Divorce Attorney in McKinney, Texas

Divorce for McKinney Residents

McKinney is the county seat of Collin County, which means the district courts that hear your divorce case are located right here. Whether you live in the historic downtown district, near the Stonebridge Ranch neighborhoods, or along the 75 corridor, your divorce petition will be filed at and heard in the Collin County courthouse on Davis Street in McKinney.

Attorney Lynda Landers has practiced exclusively family law for 29 years. Her office at 1207 W. University Drive, Suite 102, is conveniently located in McKinney — giving you easy access to your attorney and proximity to the courthouse where your case will be heard.

How Divorce Works in Texas

Texas is a "no-fault" divorce state, which means neither spouse must prove wrongdoing. The most common ground is "insupportability" — the marriage has become insupportable due to conflict or discord with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation. However, fault-based grounds (such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment) may also be alleged and can affect how the court divides property or determines spousal maintenance.

Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Texas, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the state for six months and a resident of the county where the petition is filed for at least 90 days. If you live in McKinney or elsewhere in Collin County and meet these requirements, your case will be filed here in the Collin County courts.

The 60-Day Waiting Period

Texas law imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. This period gives both parties time to consider reconciliation and to begin negotiating the terms of the divorce. In practice, most divorces take longer than 60 days due to discovery, negotiations, and scheduling.

Community Property Division

Texas is a community property state. All property acquired during the marriage is presumed to be community property and is subject to a "just and right" division. This does not necessarily mean a 50/50 split — the court considers factors such as each spouse's earning capacity, fault in the breakup, and the needs of the children. Separate property — assets owned before marriage, inherited, or received as gifts — remains with the owning spouse.

Mediation in Collin County

Collin County courts strongly encourage mediation. Many judges require the parties to attempt mediation before setting a case for trial. Mediation allows you and your spouse to negotiate terms with the help of a neutral mediator, often reaching agreements faster and at lower cost than going to trial. Our office prepares you thoroughly for mediation so you can advocate for your interests effectively.

Our McKinney office is minutes from the Collin County courthouse. When you work with Lynda Landers, you have a local attorney who knows the judges, the procedures, and the community.

What to Expect During Your McKinney Divorce

• Initial filing: We draft and file your Original Petition for Divorce with the Collin County District Clerk.
• Temporary orders: If needed, we can request temporary orders for custody, support, and property protection while the case is pending.
• Discovery: Both sides exchange financial documents and relevant information.
• Negotiation and mediation: We work toward a settlement that protects your interests.
• Trial (if necessary): If settlement is not possible, we present your case to a Collin County judge.
• Final decree: The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce, making the divorce official.

Related Family Law Topics

Divorce often involves related issues that must be resolved as part of the case or shortly after:

• Child custody and conservatorship — determining who makes decisions for your children and where they live
• Child support — calculating and enforcing financial obligations for your children
• Property division — dividing community assets and debts

For in-depth information about divorce across Texas, visit our Texas Divorce Resource.