Hays County, TX · Free Consultation
Buda, TX Contested Divorce Lawyer
A contested divorce is one where you and your spouse cannot agree on everything — and it follows a defined legal path with real deadlines. SMB Law, PC guides Buda spouses through that process from filing to final decree. Bringing in a seasoned Buda contested divorce lawyer early can shape everything from temporary orders to the final split of property. Shane has handled contested Texas divorces for two decades and maps out the realistic path before you ever set foot in a Hays County courtroom.
For many Buda families, the hardest part of a contested divorce is simply not knowing what happens next; understanding the stages ahead makes the process far less overwhelming.
Where a Buda contested divorce is filed
Buda is in Hays County, so a divorce is filed with the Hays County District Clerk at the Government Center in San Marcos once the Texas residency requirements — six months in the state and 90 days in the county — are met. Texas also requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The stages of a contested divorce
A contested Texas divorce moves through predictable stages. It begins with an original petition filed by one spouse and served on the other, who files an answer. Early on, the court often enters temporary orders to govern living arrangements, support, and the children while the case is pending. Then comes discovery — the formal exchange of financial and other information — which builds the factual record. Most cases then reach mediation, where a neutral helps the spouses try to settle; the great majority of contested divorces resolve here. If mediation does not fully succeed, the remaining issues go to trial, where a judge decides. We prepare a Buda case thoroughly at each stage, so you are ready to settle from strength and ready to try the case if you must.
Preparation is what drives a good outcome
The spouses who fare best in a Buda contested divorce are almost always the ones whose case was prepared thoroughly and early. Good temporary orders set the tone for the whole case; complete discovery prevents surprises and exposes what the other side would rather keep hidden; and a well-built record gives you leverage at mediation. We treat every stage as if the case may go to trial, because that is precisely what makes a fair settlement possible — a spouse who is clearly ready to try the case is a spouse who gets taken seriously at the table. Whether your Buda divorce ends in an agreement or a judge’s ruling, the work that determines the result happens long before that final day.
Experienced advocacy when a divorce turns adversarial
A contested divorce is one of the hardest things a person goes through, and it rewards a steady, experienced hand. You work directly with attorney Shane M. Boasberg, who has represented Texans for more than two decades and has been licensed by the State of Texas since 2003. He fights for what matters to you while keeping the case focused and moving, explains every step in plain English, and keeps you informed from your first confidential consultation through the final decree.
Working with us from Buda
Our office is in downtown Austin, an easy reach from Buda. We handle most consultations and case updates by phone and video, and there is no fee for your first confidential consultation. If travel is difficult, we can meet by video.
Why clients choose SMB Law, PC
- Direct attorney access — you talk to Shane, licensed since 2003, not a call center.
- A clear strategy — we fight where it counts and settle where it makes sense.
- Honest advice and transparent fees explained before you commit.
What working with us looks like
- Confidential consultation to understand your goals and the law that applies.
- Strategy and records tailored to your situation.
- Negotiation or court — we settle when we can and litigate when we must.
- Final decree entered correctly so you can move forward.
Frequently asked questions
What makes a divorce ‘contested’?
A divorce is contested when the spouses cannot agree on one or more issues — such as property, support, or the children — and need the court’s involvement.
How long does a Texas divorce take?
At least 60 days from filing, but a contested divorce usually takes several months to over a year depending on the issues and the court’s schedule.
Do most contested divorces go to trial?
No. Most settle, often at mediation. Trial is reserved for the issues the spouses genuinely cannot resolve.
Do I have to travel to your office from Buda?
No. Our office is in downtown Austin, about 15 miles north up I-35, and we handle most of a Buda divorce by phone and video.