When Divorce Feels Overwhelming: Five Crucial Tips to Help You Prepare
Understanding Financial Responsibility in Texas Divorces
One of the most common and stressful questions people face during divorce is: “Who pays the bills now?” Between mortgages, credit cards, utilities, and loans, the division of financial responsibility can quickly become overwhelming. At Setzer Law Firm PLLC, we guide clients through this process with clarity and confidence so they can protect their financial future.
If you’re preparing for or currently navigating divorce in Texas, understanding how debts and household expenses are handled is essential.
Texas is a community property state, which means most debts and assets acquired during the marriage are shared equally between spouses. This includes:
However, debts taken on before the marriage, or those tied to one spouse only, may be considered separate property and remain that person’s responsibility.
If a credit card is in your name alone but was used for shared expenses, it may still be treated as community debt. A knowledgeable divorce attorney can help you navigate these distinctions.
Until the divorce is finalized, both parties may remain legally responsible for household expenses, regardless of who is living in the home. This can lead to confusion—and sometimes conflict—about who should pay what.
To avoid late payments or damage to credit, some couples reach temporary agreements while the case is pending. Others rely on temporary court orders to assign responsibility until the final divorce decree.
Yes, courts can issue temporary spousal support or require one spouse to cover certain bills, especially if there is a large income disparity. These orders may cover:
This temporary support is based on the financial needs of one spouse and the ability of the other to pay. In high-asset or complex cases, the court may also assign payment of joint debts based on who is better positioned to manage them.
The final decree will detail how all debts and bills are divided. It may assign specific debts to each spouse, close joint accounts, and include reimbursement provisions for previously shared expenses.
Once the divorce is finalized, any obligations outlined in the decree become legally binding. However, creditors are not bound by the divorce agreement, so it’s crucial to refinance or remove names from joint accounts when possible.
At Setzer Law Firm PLLC, we help clients protect their credit and financial stability by negotiating clear, enforceable debt division plans.
Here are a few steps to take during your divorce:
Divorce is not just an emotional decision—it’s a financial one. Having the right legal guidance ensures you’re not left with unfair debts or obligations.
If you’re going through a divorce and are unsure about your financial responsibilities, we invite you to speak with our legal team. Setzer Law Firm PLLC offers straightforward advice and strategic representation for clients across Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Euless, Roanoke, and surrounding communities.
At Setzer Law Firm PLLC, we invite you to contact us today. We’ll discuss your situation confidentially and help you understand your next steps with clarity and confidence.
Setzer Law Firm PLLC is a Colleyville-based family law firm serving Tarrant and Denton counties. With over 30 years of combined experience, we handle divorce, custody, property division, alimony, paternity, grandparents’ rights, LGBTQ+ family law, and more.
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