How Can I Get My Spouse to Pay My Attorney’s Fees in a Texas Divorce?

One of the biggest concerns for individuals considering a Texas divorce case is the cost of hiring a divorce lawyer. Attorney’s fees can be a significant expense to factor in, adding to the already overwhelming stresses of navigating such a major life change.

Parties to a divorce are willing to try creative ways to cut costs and limit their financial exposure. One question that potential and current clients of the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC will ask our office about the possibility of having their spouse pay their attorney’s fees.

Money Earned during a Marriage is Community Income

In Texas, a community property state, spouses jointly own income, retirement, and bank accounts. Even if one spouse can’t access funds for legal fees, the court may order the other to cover the attorney’s retainer.

Typically, courts issue these orders when family finances are extremely unbalanced. To begin, your attorney needs to file a motion in court, leading to a hearing to decide if one spouse will pay the other’s legal fees.

Factors a Court Considers when Ordering Attorney Fees

Under Section 7.001 of the Texas Family Code attorney fees are one of the factors that the court may consider in making a “just and right” division of the community estate.

At the temporary orders part of a divorce case 6.502 of the Texas Family Code specifically provides that the court can award reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses for the preservation of property and protection of the parties.

Problem – Getting to Temporary Orders Hearing

Requests for interim attorney’s fees are not uncommon at temporary orders hearings. Some factors that can lead to a court order that one party pay the other’s attorney’s fees include:

1. Disparity of Income
2. No Income
3. Advanced Property Division
4. Other Spouse’s Bad Behavior
5. Selling community assets

Some problems a spouse seeking the other parties to pay for their divorce lawyer may encounter include:

• Finding a lawyer to work with no upfront money, hoping the other spouse will pay, is challenging.
• The court might refuse this request.
• A court might order fee equalization, but this could take one or two months.
• You’ll likely need some funds for a lawyer’s retainer to reach that divorce process stage.

You might check out my blog article “How am I going to Pay for My Texas Divorce?” for ideas on how to raise money for the initial attorney retainer.

Disparity of Income

The most widely seen reason is a severe disparity in income between the parties. If a court is able to review the financial picture of the parties, they can determine if one party’s access to funds has been denied due to the wrongdoing of the other party.

No Income

Another situation that often befalls stay-at-home mothers is their having no income due to staying home to care for the family rather than having a wage-earning job.

Advanced Property Division

On occasion, a court will order that a party’s attorney be paid directly out of the community estate as an advance on the division of property that typically comes at the end of a divorce case.

Other Spouse’s Bad Behavior

If one spouse behaves badly, like fraud or prolonging the case, the court may order them to pay the other’s attorney fees.

Also, if affording an attorney seems difficult, consult a family law attorney for advice on the law and your options. At The Law Office of Bryan Fagan, PLLC, we offer free consultations to discuss your options comfortably. Contact us today for more information.

Selling Community Assets

If there is not enough cash to pay for your divorce lawyer fees, then you can file a motion to sell assets to pay for your attorney fees.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, securing payment for attorney’s fees from your spouse in a Texas divorce case can be challenging, but it is achievable. Texas courts evaluate several factors, including the financial resources of both parties, the complexity of the case, and any misconduct by either party. To strengthen your chances, it’s crucial to maintain detailed financial records and collaborate closely with your attorney to build a compelling case.

If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”

If you want to know more about how to prepare, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “13 Dirty Tricks to Watch Out For in Your Texas Divorce, and How to Counter Them” Today!”

Other Articles you may be interested in:

1. Factors to Consider when Choosing a Divorce Attorney
2. The Truth About Who Pays Divorce Attorney Fees in Texas
3. Is It Possible to Get Your Spouse to Pay Your Attorney’s Fees in Your Divorce Case?
4. How Much Will My Texas Divorce Cost?
5. 8 Tips for Reducing the Cost of a Divorce in Texas
6. Low cost and affordable divorces, attorneys, websites and divorce Costs in Texas
7. Can I sue my spouse’s mistress in Texas?
8. Roadmap of Basic Divorce Procedure in Texas
9. Child Custody Basics in Texas
10. 6 Mistakes that can Destroy Your Texas Divorce Case
11. Too Poor to Divorce in Texas?
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13. How long can you avoid being served divorce papers?
14. What is a DWOP or Dismissal for Want of Prosecution in My Divorce or Family Law Case in Texas?
15. 5 Tips For Dealing With Your Ex After a Divorce

Bryan Joseph Fagan( Attorney )

Bryan Fagan, a native of Atascocita, Texas, is a dedicated family law attorney inspired by John Grisham’s “The Pelican Brief.” He is the first lawyer in his family, which includes two adopted brothers. Bryan’s commitment to family is personal and professional; he cared for his grandmother with Alzheimer’s while completing his degree and attended the South Texas College of Law at night.

Married with three children, Bryan’s personal experiences enrich his understanding of family dynamics, which is central to his legal practice. He specializes in family law, offering innovative and efficient legal services. A certified member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, Bryan is part of an elite group of legal professionals committed to ongoing education and high-level expertise.

His legal practice covers divorce, custody disputes, property disputes, adoption, paternity, and mediation. Bryan is also experienced in drafting marital property agreements. He leads a team dedicated to complex family law cases and protecting families from false CPS allegations.

Based in Houston, Bryan is active in the Houston Family Law Sector of the Houston Bar Association and various family law groups in Texas. His deep understanding of family values and his professional dedication make him a compassionate advocate for families navigating Texas family law.