Texas Divorce: The Basics You Should Know
Whether you are facing a divorce that is imminent, you are considering divorce, or think your spouse may be moving toward divorce, there are some Texas divorce basics you should know. Knowing what to expect in a Texas divorce can help you may better-informed decisions along the way – and may even help you determine if a divorce is right for you in the first place. If you have divorce concerns, familiarizing yourself with the divorce basics can help.
There Are No Quickie Divorces in Texas
The fact is that a divorce in Texas is going to take at least 60 days – and that is if you and your divorcing spouse can come to mutually satisfactory terms that you are willing to sign off on for every important divorce issue within that 60-day timeframe. The divorce issues in question include:
Child custody arrangements
The division of marital property
Child support
Spousal support
If you and your divorcing spouse cannot come to an agreement on any one or more of these terms, it is very likely to increase the amount of time it will take you to obtain a divorce.
Texas Does Not Recognize Legal Separation
Even if you and your spouse are living apart – and not as a couple – this does not qualify as a legal separation in the State of Texas. Any assets or debts that either of you acquire during this period are considered marital property that will be divided between you if you do seek a divorce.
You Can Obtain a No-Fault Divorce
In Texas, there is no need to appoint blame in a divorce. If either of you wants a divorce, you are free to pursue the dissolution of your marriage without having to prove that your spouse is at fault. It is important to recognize, however, that the judge can take fault into consideration in the process of dividing your marital property in a manner that is just and right, which amounts to fairly.
Your Texas Divorce Will Affect You and Your Children’s Future
Your divorce will affect your life going forward in significant ways that obviously include your finances and your living arrangements. The fact is that even if you are the primary custodial parent and your children live primarily with you, they will not be living in your home fulltime like they once were. The consequences of your divorce are so significant in you and your children’s lives that they should not be left to chance – work closely with an experienced divorce attorney from the outset.