Divorce and support issues in TX?

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-03-2004
Divorce and support issues in TX?
2
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 3:24pm

My H just got a job in TX (kids and I will stay overseas w/ my job) and we will most likely divorce within the next couple years.

I checked out Cornell law school's website and guidelines for divorce/support in TX and it seems that you have to be resident 6 mos there AND separated 3 years?! before the final decree. Is that true?

Can anyone in TX share their insights? I might go there to get legal residency on an R&R but waiting 3 years after separation seems horribly dragged out and wonder if we should do process elsewhere. Also, how are courts re spousal/child support in TX? Is it easy and straightforward enough to do on your own (or w/ help from the courthouse clerk)?

Thanks very much.
Karen

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2007
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 8:24pm

One thing I know about TX (a friend just went through divorce there) is there is a very low ceiling on child support. She has 2 kids, her X makes 190K and pays a total of 1500 a month in child support (for both - not each) that includes everything except unreimbursed medical expenses. She makes 1/3 of what he does. She is barely making ends meet and had to cut out most of the girls outside of school activities.

She also is waiting for the final decree but I don't know exactly how long it will take. They lived there over a year before separating but I seem to remember the length of the wait had to do with the reasons for divorce. A no fault takes a looong time in Texas.

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2007
Sat, 06-30-2007 - 11:25pm
look up this website. has helpful info. or just search "divorce laws in tx".
www.divorcesource.com/info/divorcelaws/texas
child support in tx does suck, my stbx makes 10grand a month and will only pay $1500. but there are ways to get spousal support if you have a good lawyer.
hope this helps.