Question 1

Where are family law cases filed for Princeton residents?

Accepted Answer

Princeton is in Collin County, so all family law cases — divorce, custody, child support, and property division — are filed in the Collin County District Courts in McKinney, Texas. McKinney is approximately 20 minutes west of Princeton via US-380.

Question 2

How long does a divorce take if I live in Princeton?

Accepted Answer

Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed. A simple agreed divorce may be finalized shortly after the waiting period. Contested divorces in Collin County typically take 6 to 18 months depending on the complexity of issues, discovery, and whether the case settles at mediation or goes to trial.

Question 3

What happens to our new construction home in a divorce?

Accepted Answer

A home purchased during the marriage is community property. In Princeton, where many homes are newly built, the key issue is often limited equity — the mortgage balance may be close to the current market value. Options include selling the home and dividing any proceeds, one spouse buying out the other by refinancing, or a deferred sale arrangement. A current market analysis is essential because Princeton property values can change quickly.

Question 4

How does custody work with Princeton ISD schools?

Accepted Answer

Custody orders establish which parent has the right to determine the child's primary residence, which in turn determines school enrollment. For Princeton ISD families, the parenting plan should account for the school calendar, pickup and dropoff logistics, and extracurricular activities. If one parent moves outside the Princeton ISD boundary, the custody order's geographic restriction may need to be addressed.

Question 5

Can I modify a custody order if I move from Princeton?

Accepted Answer

Custody orders typically include a geographic restriction — usually the county of residence and contiguous counties. If you want to move outside that area, you need either the other parent's agreement or a court-approved modification. The court will evaluate whether the proposed move serves the child's best interest. Moving within the geographic restriction generally does not require court approval, though it may affect practical aspects of the possession schedule.

Question 6

How is child support calculated in Texas?

Accepted Answer

Texas uses a percentage-of-income model. The obligor pays a percentage of net monthly resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, 35% for four, and 40% for five or more. Net resources include wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources. There is a presumptive cap on the amount of net resources used in the calculation, though courts can order above-guideline support based on the child's proven needs.

Question 7

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Princeton?

Accepted Answer

Texas does not legally require an attorney for an uncontested divorce, but the Final Decree of Divorce is a permanent court order that is extremely difficult to modify after it is signed. Mistakes in property division language, retirement account provisions, or parenting plan terms can have lasting consequences. Attorney review is one of the most cost-effective investments in any divorce, even when both parties have reached an agreement.

Question 8

What is the difference between community property and separate property?

Accepted Answer

Community property is anything acquired during the marriage by either spouse, with limited exceptions. Separate property includes assets owned before marriage, inheritances received during marriage, and gifts received during marriage. Proving an asset is separate property requires clear and convincing evidence. In Princeton, where many families recently purchased homes, tracing the source of down payment funds — whether from pre-marriage savings or marital earnings — is often a critical issue.

Question 9

Can child support be modified after the order is signed?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Child support can be modified when there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order, or when at least three years have passed and the current guideline amount differs by 20% or $100 from the existing order. Common reasons include job changes, the birth of additional children, or changes in the child's needs.

Question 10

How far is the attorney's office from Princeton?

Accepted Answer

Lisa G. Garza's office is located at 205 West Louisiana St., Suite 103, McKinney, TX 75069 — approximately 20 minutes from Princeton via US-380. The office is near the Collin County courthouse at 2100 Bloomdale Road in McKinney, which makes it convenient to handle consultations and court appearances on the same trip.

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