Family Law FAQ for Celina Residents

Most Celina family law cases are filed in Collin County courts at the courthouse in McKinney. Celina spans parts of both Collin and Denton counties, so the correct filing location depends on which county your residence is in. The majority of Celina's newer master-planned communities, including Light Farms and Mustang Lakes, are in Collin County.

Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed. An uncontested divorce can potentially be finalized shortly after that period. Contested divorces typically take six months to over a year, depending on the complexity of property division, custody disputes, and court scheduling in Collin County.

A home purchased during the marriage is community property. The court can order the home sold and proceeds divided, award the home to one spouse with an equalizing payment to the other, or allow one spouse to remain in the home for a period. Given Celina's rapid appreciation, accurate appraisal is critical. The Collin County tax appraisal often understates market value.

New-construction purchases present unique issues. If the home is still under contract with a builder, the parties must decide whether to complete the purchase, assign the contract, or cancel. If one spouse contributed separate property funds for the down payment or upgrades, those contributions may be traceable. Builder upgrade costs and the appreciation since purchase must all be accounted for.

When both parents remain in Celina, the court will typically establish a possession schedule — often the Standard Possession Order or an expanded version — that allows both parents meaningful time. Proximity makes exchanges easier and preserves the child's school enrollment, friendships, and extracurricular activities in the Celina area.

Most custody orders include a geographic restriction, typically limiting the child's primary residence to Collin County and contiguous counties. If a parent wants to relocate beyond that area, they must either obtain the other parent's agreement or petition the court for permission. The court considers whether the move serves the child's best interest.

Texas uses guideline percentages applied to the paying parent's net monthly resources: 20% for one child, 25% for two, 30% for three, and so on. Net resources include all income sources minus specific deductions. For high-earning Celina professionals whose income exceeds the statutory cap, the court may order above-guideline support based on the child's proven needs.

Yes, if there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances since the current order was signed. Common triggers include a parent's relocation, significant income changes, a child's changing needs, or a parent's failure to follow the existing order. For child support, a modification can also be sought if three years have passed and the guideline amount differs by 20% or $100 from the current order.

While you are not legally required to have an attorney, divorce decrees are permanent legal documents that affect your property rights, parental rights, and financial obligations. Even in an uncontested divorce, having an attorney review or draft the agreement ensures that the decree accurately reflects your understanding and protects your interests. Errors or omissions discovered after signing can be extremely difficult and expensive to correct.

Our office at 1207 W. University Dr., Suite 102, McKinney is approximately 25 minutes from central Celina. The most direct routes are via Preston Road (FM 1385 south to University Drive) or US-75 South. The office is conveniently located near the Collin County courthouse, which means office meetings can be coordinated with court appearances when needed.