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Texas Divorce Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: In a divorce, can the other half, take half of the property if you had it before yall got together?

Still paying on it

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 12, 2023

In Texas, the division of property in a divorce is governed by community property laws. Texas is a community property state, which means that generally, property acquired during the marriage is considered community property and is subject to division between the spouses in a divorce.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My ex-wife is scheduling extra-curricular activities for my 12 year old son in Texas after I told her not to. Recourse?

I told my ex-wife (she is primary custodial parent) that she did not have my permission to schedule extra-curricular activities for my son during my custody time (I have every Thursday and every other weekend), she schedule my son for karate every Monday and Thursday and is harassing me to take him... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Sep 7, 2023

I encourage parents to do their utmost to put their children first. Part of that process is for parents to confer with frequency about what is going on in their children's lives. Note - I have a bias here, as my 17 year old son is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. The exercise,... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody and Family Law for Texas on
Q: My ex-wife is scheduling extra-curricular activities for my 12 year old son in Texas after I told her not to. Recourse?

I told my ex-wife (she is primary custodial parent) that she did not have my permission to schedule extra-curricular activities for my son during my custody time (I have every Thursday and every other weekend), she schedule my son for karate every Monday and Thursday and is harassing me to take him... View More

Melissa O'Neal
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

Your ex wife does not have to have your permission unless that is spelled out specifically in the order. At the same time, you do not have to take him unless again that is specifically spelled out in the order. I would suggest a compromise especially if it is something important to your son and... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Banking and Child Support for Texas on
Q: Will a bank account shared with a sibling or otherblood relative be protected from divorce requirements to divide wealth
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

In Texas, the division of assets during a divorce is generally guided by community property laws. Community property laws dictate that most property acquired during the marriage is considered community property and is subject to equitable distribution between the spouses upon divorce.... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Before I met my wife my mother was buying a house and land that I grew up in .Ok my mother told me she wanted me to

inherit the property when she passed away so she made me a beneficiary of her life insurance policy and she told me to pay off the home with what money that was left over and set up a trust that transferred the home in my name when she passes away. My mother passed away after I got married. Will... View More

Melissa O'Neal
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answered on Aug 24, 2023

In Texas inherited property is separate property. If the property is in Oklahoma where did your mother pass away because that could change things if the laws in that state are different. The separate nature of the property can also be affected if it was comingled with community property. I could... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Small Claims, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Common law yes or no?

I bought half an acre while married to an ex and in a relationship with my new girl.

i then divorced my ex 3 yrs later.the lot is only under my name.while being in a the relationship with my new girl i started building a house with only my money and money my dad gave to me.10 yrs later we... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Alright, considering what you've shared and the nuances of the Texas Family Code, here's some general information:

Legally Married vs. Common-Law: If you were legally married to your ex when you began your relationship with your new girlfriend, then you couldn't have...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Small Claims, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Common law yes or no?

I bought half an acre while married to an ex and in a relationship with my new girl.

i then divorced my ex 3 yrs later.the lot is only under my name.while being in a the relationship with my new girl i started building a house with only my money and money my dad gave to me.10 yrs later we... View More

Elisa  Reiter
Elisa Reiter
answered on Aug 23, 2023

Under the Texas Family Code, an informal or “common law” marriage may be proved with evidence that:

a declaration of marriage has been signed; or the parties:

agreed to be married, and

after the agreement they cohabitated (lived) together, in Texas, as a married couple,...
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3 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Small Claims, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Common law yes or no?

I bought half an acre while married to an ex and in a relationship with my new girl.

i then divorced my ex 3 yrs later.the lot is only under my name.while being in a the relationship with my new girl i started building a house with only my money and money my dad gave to me.10 yrs later we... View More

Melissa O'Neal
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answered on Aug 23, 2023

This question is not specific enough for a yes or no answer but I would offer that you could not have been married to the girlfriend while still married to the ex wife. (I would be interested to know if you received the property in your divorce from her?) So even if a court found common law... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce for Texas on
Q: In Texas divorce does the 60 day time start when she files the petition or when I get served? Filed 8/2 and not served

My wife filed but I still haven't been served for some reason. Just not sure when the the time line

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 21, 2023

In Texas, the 60-day waiting period typically begins on the date when the original divorce petition is filed with the court, regardless of when you are personally served with the divorce papers. Therefore, if your wife filed for divorce on August 2nd, the 60-day waiting period would generally... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: in Texas. Can I divorce if the was fiscal abuse with out his consent, not waiting the 60 days. no protection order.

there is no children in common. any way I can speed the process and no press changes?

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 22, 2023

1. Divorcing Without His Consent:

Yes, in Texas, you don't need your spouse's consent to file for divorce. If one party believes the marriage is insupportable (has an irretrievable breakdown), then that's enough for the court to grant a divorce.

2. The 60-Day Waiting...
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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: in Texas. Can I divorce if the was fiscal abuse with out his consent, not waiting the 60 days. no protection order.

there is no children in common. any way I can speed the process and no press changes?

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 21, 2023

There are very few exceptions to the mandatory 60-day waiting period and your question does not mention any facts likely to support such a waiver.

The most effective way to expedite the process is to make sure a competent experienced attorney prepares an agreed decree of divorce and for...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Recently filed for divorce but pregnant with partner's baby (not spouse's). Do I have to reveal pregnancy?

My partner and I are planning to get married at the courthouse before the baby is born in February. No cheating involved; my ex and I have been long-term separated/agreed to divorce so there is absolutely no question of paternity, we only delayed filing til recently because we were figuring out... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Aug 10, 2023

In Texas, if a child was born during the marriage but is not the biological child of the husband, consider the following aspects of the Texas Family Code:

Paternity: Texas Family Code § 160.204 states that when a child is born during a marriage, there's a legal presumption that the...
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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Recently filed for divorce but pregnant with partner's baby (not spouse's). Do I have to reveal pregnancy?

My partner and I are planning to get married at the courthouse before the baby is born in February. No cheating involved; my ex and I have been long-term separated/agreed to divorce so there is absolutely no question of paternity, we only delayed filing til recently because we were figuring out... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Aug 9, 2023

In the State of Texas, a child born during a marriage is presumed to be the child of the husband (even if it is not). In your Final Decree of Divorce, you must state whether there were any minor children born or adopted during the marriage. Additionally, when you finalize the divorce, the Wife... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: What actions do I need to take to ensure my ex pays Child Support and doesn't endanger our daughter on his motorbike?

My ex-husband refuses to pay the child support that we agreed to in divorce (has previously sent some money when he feels like it but it was never through proper child support routes, and he decides when and if he sends the money, and he is around $20,000 behind over the last 6 years)... and he is... View More

Sharita Blacknall
Sharita Blacknall
answered on Jul 30, 2023

Child Support Enforcement: If your ex-husband is not abiding by the child support agreement outlined in the divorce settlement, you can seek help from the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division. They have the authority to enforce child support orders and can use various methods to... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Texas on
Q: What actions do I need to take to ensure my ex pays Child Support and doesn't endanger our daughter on his motorbike?

My ex-husband refuses to pay the child support that we agreed to in divorce (has previously sent some money when he feels like it but it was never through proper child support routes, and he decides when and if he sends the money, and he is around $20,000 behind over the last 6 years)... and he is... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Jul 25, 2023

If Father is not paying child support as court ordered, then you would need to file an enforcement/contempt action against him and take him to court for nonpayment of child support. If held in contempt, the Judge could sentence him to jail time.

If there is not a law against a child that...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law, Gov & Administrative Law and Military Law for Texas on
Q: Can Texas calculate military retired pay as if the marriage ended on the date of separation, years before divorce?

A Texas judge signed a final decree in 2023, ending the community property portion as of 2019, the date of separation. The decree calculated and divided the servicemember's High 3 and years of service as if the marriage had ended in 2019. Post trial, the judge writes a letter denying that this... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 17, 2023

The community portion of military retirement pay is that portion which accrues during the existence of the marriage, i.e. from the date of marriage to the date of divorce. Any portion that accrued outside of the existence of the marriage is the servicemember's separate property.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Legal Malpractice for Texas on
Q: how do i go about withdrawing my attorney from my divorce case so I can finish the process in default?

Unresponsive attorney. Meets default criteria, but court says I have to withdraw her from the case.

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jul 12, 2023

You will need to instruct your attorney to file a motion to withdraw. Once an attorney has appeared on your behalf, you cannot file court papers on your own behalf in a civil case. Your attorney will have to file a motion to withdraw.

Alternatively, you can hire another, more responsive...
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1 Answer | Asked in Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Two years ago my son-in-law was arrested for assaulting my daughter and putting a gun in her mouth.

She was manipulated by him and his family and dropped the charges. (He has been arrested for assault in the past for fights.) Now he is again having an affair and acting like he did then. He was just medically retired from Air Force. He stays home with three children (9, 7, and 3) while she works.... View More

Rafee'a S. Majeed
Rafee'a S. Majeed
answered on Jul 11, 2023

I am sorry this is happening to your family member.

If she is ready to file for divorce, but is not financially able to hire an attorney, she could contact legal aid in her county. As long as she meets the income requirements, they may be able to accept her case and provide legal...
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1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law, Divorce and Family Law for Texas on
Q: Can I sell a house if I'm on the mortgage but not the deed?

My ex husband and I split after DV and the house is empty. He refuses to pay for it or sell it because per divorce I get $50,000. Now the mortgage company is suing me for the house. When I've been begging him to sell it instead of ruining my credit. He continues to refuse. What can I do

John Cucci Jr.
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answered on Jul 2, 2023

This question has divorce issues and real estate issues.

The first move is to review the divorce settlement order to see if there is any recourse you can take to sell the property or force a sale. If it is not written or prohibited, you can file a partition or other real estate lawsuit to...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Divorce for Texas on
Q: When I retire, am I required to notify my ex-wife?

My second wife was awarded 15.5% of my military retirement. I asked my lawyer to offer all the cash I had the time (roughly $27,000) to have it removed. Over the phone, my lawyer told me “she will have to find you, serve you, and be able to collect”. I took that as I did not need to notify her... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Jun 20, 2023

Unless your divorce decree provides otherwise—and they typically don’t—you have no obligation to notify your ex-wife of your retirement.

And it is true that she will have to find you and serve you.

With respect to collecting, I’d be most concerned about a constructive trust...
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