Same-Sex Divorce Lawyer in Pearland

Compassionate Guidance For Same-Sex Couples

If you are in a same-sex marriage in Pearland and are thinking about divorce, you may be carrying more than the usual worries. You are ending a relationship you fought hard to have recognized, and you may also be concerned about how Texas law will treat your family.

At Diggs & Sadler, we represent same-sex spouses in complex divorce and family law matters across Texas, including clients who live in and around Pearland. Our team brings more than 125 years of combined legal experience in divorce, child custody, and LGBTQ+ family law, and we work to provide inclusive, respectful representation at every step.

To talk confidentially with a same-sex divorce attorney Pearland residents can turn to for thoughtful guidance, call (713) 766-5355.

Why LGBTQ+ Clients Choose Our Firm

Choosing the right legal team is one of the most important decisions you will make during a same-sex divorce. Our clients often come to us after reading about us, talking with friends, or feeling that other firms did not fully understand their lives as LGBTQ+ people. We work to earn that trust by combining strong credentials with genuine respect and care.

Our attorneys use a team-based approach on every case. When you hire one lawyer, you gain the insight of an entire group that has handled a wide range of divorces, including same-sex divorces with high-conflict parenting issues, substantial property, or international elements. Your case is reviewed together so we can develop a strategy tailored to your circumstances, not a generic plan.

Our work has also received national recognition, including honors such as “Forbes Best Divorce Lawyer Houston 2024,” listings in The Best Lawyers in America from 2021 through 2025, “Top Women Attorneys in Texas 2024,” and “Matrimonial Law Firm of the Year in Texas, 2022.” These acknowledgments from outside organizations reflect the level of advocacy we strive to provide in every case.

Same-Sex Divorce Issues In Texas

Same-sex divorce in Texas follows the same basic statute as any other divorce, but the details often feel different for LGBTQ+ couples. Many couples in Pearland built lives together long before they could marry, raised children through assisted reproduction, or created chosen family structures that do not fit traditional boxes. The law does not always map neatly onto those realities.

Under Texas law, courts generally divide community property in a manner that is considered just and right. Community property usually includes income and assets acquired during the legal marriage. For many same-sex spouses, the legal marriage came years into a relationship, so there can be difficult questions about how to treat property that was acquired before the wedding but built together over time.

Protecting Children & Parenting Roles

For many same-sex couples, the greatest fear in divorce is losing time or connection with a child. Parenting paths in LGBTQ+ families are diverse. One parent may be a biological parent, both may have adopted, or one may have become a full-time parent without formal legal recognition. Texas law focuses on the child’s best interests, and that standard must be applied to each of these scenarios.

Courts in Texas decide conservatorship, which covers rights and duties such as decision-making, and possession and access, which covers time with the child. When we represent parents, we look closely at each person’s daily involvement, caregiving history, and the child’s needs. We work to present a clear picture of your role so the court or the other side understands the full reality of your family life.

Steps you can take now to support your role as a parent include:

• Keep a simple log of your daily involvement with your child, including school, medical, and extracurricular activities.
• Gathering documents that show your role, such as school forms, medical records, or messages about parenting decisions.
• Avoiding major changes to the child’s routine or residence without legal advice, especially in the Pearland and Houston area.
• Being thoughtful about what you post on social media, since those posts can sometimes appear in court.

Dividing Property & Financial Security

Financial questions are another major source of stress for same-sex spouses considering divorce. You may share a home in or around Pearland, retirement accounts tied to Houston area employers, investment accounts, or a closely held business. You might also have brought assets into the relationship long before you could marry, which can complicate the line between separate and community property.

Texas is a community property state. In general, property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community, and property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is separate. For same-sex couples, the challenge often lies in tracing what was acquired when and documenting any separate claims in a way that makes sense to the court.

Employment issues can also surface in divorce, such as non-compete agreements, bonuses, equity compensation, or allegations involving the workplace. Judith Sadler’s Board Certification in Labor & Employment Law means our team has a strong understanding of how employment relationships intersect with financial and family concerns. That knowledge can be important when negotiating or litigating over compensation and benefits.

We also address questions about support, debt division, and health insurance. While Texas does not treat alimony the same way every state does, there are forms of support that may be available in some cases. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Texas courts treat my same-sex divorce differently?

Texas courts apply the same divorce statutes to same-sex and opposite-sex couples. Judges generally focus on the facts, the child’s best interests, and property rules. Having lawyers who understand LGBTQ+ family dynamics helps ensure your story is presented clearly and any unique issues are addressed.

What if I am not the biological parent of our child?

If you are not a legal parent, your options may be more limited, but your role still matters. We review your specific history, any prior court orders, and daily parenting involvement, then discuss what the law allows and how to document your relationship with the child.

How will you protect my privacy during the divorce?

We work to protect your privacy by being thoughtful about what is included in filings and how sensitive issues are addressed. Some information must be shared for the court to decide your case, but careful planning can reduce unnecessary exposure and focus the case on what truly matters.

Can your team handle a high-conflict same-sex divorce?

Our attorneys are prepared to handle high-conflict cases. We take a team-based, trial-ready approach, which includes careful investigation, strategic planning, and clear communication with you. That preparation supports firm negotiation and, when required, effective advocacy in contested hearings or trials.

Your Next Steps In a Same-Sex Divorce

Practical steps you can take right now include:

• Clarifying your top priorities, such as parenting time, staying in the home, or protecting retirement savings.
• Collecting key documents, like tax returns, pay stubs, bank and retirement statements, and any existing court orders.
• Refraining from making major financial or residential changes without legal advice, unless safety requires it.
• Schedule a confidential consultation with our firm to discuss your rights and options.

To speak with our team about your same-sex divorce situation in Pearland, call (713) 766-5355.