Divorce

Divorce Attorney in Collin County, TX

Serving Plano Since 2011 & Negotiation, Mediation, and Litigation

Ending a marriage is one of the most difficult decisions a person can make. It reshapes the lives of everyone involved: spouses, children, and finances. The legal process that follows can be complicated even under the best circumstances. The decisions made during divorce typically affect all parties for years after the case closes, which is why getting the right guidance from the start matters.

At the Law Office of Brian Bagley, we’ve represented clients in divorce cases since 2011, bringing more than 14 years of Texas family law experience to every case. Whether your divorce is amicable or contested, we work with you to negotiate or litigate a resolution that fits your situation. We take the time to understand your story because strategy that doesn’t account for the specifics of your case isn’t strategy at all.

Call us at (972) 843-7158 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.

Filing Requirements & Grounds for Divorce

To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have lived in, or been stationed for military service in, Texas for the previous six months, and you must file in the county where one or both spouses has lived for the last 90 days. In Plano, that means filing through the Collin County District Clerk’s Office, which serves as registrar and custodian of all records for the District Courts of Collin County.

You’ll also need to identify the grounds for your divorce. Texas permits no-fault divorce on grounds of insupportability, meaning the marriage has deteriorated beyond reconciliation, as well as fault-based grounds including adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. A fault finding can influence property division and spousal support terms. Texas also imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized, though exceptions apply in family violence situations.

How a Divorce Case Moves Forward

After one spouse files, the other has the opportunity to respond. From there, the path forward depends on your circumstances. If both spouses can reach agreement, an uncontested divorce can be resolved through an informal settlement conference. Mediation is another option that gives both parties more direct control over the outcome while helping keep costs down. If the divorce is contested, or involves serious issues like domestic abuse or financial dishonesty, the case proceeds to litigation, where both parties present evidence before a judge.

Local Insights on Divorce in Plano, TX

Plano’s high cost of living means the financial stakes in a divorce can be significant. Property division, child support, and spousal maintenance aren’t abstract legal concepts here. They directly shape what life looks like after the case closes. We understand the local landscape, and we help clients navigate property division, child support, and alimony in ways intended to protect their financial footing.

Beyond our courtroom experience, Plano residents also have access to the Collin County Law Library, which offers resources for those looking to understand more about family law and divorce proceedings.

Get started today. Call (972) 843-7158 or contact us online.

Complex & Specialty Divorce Cases in Plano

Not every divorce follows a straightforward path. Some cases involve financial complexity, unique legal frameworks, or circumstances that call for an attorney familiar with more than standard Texas divorce procedure. Since 2011, Brian Bagley has handled the full range of these situations for clients throughout Collin County.

High-Asset & Business Owner Divorces

When significant wealth is involved, divorce becomes a dispute over far more than household property. High-asset cases can include retirement accounts, investment portfolios, multiple real estate holdings, and blended family inheritance issues. Business owner divorces add another layer: the business interest must be valued, and that valuation is frequently contested. Financial experts may be brought in to support or challenge a proposed figure. We work to protect your stake in these assets and make sure the division process accounts for their full scope.

Military Divorces

Military divorces are governed by federal statutes that differ meaningfully from standard Texas divorce law, particularly around pension division and service-member protections. Residency and stationing rules can also affect where a case is filed and how it proceeds. We have experience with the specific requirements military couples face and can guide you through a process that addresses both state and federal considerations.

LGBTQ+ Divorces

Same-sex divorces may involve unique considerations around parenting rights and asset characterization, particularly when a couple’s history predates marriage equality. We handle these cases with the same individualized attention we bring to every matter.

Limited Scope Representation

For clients who need legal help with specific issues only, such as child custody or property division, we offer limited scope representation. This lets you retain our firm for defined tasks while managing other aspects of your case independently, giving you more control over both the process and the cost.

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Issues to Address in Your Collin County Divorce

Whichever resolution method you pursue, you’ll need to address all or some of the following:

Property division — Texas is a community property state, meaning most property and assets acquired during the marriage are subject to division upon divorce. Courts divide community property in a manner that is “just and right,” weighing factors such as fault, earning capacity, and the needs of any children rather than applying an automatic equal split.
Spousal support — You may be able to negotiate spousal maintenance with your spouse or petition the court for support if you have limited financial resources or have been the victim of domestic violence.
Child custody — Parents of minor children must work out a custody arrangement addressing decision-making authority, visitation schedules, and the child’s primary residence.
Child support — The non-custodial parent is typically ordered to contribute a portion of their monthly income to help provide for their children’s needs.

We help you understand the factors that influence each of these issues and build a plan to address them in your divorce. We also handle cases with complicating factors, including high-asset divorces, business owner divorces, military divorces, and same-sex divorces.

Your Rights During a Texas Divorce

Understanding your rights before and during the divorce process puts you in a better position to protect them. Here’s what Texas law means for you in practice:

Community Property Rights: Most assets acquired during the marriage are considered community property and are subject to division. Courts divide this property in a manner that is “just and right” (which may not be an equal split). Factors like fault, earning capacity, and the needs of any children can all influence the outcome. Overcoming the community property presumption requires clear and convincing proof that specific assets are separate property.
Spousal Support: Eligibility for spousal maintenance depends on factors including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and whether domestic violence occurred. How your circumstances are presented can significantly affect the result.
Child Custody and Support: Texas courts start with a presumption of joint managing conservatorship, though sole conservatorship can be awarded when circumstances warrant. Custody and support decisions center on the child’s best interests.
Legal Representation: Having our attorneys in your corner helps protect your rights at every stage, from initial filings through the final decree.

If you have questions about your rights or want to talk through your situation, contact us. We provide personalized guidance tailored to where you are in the process.

Choosing the Right Plano Divorce Attorney

Brian Bagley has handled divorce cases since 2011, building experience with nearly every issue a Plano or Collin County client is likely to face. That depth matters when circumstances shift. An uncontested matter can become contested, a straightforward property question can reveal hidden complexity, and what begins as negotiation may require a courtroom. Choosing an attorney who can handle both amicable resolutions and high-conflict litigation means you won’t need to switch representation if things change.

We offer mediation as a cost-reducing option that gives you more direct control over the outcome, and we provide limited scope representation for clients who need help with specific issues only. Every strategy we develop is shaped by the specifics of your case, not a one-size-fits-all process. Our familiarity with Collin County family courts and local procedures means we work efficiently, whether at the negotiating table or before a judge.

Contact a Plano Divorce Lawyer

We represent clients in Plano, Wylie, Parker, Murphy, Sachse, Lucas, and throughout Collin County, Dallas County, Tarrant County, and the surrounding areas. Call (972) 843-7158 to request a free initial consultation, or reach out online.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your rights.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the grounds for filing a divorce in Texas?

In Texas, you can file for divorce on either no-fault or fault-based grounds. The most common no-fault ground is insupportability, meaning the marriage has become untenable and can’t be reconciled. Fault-based grounds include adultery, cruelty, and abandonment. These grounds matter beyond the filing itself: a fault finding can influence property division and spousal support terms in the final resolution.

How long does the divorce process typically take in Collin County?

It depends on the circumstances. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on terms, can be finalized in as little as 60 days after filing, the minimum Texas law allows. A contested divorce may take several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the court’s schedule. Working with an experienced attorney can help keep the process moving and give you a clearer picture of what to expect at each stage.

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Five-Star Client Reviews

Hear From Our Clients in Their Own Words

"Brian, Kristen, and Gwenyth were phenomenal. They have handled my difficult situations without judgment, almost like family."

Brian, Kristen, and Gwenyth were phenomenal in handling my divorce and traffic tickets over the years. They have handled my ...

Former Client
"Brian has been amazing, to say the least. He is very responsive, easy to talk to, strategic, and a rockstar in the courtroom during litigation."

If you're in need of a Rockstar Divorce Attorney, I highly recommend The Law Office of Brian Bagley! I’ve worked with Brian ...

Former Client
"This office is a top-notch law firm. My issues were handled efficiently and skillfully to my satisfaction. I would recommend this team hands down!"

This office is a top-notch law firm. My issues were handled efficiently and skillfully to my satisfaction. Kristen and Gwen ...

Pamela S.
"Very professional, very attentive, and really cared about my well being... this is a top-notch firm."

Brian Bagley and Kristin Tinker were outstanding to work with from day one! Very professional, very attentive, and really ...

Former Client
"I had the best experience with Brian and his staff. So professional, and timely and kept me calm as they guided me through the process."

I had the best experience with Brian and his staff at Bagley Law Firm. So professional, and timely and kept me calm as they ...

Tina B.
"If I could give them 10 stars I would, HANDS DOWN!! He came in, took over my case from a previous lawyer, did EXACTLY what he said he would do & got my case closed!!"

If I could give this young man 10 stars I would HANDS DOWN!! He came in, took over my case from a previous lawyer, did ...

Faithful A.
"They were professional, responsive and sensitive to my circumstances. They made things easy for me and got my through a difficult time expeditiously!"

I had a great experience with Brian and his staff, especially Kristen. They were professional, responsive and sensitive to my ...

Suzanne C.
"I can NOT say enough about this firm!! Brian continued throughout to work diligently and forcefully so that we were victorious!"

I can NOT say enough about this firm!! It took two very long and very stressful years to get my matter complete. Brian ...

Carolyn M.

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