Texas Divorce Forms

Attorneys use Texas divorce forms daily to draft pleadings for the courts. All cases must be filed with the courts as if trial is required. Service of process or waiver, a petition, discovery, motions and orders may be required. Attorneys who specialize in family law modify forms for easy editing and instructions for their legal staff. Petitioners who file pro se, that is, file divorce yourself without an attorney, discover a thriving industry providing legal document preparation, including Texas divorce forms. The level of service provided for Texas divorce forms ranges from blank documents ($10-$30), prepared documents ($30-$100), and prepared documents reviewed by an attorney ($100-$300). These services do not include contested issues that may arise after a case is filed.

Texas divorce forms - petitions

All cases must include a petition. The petition is primary to all Texas divorce forms, creating the basis upon which relief may be granted. This core document begins the suit and is used to docket future deadlines. Technical rules apply for conformity with state law. Non-conforming or defective petitions are subject to dismissal.

Texas divorce forms - temporary orders

While a case is pending, temporary orders determine the distribution of income for support, child custody, visitation and many other issues. Agreed temporary orders are permissible, otherwise the court resolves disputed issues following a hearing.

Texas divorce forms - decrees

The final order of divorce and related requirements are set forth in particular Texas divorce forms known as a "decree". As with all other Texas divorce forms, the decree must include language expected by the court. Absent trial, interested parties are free to agree on terms for property division, child custody, and support payments, subject to review and approval by the court. At least one party, wither husband or wife, must attend a court hearing and provide testimony before a decree will be granted.

Special requirements for Texas divorce forms:

• Texas family law forms must be changed before use.
• For acceptable uses of durable power of attorney forms, Texas does not allow representatives to make the final appearances in court.
• To modify child support, forms must include admissible evidence proving current income.
• A divorce decree on existing mortgages may be assumed by a non-possessory party, and incorporated into Texas divorce forms routinely approved by the court.