Updated on August 22, 2022
Pregnancy is usually the beginning of a new chapter in a marriage. However, for many married couples, pregnancy occurs when their marriage is on the rocks. Unintended pregnancy may even become a reason for divorce. If you are pregnant and are also facing a divorce, it can be difficult to imagine a more stressful situation.
But is it legal to get a divorce during pregnancy in Texas? Although the answer depends on the circumstances of your particular case, a married couple may have to wait until the baby is born to get a divorce. In other words, a pregnancy can complicate and lengthen the Texas divorce process.
It is vital to consult with a knowledgeable divorce attorney if you or your spouse is pregnant and you want to end your marriage before a baby is born. Schedule a FREE case evaluation with our Williamson County divorce attorneys to discuss your particular situation. (Learn what questions to ask your divorce attorney.)
Can You Get a Divorce During Pregnancy in Texas?
Even if you and your divorcing spouse are in complete accord regarding every element of your divorce, including the division of marital property and child custody arrangements, Texas courts will not grant a divorce when either spouse is pregnant.
However, just because the court will most likely not grant your divorce right away does not necessarily mean that you cannot start gathering the necessary paperwork and preparing for your divorce filing. (Related: 4 Things You Should Know if You Are Filing for Divorce in Texas)
The reason Texas courts do not grant a divorce during pregnancy is simple. If a divorce were granted during a pregnancy, the couple would most likely reopen their divorce case after the birth to resolve issues related to child custody and support. There would also be additional legal issues regarding paternity. This would allow fathers to get a divorce to avoid an obligation to pay child support.
While you can begin the divorce process before you give birth, you will have to wait until after you have welcomed your child into the world before you can finalize the matter. It is difficult to reconcile the happy anticipation and physical exhaustion of pregnancy with the stress and anxiety of divorce, but that is the reality in Texas.
What Happens if the Husband is Not the Child’s Father?
It is not uncommon for children to be born outside of marriage, especially when marriage is on the rocks. If the husband is not the child’s father, it may complicate matters because there will be questions regarding paternity and issues involving child support and custody.
Under Texas Family Code § 160.204, a pregnant woman’s husband is presumed to have fathered the child if the woman is married at the time of childbirth. It is possible to overcome the presumption if the woman’s husband and the man who actually fathered the child agree about the paternity.
If there is no agreement between the two men, the woman’s husband will be presumed to be the father until a DNA test confirms otherwise after a child is born.
Can You File a Petition for Divorce During Pregnancy?
Although you cannot get a divorce while you or your spouse is pregnant, you can file for divorce to initiate the legal process. In other words, you do not have to wait until a child is born to file an Original Petition for Divorce.
While some couples may be reluctant to file for divorce during pregnancy, you may benefit from filing a petition for divorce during pregnancy. If you file for divorce before a child is born, you will have a reasonable amount of time to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.
Reaching an agreement without court involvement is a cheaper and less stressful way to get a divorce. If you want to get a divorce after your child is born, use the months during pregnancy to resolve disputed issues related to the division of property, spousal support, child custody, child support, and many more factors.
When negotiating a settlement with your soon-to-be-former spouse during pregnancy, it is highly advised to be represented by a knowledgeable attorney to protect your interests. Your attorney may advise you to try mediation or collaborative divorce to reach an agreement. Contact a Williamson County divorce lawyer today to discuss your case.
If you are considering waiting until a child is born to file for divorce, keep in mind that Texas imposes a 60-day waiting period. In other words, you will have to wait 60 days after filing your petition before your divorce can be finalized.
How Does Pregnancy During a Divorce Affect Child Support?
Even if there are no disagreements regarding paternity, the court may delay granting a divorce until after the child is born in order to calculate an appropriate amount of child support. In Texas, child support payments are based on the non-custodial parent’s income and the child’s needs.
It is difficult to predict a child’s needs before his or her birth. For example, if you need to take an extended leave from work, you may need to request temporary spousal maintenance to help you through the leave. The court cannot protect the child’s best interests until the child is born and his or her needs can be assessed.
Texas courts prefer to wait until the child is born to determine an appropriate award of child custody. This is done to ensure an accurate child custody order and to prevent the parties from seeking modifications once the child is born and the parties’ circumstances change.
Can You Get a Divorce if You Were a Victim of Domestic Violence?
If you are pregnant and were a victim of domestic violence, you may want to request a protective order for your own safety and wellbeing and the safety of your unborn child. You can obtain a protective order to force your abusive spouse to leave the family home during your pregnancy and divorce.
Contact an experienced attorney to help you seek out a protective order in your case. It is important to act quickly if you want to protect yourself and your family before and during your divorce in Texas.
Consult with a Williamson County Divorce Attorney
Pregnancy cannot prevent you from filing for divorce. However, if you or your spouse is pregnant, a Texas court will not grant your divorce until after a child is born. You can put the months during pregnancy to use by negotiating a settlement with your spouse.
It is a good idea to seek the legal counsel of a knowledgeable divorce attorney to help you prepare for your divorce and protect your best interests if you or your spouse is pregnant during your divorce proceedings.
Schedule a FREE case review with our Williamson County, Texas, divorce attorneys at The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard to determine if you can file for divorce during a pregnancy. We have the experience, knowledge, and compassion to help you throughout this complicated process. Call us at (254) 781-4222 for a case review.