Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Absolutely! You can file for divorce in Texas if you or your spouse meets the following criteria:
Residency: Either you or your spouse must have lived in Texas for at least the last six months.
County Residency: You must have resided in the county where you plan to file for at least the last 90 days.
For Our Military Families: If you’re serving in the military or another government service outside Texas, you can still file here! As long as Texas has been the home state of either you or your spouse for at least six months, and your chosen county has been your home for at least 90 days, you’re good to go. Time spent outside Texas with your military spouse counts toward your residency.No problem! You can still file for divorce in Texas even if your spouse resides in another state. However, keep in mind that the court must have personal jurisdiction over your out-of-state spouse to issue any orders that require their compliance—like child support or debt payments.
To establish jurisdiction, the Original Petition for Divorce form includes a checklist of situations that may apply. If you’re unsure or none seem relevant, it’s wise to consult with a lawyer to clarify your optionsIn Texas, there’s a mandatory 60-day waiting period before you can finalize your divorce. Here’s how it works:
1.Starting Point: Count the day you filed your Original Petition for Divorce as Day 0.
2.Count 60 Days: Mark your calendar and count out 60 days (including weekends and holidays).
3.Final Day: If the 60th day lands on a weekend or holiday, your final divorce date will be the next business day.
Remember, patience is key during this waiting period as you prepare for your next chapter!