They say “divorced.” We say “uncoupled.”
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It’s all about choices
What is
The Uncoupled Life?
Divorce shouldn’t be a battle to the death because there is no winner in a divorce. Children are not WMDs. Property is replaceable. Life will go on.
Instead, I help couples find a more amicable way to transition into the next phase of their relationship. It isn’t always possible, but if both parties can approach the divorce as adults, setting aside the tumultuous emotions and treating the experience like a business transaction, the entire process is less stressful and much less expensive.
Why mediate ?
In addition to typically being faster, less stressful, and less expensive than traditional litigation, in Harris County and many of the surrounding counties, most family court judges require everyone to go to mediation before actually going to court. Since mediation is less expensive than court, and has a very high likelihood of success, I think it makes sense to start with mediation, and hope that you will seriously consider this option. If it doesn’t work, you can always hire lawyers and litigate.
Why choose
The Uncoupled Life?
I like to use a conference-style mediation process in which everyone is in the same room, having a conversation and brainstorming options and solutions. After years of experience as an attorney and mediator, I have come to believe that having an open and honest conversation is the best way to transition from an unhappy marriage to a happier future. Mediation provides information and allows you to determine how best to use it, allowing y’all to develop options that work for everyone.
The Uncoupled Life’s Crew
deborah helps you understand the legalese that plagues the divorce process and the quirks of the judges (and their staff) who act as gate-keepers. deborah was licensed to practice law in Texas in 2003 and Hawaii in 2025, and believes that collaborative mediation is the better option for most divorcing couples. As a lawyer and mediator, deborah provides information about the laws and options for making those laws work for you.
deborah lawsoncrafting custom family plans to safeguard your unique love story
meet deborah
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a Divorce?
In Texas, sadly, it is perhaps easier (and faster) to get a divorce, than it is to get married. The legal process is fairly simple, and can be accomplished without attorneys on day 61. To that end, the Supreme Court of Texas and the State Bar of Texas created a website with information and forms to help DIY-oriented individuals and those wanting to know more before getting started. But if you want someone to hold your hand while you DIY, or to do it all for you, The Uncoupled Life is here to help.
Do I have to hire an attorney?
At any point in the process, you can each engage your own attorneys to assist you. You do not, however, have to hire attorneys – at least to start – if you want to first attempt to work together to amicably create a property division and parenting plan, and draft an Agreed Final Decree. The choice is ultimately yours. This website merely provides information and some options to consider.
How much will a divorce cost?
Unfortunately, if the excrement impacts the oscillator in a divorce, attorney’s fees rise quickly, and often uncontrollably. Because finances are always a concern, I encourage a non-traditional method of dissolving a marriage that encourages you to develop and agree to terms that allow you to move past any hurt and anger without breaking the bank.
How long will a divorce take?
In Texas, the fasted divorce still requires a 60 day “cooling off” period, but with emotions high and attorneys billing by the hour, it’s not unusual for a divorce litigation to last a year or more, all while costs skyrocket.
To reduce the time and energy spent on a divorce, The Uncoupled Life’s process encourages both parties to approach the divorce as adults, setting aside tumultuous emotions and treating the process like a business transaction, which helps make the divorce process less stressful and much less expensive.
There’s a 60 Day Cooling Off Period
How can I save money?
Unfortunately, if the excrement impacts the oscillator in a divorce, attorney’s fees rise quickly, and often uncontrollably. Because finances are always a concern, I’ve developed a non-traditional method of dissolving a marriage that encourages you to develop and agree to terms that allow you to move past any hurt and anger without breaking the bank.
What are my child custody options?
The state of Texas’ public policy is to assure that children will have frequent and continuing contact with parents who have shown the ability to act in the best interest of the child, to provide a safe, stable, and nonviolent environment for the child, and to encourage parents to share in the rights and duties of raising their child after the parents have separated or dissolved their marriage. That is to say that Texas wants you to find a way to co-parent your children regardless of your feelings for each other. If you don’t figure it our together, the judge will likely award a Standard Possession Order, and almost no one living in the 21st Century likes that.
What are my child support options?
If you want to leave your financial decisions to a total stranger, the state of Texas is happy to step in. In the case of child support, that means the judge will apply Texas’ guideline child support law to your financial situation and determine who pays what (typically 20% of net resources for 1 child and 25% for 2!). For more information, please visit the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Division’s website.
Do we have to go to court?
Maybe. Post Covid, if you agree to everything and sign an “Agreed Order,” many courts will allow you to prove up your divorce using an affidavit. Some courts, however, still require you to “appear” in the courtroom to “prove up” and finalize a Texas divorce.
We don’t Agree, can we still mediate?
If a couple agreed on everything, there likely wouldn’t be a divorce. The question is, are you willing to work together to reach a solution? If both parties can approach the divorce as adults, setting aside tumultuous emotions and treating the process like a business transaction, the entire divorce is less stressful and much less expensive. There will be disagreements, but hopefully, agreements can be reached.