Author: MJT
Texas Divorce
Laws: Why All Your Exes Never Left
There is a relatively common saying that “everything is
bigger in Texas.” It is a well
known colloquial joke, but is there any truth to it? Do people really walk around in ten gallon
hats, cowboy boots, and large shiny belt buckles that could pass for a breast
plate? The popular television show “Dallas”
embraced that particular stereotype and made everything in their scripts muy
grande; hair, hats, homes, and marital discord.
Texas divorces
are far simpler than J.R., Sue Ellen, or Bobbie Ewing would lead you to
believe. There are some Texas
divorce laws that are very similar to procedures in other states. Do not, however, assume that everything is
the same. If you and/or your spouse are
a resident of Texas and are
considering filing for divorce, take the time to do research and find out where
and how to begin. Even if you were
familiar with the state’s policies in the past, state legislature may have made
recent amendments, or changes.
Making Sure You Keep The Horse You Rode In On
Do you plan to go it alone, or will you be hiring a divorce
attorney? Contrary to what many people
may assume, your lone star Texas divorce can be handled and put to bed without
the assistance of a lawyer. This depends largely on whether or not children
(and therefore custody and child support) are involved, and the extent of your
combined financial assets.
Texas offers
battling couples more options when specifying the grounds for ending their
marriage. You can file “no fault”, which
does not place blame on either party; you are unhappy and want out. It is that
simple. However if you do want to give a reason, Texas
divorce laws list a few faulty grounds for dissolving the union:
- Mental cruelty
- Adultery
- Imprisonment or conviction of a felony
- Abandonment
- Living separate and apart
- Incurable insanity and confinement to a mental hospital
Residency laws for a divorce in Texas
do differ from most other states; either you and/or your spouse must have a
residence in the state for at least six months, and also have lived in the
county where you will be filing your petition for a minimum of ninety days.
Even if you do decide to conduct your divorce through legal
representation, you can still avoid the ugliness and expense of the
courtroom. It may not be pretty, but
your Texas divorce does not have
to turn you and your spouse into Liza Minnelli and David Gest.
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