in a contested divorce case in Texas.

Child Custody

If you're fighting for custody of your children, you may want to provide evidence that shows you're a responsible parent. This evidence can include:

  • School records showing that you're involved in your child's education
  • Photos of you and your children together, especially in situations that show your parenting skills, such as doing homework, cooking meals, or playing games
  • Witness statements from friends or family members who can testify to your parenting abilities
  • Reports from professionals such as child psychologists or social workers.
Property Division

The division of property is often a contentious issue in a contested divorce. If you want to prove that a particular asset should be divided in your favor, you'll need evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include:

  • Documentation such as bank statements, deeds, or titles that prove ownership of the asset
  • Appraisals or evaluations that show the value of the asset
  • Witness testimony of other individuals who can attest to your contributions towards the asset.
  • The evidence of any prenuptial agreements that were signed before the marriage
Domestic Violence

If you're alleging that your spouse has been abusive, you'll need to provide evidence to support your claim. This evidence can include:

  • Police reports filed when the abuse took place
  • Medical records that show physical evidence of abuse
  • Witness statements from individuals who saw or heard the abuse
  • Photos or videos that show the abuse taking place

Overall, the evidence you need for a contested divorce will depend on the issues you're dealing with. It's always best to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer who can advise you on what types of evidence would be most beneficial to your case. With the right evidence and legal guidance, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your contested divorce case.

There are two types of evidence in a Texas contested divorce.

A contested divorce can be a long and complicated process, and one of the biggest challenges is providing evidence to support your case. Evidence is important in a contested divorce because it can help prove your claims and convince the judge to rule in your favor. There are two main types of evidence that you can use in a Texas contested divorce: documentary evidence and testimonial evidence.

Documentary evidence is any physical document that can be used to help prove your case in court. This can include bank statements, receipts, deeds to property, credit card statements, and any other type of document that can support your claims. If you're trying to show that your spouse has been concealing assets, for example, you might provide bank statements or other financial documents that show suspicious transactions or transfers of funds. If you're trying to prove ownership of a particular piece of property, you could provide a deed or title that shows your name on the document.

Testimonial evidence, on the other hand, refers to any oral or written testimony that you can provide to support your case. This can include witness statements from friends, family members, or other individuals who can attest to the facts of your case. For example, if you're trying to prove that your spouse has a history of drug abuse or domestic violence, you might call on witnesses who have seen or experienced this behavior first-hand. Testimonial evidence can also include expert testimony from professionals such as child psychologists, financial analysts, or appraisers who can provide insight into complex issues.

In a Texas contested divorce, both documentary evidence and testimonial evidence can be crucial in building a strong case. It's important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claims and convince the judge to rule in your favor. Keep in mind, however, that not all evidence is admissible in court. The rules of evidence can be complex and vary from case to case, so it's a good idea to consult with an experienced Texas divorce attorney who can help you understand the best strategies for presenting your evidence in court. With the right evidence and a skilled legal team on your side, you can increase your chances of success in a contested divorce case.

What Evidence Can Be Used during a Contested Divorce?

Divorce is a challenging and emotional process, and negotiations can be even more daunting. The decisions made during divorce negotiations have long-lasting ramifications for both parties involved, so it's essential to have strong evidence to support your case.

When it comes to contested divorces, evidence is crucial for proving your case in court. Whether it's issues concerning child custody, property division, or alimony, evidence is often the deciding factor in whether you get what you want or not. Therefore, it is always advisable to keep a record of every communication and interaction with your ex-spouse to strengthen your position in court.

Keeping a detailed record of all assets, expenses, incomes, and debts can also help you in property division matters. The more clear and comprehensive the evidence is, the less room there will be for debate or misunderstanding.

If there is a history of domestic violence or abuse, it is imperative to provide evidence to the court to ensure the safety of you and your children. Police reports medical documentation, and witness statements can all be used to back up your claims and help you obtain a restraining order.

For child custody cases, the evidence must be strong and convincing. A history of drug or alcohol abuse, neglect, or any other danger to the child's well-being must be presented with solid evidence such as medical records, testimonies from individuals that witnessed the abuse, or behavioral records from the school.

In conclusion, strong evidence is vital in every aspect of divorce negotiations, and the more you have, the better positioned you will be in the negotiations. It is essential to have legal representation from an experienced divorce lawyer that is adept in gathering evidence and presenting them in court to achieve a fair settlement for you in your divorce case.

Talk to a Lawyer

An experienced divorce attorney in Harris County, Galveston County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Stafford, Texas at Thornton Esquire Law Group, PLLC, can provide guidance and offer advice throughout the entire process. Contact us today at www.thorntonesquirelawgroup.com for a free consultation.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Selecting an attorney can be one of the most difficult decisions a person has to make. In what seems like an overwhelming sea of attorneys who do you choose? Are they qualified, compassionate, and are they willing to fight for you without compromising their integrity? When faced with this decision in 2016 I received this and more when I retained Rahlita Thornton as my attorney. Since 2016 she has represented me on several court cases and I've never been disappointed. She is well versed and very knowledgeable on many aspects of the law. Attorney Thornton and her staff work diligently to ensure no stone is left unturned and justice is served. When I was crippled with fear, bullied, and felt like giving up she was my voice. She is highly recommend and I'm truly blessed to have her in my life. TTW
★★★★★
It was a divine power that drove me to call. There are ton of lawyers online but I knew this attorney was the one for me. C.B., Divorce Client
★★★★★
Attention & communication is very good when working with this professional legal team. They are here to help you whenever questions arise and explain details as they go. Thank you for taking the time to accept my case & working with me. P.L.