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Divorce Lawyer in Lubbock
Nick L. Olguin handles divorces in Lubbock, whether you and your spouse agree on everything or have not agreed on anything yet. He opened his practice, Olguin Law Firm (legal name The Law Office of Nick L. Olguin), in Lubbock in 2007, and his office has Spanish-speaking staff.
What does a Texas divorce decide?
Every divorce ends with a final decree. It settles:
Property and debts
The court divides the property and debts acquired during the marriage in a way it considers “just and right.” Property one spouse owned before marrying, or received as a gift or inheritance, is considered the separate property of that spouse.
Children, if you have them
Custody (Texas calls it conservatorship), the visitation schedule (possession and access), child support and medical support.
Support for a spouse after the divorce
Which Texas calls spousal maintenance, is only allowed in limited situations.
Uncontested or contested
Uncontested divorce
This involves an agreement between you and your spouse on all issues, including property, debts and issues involving the children, such as possession, access and support. Nick prepares or reviews the agreed decree, and the judge can sign it once the 60-day waiting period has passed. Lubbock County judges sometimes hold a short final hearing for an agreed divorce, or it can be finished by affidavit. Nick represents one spouse; the other can hire their own lawyer or choose not to.
Contested divorce
This involves at least one contested issue. The case usually involves temporary orders while the case is pending. The exchange of information is necessary (through a process called discovery); then the parties attend mediation and, if issues remain, a trial where a judge, or a jury, rules on the disputed issues.
What is different about a divorce in Lubbock County?
Lubbock County’s judges add their own rules to Texas law. They apply from the day a divorce is filed with the District Clerk:
A standing order starts the day the case is filed
The Lubbock County judges’ standing order (adopted January 13, 2026) is attached to the petition. In cases involving children, this standing order maintains the status quo and prohibits moving, hiding or keeping the other party from the child or children. In a divorce it keeps both spouses from cashing in life insurance, changing beneficiaries or changing a child’s insurance, and it bars altering relevant electronic records, while still letting each side pay normal living expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees. It works as a temporary restraining order for 14 days after the other side is served, and a hearing will be set during that time period.
Temporary orders go to the family law associate judge
The first hearing is a temporary hearing in front of the associate judge. In its most basic terms, the court will lay out the rules of what will happen while your case is pending. The court has a wide range of discretion and can shape the rules around the needs of your case.
Parents take a co-parenting course
In parent-child cases, including changes to existing custody or visitation orders, every party must start an approved parent-education course within 30 days of the answer date and file proof of completion at least 7 days before the final hearing.
Mediation comes before any trial
All cases in Lubbock must go to mediation. This is where a neutral third party will help facilitate a resolution to your case without court intervention. Lubbock courts require this process before they will hold a final hearing on your case. Mediation is a safe place and can be conducted on Zoom if necessary.
The courts set time targets
After the temporary hearing, the assigned court will issue a scheduling order that will provide all the appropriate deadlines in preparation for mediation and then a final hearing.
Whether your case is settled in mediation or by a judge, the order will be in written format and signed by the judge.
How long does a divorce take in Lubbock?
Before you file
One spouse must have lived in Texas for the past six months and in Lubbock County for the past 90 days.
The minimum
A Texas court cannot grant a divorce until at least 60 days after it is filed. The wait does not apply in some family violence cases.
The county’s own target
Lubbock County’s local rules aim to finish uncontested divorces within three months of your spouse’s appearance in the case, and contested ones within six months, counted from the end of the 60-day waiting period.
How much does a divorce cost in Lubbock?
Cost depends mostly on how much you and your spouse still need to settle. An agreed divorce usually takes less time, and costs less, than one that goes to mediation or trial. Court costs are set by the county: the Lubbock County District Clerk’s posted fee schedule (effective January 1, 2024) lists $377 to file a divorce without children, plus $8 to issue the citation, and the typical cost for a process server to serve papers is $95 a paper.
The first step is a consultation with Nick. The consultation fee is $100. After the consultation, Nick can tell you what your divorce is likely to involve and how the firm charges for it.
Bring what you have
- divorce papers already filed or served on you
- a list of what you and your spouse own and owe: home, vehicles, bank and retirement accounts, credit cards and loans
- recent pay stubs and your last tax return
- your children’s current schedule, if you have children
- your questions, written down
Common questions
How much does a divorce cost in Lubbock?
It depends mostly on how much you and your spouse still need to settle; an agreed divorce usually costs less than one that goes to mediation or trial. Court costs start with the county’s filing fee: the Lubbock County District Clerk’s posted schedule (effective January 1, 2024) lists $377 for a divorce without children, plus service costs. The first step is a paid consultation with Nick ($100), after which he can tell you how the firm charges for your case.
How long does a divorce take in Lubbock?
At least 60 days from filing; Texas law does not allow a divorce to be granted sooner, except in some family violence cases. Lubbock County’s local rules aim to finish uncontested divorces within three months of the other spouse’s appearance and contested ones within six months, depending on the complexity of the case. In practice, Lubbock divorces take from 60 days to a year.
Do we have to go to mediation for a divorce in Lubbock County?
Yes. Lubbock County’s local rules do not allow a trial until contested issues have gone to mediation, unless the court finds mediation inappropriate. A party who has experienced family violence can object to mediation.
What is the difference between an uncontested and a contested divorce?
In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse agree on every issue, including property, debts and any issues involving the children. In a contested divorce, at least one issue is not settled, and a judge, or a jury on some issues, decides what you cannot agree on.
Do I have to live in Lubbock County to file for divorce here?
Yes. One spouse must have lived in Texas for the past six months and in Lubbock County for the past 90 days.
Can Nick represent both me and my spouse?
No. Nick represents one spouse. In an agreed divorce, the other spouse can hire their own lawyer or choose not to have one.
About Nick L. Olguin
Nick L. Olguin graduated from Oklahoma City University School of Law in 2002 and has been licensed to practice law in Texas since December 2002. Olguin Law Firm was founded in 2007. His current office, at 1306 Avenue R, Lubbock, TX 79401, opened in April 2025.
Other family law matters Nick handles
Family Law Attorney in Lubbock
Nick L. Olguin handles divorce, child custody, child support and changes to court orders for Lubbock families.
Child Custody Lawyer in Lubbock
Nick L. Olguin handles child custody, visitation and changes to custody orders in Lubbock, including cases between parents who never married.
Child Support Lawyer in Lubbock
Nick L. Olguin handles child support in Lubbock: setting support under the Texas guidelines, changing an existing order and collecting unpaid support.
Talk to Nick about your divorce
Call (806) 741-1111 or send the short form below. Office hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Olguin Law Firm · 1306 Avenue R, Lubbock, TX 79401
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