Question 1

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

Accepted Answer

At an absolute minimum, 60 days from the date the petition is filed, because Texas Family Code § 6.702 bars the court from granting a divorce before the 60th day. Agreed cases often finish shortly after that. Contested cases — particularly ones involving custody, a business, or a spouse who will not produce records — commonly run several months to well over a year, and the county's docket has as much to do with it as the facts.

Question 2

Do I need a reason to divorce in Texas?

Accepted Answer

No. Texas Family Code § 6.001 allows divorce on the ground of insupportability, which requires no proof of wrongdoing by either spouse. Fault grounds such as cruelty or adultery still exist, and they can affect how a judge divides the community estate, but they are not required to obtain a divorce.

Question 3

Is everything split 50/50 in a Texas divorce?

Accepted Answer

No. Texas Family Code § 7.001 directs the court to divide the community estate in a manner that is just and right, having due regard for the rights of each party and any children. Judges routinely award more than half to one spouse based on earning capacity, fault, health, custody of children, or the size of each spouse's separate estate.

Question 4

What is the difference between community and separate property?

Accepted Answer

Separate property is what a spouse owned before marriage, plus anything acquired during marriage by gift, devise or descent (Texas Family Code § 3.001). Everything else acquired during the marriage is presumed community property (§ 3.002). The presumption favors community, so the spouse claiming separate property carries the burden of proving it — usually with records tracing the asset back to its source.

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