1. What is a divorce?
   A divorce, sometimes called a decree of "dissolution of marriage", is a court order terminating a marriage. It no longer exists. Unlike an annulment, which states that the marriage never existed, a divorce is the termination of a valid marriage.
   
   Typically in the divorce the parties and/or court resolve all issues between them, such as division of property, child custody and visitation, and spousal and child support.
2. What is a fault divorce?
   A "fault" divorce is one in which one party blames the other for the failure of the marriage by citing wrongdoing. Grounds for fault can include adultery, physical or mental cruelty, desertion, alcohol or drug abuse, insanity, impotence or infecting the other spouse with a venereal disease.
   
   
3. What is a no-fault divorce?
   Many states now permit "no-fault" divorces. A no-fault divorce is one in which neither spouse blames the other for the breakdown of the marriage. Both spouses agree that "irreconcilable differences" have arisen, and that neither time nor counseling will save the marriage; it simply will not work.
   
   
4. Do I need to have an attorney to get a divorce?
   A skilled attorney can help you avoid personal and/or property matters that may cost you money down the road, and will represent your best interests in resolving any financial complications that may arise. An attorney also can help avoid the possibility of one party claiming that s/he was taken advantage of because all facts were not disclosed.
   
   

Consult with a Houston divorce attorney about your contested or uncontested divorce.