Getting a divorce in Plano

Standing order prohibits ‘bad behavior’; applies to both parties in all eight Districts

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For an overview of divorce in the Lone Star State, please see “Divorce in Texas.” We also have specific topics available, such as:

Filing for a Collaborative Divorce in Texas;

Texas Property Division after Divorce;

Hidden Assets in a Texas Divorce.

Counseling may be necessary

Another thing to consider–in any divorce–is the potential for emotional trauma. Even in a so-called “amicable divorce” that is uncontested and both parties recognize the relationship has run its course, the emotional pain and sense of loss can be profound. Many who have gone through divorce report feelings of loss as profound as suffering a death in the family. An experienced, well trained divorce attorney can, of course, take care of all the legal aspects involved, due to intimate knowledge of local courts and customs, plus any new requirements of state law. But don’t forget to ask your attorney about referrals for professional grief counseling.

Addressing domestic violence

A very important aspect–mentioned in the state overview–is domestic violence. Family experts and legal authorities agree that is domestic violence is part of your family equation, immediate steps must be taken to resolve these issues. Again, a good attorney can help, not only with protective/restraining orders but also with formulating an escape plan and with referrals for emergency shelter.

Residents of Plano and Collin County have shelters and agencies that can help, including the following online resources (if you feel in immediate danger, call 911; Plano residents also can call Plano Police Department Family Violence Unit (972) 941-2580):

Collin County Sheriff’s Office;

Collin District Attorney, Domestic Violence Section;

Collin County Council on Family Violence;

Hope’s Door.

Venues

Collin County divorces are handled in one of eight District Courts. The starting place, therefore, is the Office of the District Clerk, where you will find a link to a Civil/Family Cover Sheet [.pdf version] . . . required for all civil/family filings. Two versions are provided below for your convenience [the page also offers an MS Word version]. The eight district courts are in McKinney, TX as follows:

199th District Court;

219th District Court;

296th District Court;

366th District Court;

380th District Court;

401st District Court;

416th District Court;

417th District Court; and

429th District Court.

Collaborative process and mediation

The courts offer alternatives to litigation, which are fully described on its Alternatives to Litigation page and summarized here:

The District Courts of Collin County have a large volume of family law disputes which come before the Courts for resolution. The issues involved in this area of litigation include divorce, modification and enforcement of prior orders affecting children. Invariably these issues are highly emotional and cause life changing events which result in the dissolution of marriages, disruption of families, division of community property and debts, and orders concerning possession and support of children. . . .

You now have a choice of using courtroom litigation, mediation or collaboration to solve your problems. Your choice can promote a mature and thoughtful settlement of the issues or an invitation to all out war.

Standing Order of the Courts

The District Courts also have both a Local Rules of Practice (which applies even if you do not hire an attorney) and a unified Standing Order Regarding Children, Property, and Conduct of Parties. This basically order both spouses not to hide any property from the court; not to disrupt or take children or speak badly about family members in their presence; and not to threaten, harass or or otherwise use bad language/behavior when communicating with the other spouse/family members. It’s quite detailed and serves as a legal injunction against proscribed behaviors.

Free evaluation

No matter your marital situation, we can help. If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation. If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.