An Overview of Texas Child Custody Laws
One of the most difficult and emotional aspects of a divorce is deciding how to work out child custody in a way that is best for the children.
Unfortunately, even when parents try their best to insulate their children from the conflict, the divorce process can create tremendous turmoil and parents need to take special care to ensure that the divorce process does not negatively affect the children.
At the Larson Law Office, we understand that it’s best to solve custody disputes as soon as possible for the sake of your children.
Our family law attorneys know how to navigate Texas custody laws and are committed to helping you reach a quick, successful resolution.
Different Types of Child Custody
One of the most important steps in developing a parenting plan is setting up a custody arrangement with the opposing party. In Texas, there are two custody agreement options: joint conservatorship and sole conservatorship.
Joint Conservatorship
Child custody laws in Texas define joint custody—known in Texas as joint conservatorship—as an arrangement where both parents share in all decision-making regarding their child’s upbringing. This includes education, medical treatment, and more.
Physical possession of the child is only one part conservatorship. A custody order will grant one parent the right to determine the primary residence of the child. Unless the parties agree to a possession schedule, the court will also determine how much access the non-primary parent will have. This will often be either the standard or extended standard schedules outlined by the Texas Family Code. Custom schedules are also possible, particularly where the parties agree. And even with one parent designated as the primary residential parent, it is possible to have a 50/50 split, such as a week-on-week-off schedule.
Sole Conservatorship
Sole custody—known as sole managing conservatorship—usually comes into play when the behavior of one parent is detrimental to the well-being of the child in some way. This includes abuse, neglect, or drug and alcohol addiction. If the court finds that these circumstances exist, these situations can result in the non-offending party being awarded sole managing conservatorship. This means they have exclusive control over decisions regarding the child.
A party who is not named as a managing conservator will generally be named as a possessory conservator, meaning that they have rights to visitation. However, it is possible that the court will grant them only supervised visitation or restrict them from visiting at all.
How to File for Child Custody in Texas
Before you file, child custody laws in Texas require you to prove that your child’s home state is Texas. This means that your child must have lived at least six consecutive months in Texas with a parent or legal guardian before filing.
If your child meets the criteria, you should begin filling out the necessary paperwork with an experienced Texas family law attorney.
1. Fill Out Paperwork
The paperwork you fill out for child custody depends on your marital situation. You will either file a suit affecting the parent–child relationship (SAPCR) or file for a divorce. In cases where you and your spouse have children under 18, the divorce includes a SAPCR.
If you believe that the other parent will do something damaging or dangerous as retaliation, you can file for a temporary restraining order.
For divorce cases with children under 18 years old, you must complete the following forms:
- Original Petition for Divorce,
- Out-of-State Party Declaration,
- Civil Case Information Sheet, and
- Petition in Suit Affecting the Parent–Child Relationship (SAPCR).
If you are unable to pay court fees, you may also need to fill out a Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs. Once you fill out these forms, you must file them with the district court in the county where your child resides.
2. Notify the Attorney General’s Office If Required
If your child has ever received benefits related to Medicaid, food stamps, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you must submit a copy of your petition to the attorney general’s office by email, mail, or fax.
If this does not apply to you, skip to step three.
3. Inform the Respondent
The other parent (respondent) must be informed about the petition. You can either do this by serving them court papers or asking them to fill out a form in person. Keep in mind that hiring someone to serve court papers usually costs money.
4. Wait for the Respondent to File
At this point, you do not need to do anything else. Wait to see if the opposing party files a response. Once they do, your next step is to attend a hearing or mediation to work out the details of the custody agreement.
5. Attend Mediation or a Court Hearing
Child custody laws in Texas allow parents to create their own custody agreement through mediation if they don’t want a judge to decide for them. If you have trouble coming up with an agreement in mediation, you can take the dispute to court. However, an experienced Texas family law attorney can help you avoid going to court and solve your custody dispute during mediation.
Need Help Navigating Child Custody Laws in Texas? Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Most parents just want what is best for their child. If you are considering filing for child custody or are in the middle of a custody dispute, you need an experienced family law attorney in Texas who will aggressively fight for your children.
At the Larson Law Office, we have years of experience with child custody cases throughout the state of Texas. We offer personalized service so that you don’t have to go through this alone. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 713-221-9088.
Rule 11 Agreement in Texas Overview
/in Divorce Law, Family Court /by Erik LarsonDivorce and other family law cases often involve rule 11 agreements.
You can use these agreements at any point over the course of a case.
If you are wondering, “What is a rule 11 agreement?” this post will answer some of your questions.
What Is a Rule 11 Agreement?
You may hear lawyers or other people talking about a rule 11 agreement as if it is a specific agreement. However, a rule 11 agreement is simply another name for a settlement agreement.
The name rule 11 agreement comes from Rule 11 in the Texas rules of civil procedure, which describes when an agreement between two lawyers or parties on opposite sides of a case is binding.
For example, you and the other party may agree not to contest certain specific facts.
You may also agree on all the terms for your divorce. If your attorneys put either of these agreements in writing and file them, they will be binding under Rule 11.
When to Use a Rule 11 Agreement
As mentioned, a Texas rule 11 agreement can be used at multiple points throughout a case.
Maybe there are complicated details about an aspect of your divorce, such as whether your spouse committed adultery. Instead of investigating whether your spouse cheated, you can enter into a rule 11 agreement in which you receive a larger share of the marital property in exchange for your agreement not to pursue the issue.
Of course, both sides must agree to this or any similar settlement. If you and your spouse find this agreement beneficial, you can file a rule 11 agreement letter with the court. The filing should clearly explain the terms of the agreement and should be signed by both parties.
You can also use a rule 11 agreement in Texas to settle your entire divorce. You can do this at any point while the case is in progress. After you file an agreement and the judge has approved it, its terms become the binding terms of the divorce.
Revoking a Rule 11 Agreement
If you filed a rule 11 agreement and no longer wish to abide by its terms, it may not be too late. Either party can attempt to withdraw the agreement after filing as long as a judgment has not yet been rendered.
After your rule 11 agreement Texas form has been filed, a judge must review the terms and enter a judgment. If you attempt to withdraw your consent to the settlement prior to judgment, you may be found not be bound by any of the agreement terms, but the issue of its enforceability may be litigated
Talk to an Attorney
If you think a Texas rule 11 agreement can simplify your case, you should contact an attorney. The experienced family lawyers at The Larson Law Office have used rule 11 agreements in divorce and other cases to help numerous clients. Our team of attorneys is dedicated to providing quality client service and achieving the best possible outcome for you.
Contact our office today.
How Much Does Adoption Cost in Texas?
/in Child Custody Law /by Erik LarsonAdoption costs in Texas fluctuate depending on several factors.
While there is no average figure for Texas adoption costs, there are a number of things to consider when adopting a child.
State Versus Private Adoption
As a prospective parent looking at adoption fees in Texas, you probably noticed that state adoption costs less. State adoption is also called foster-to-adopt.
When you adopt a child through the state, your only costs are the fees you must pay to get a license to adopt and court fees. The cost to adopt a child is the lowest when you go through the state. In addition to a lower cost of adoption, the state provides financial assistance to adoptive parents. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple children and a tighter budget.
You can also choose to adopt through a private agency. The cost of private adoption in Texas is significantly higher than that of an adoption through the state. Private adoption often involves communication with the child’s birth family.
You will adopt an infant according to an adoption plan agreed upon by both your family and the birth family. Private adoption can cost well over $20,000, but the cost varies depending on the adoption agency you use. The fees go toward paying the agency, which handles legal documentation and coordinates the adoption. Some adoption agencies provide prenatal care to the birth mother as well.
Attorney Fees
If you are adopting a child through the state, you may decide to hire an attorney. An attorney can help you file the necessary paperwork to get a license to adopt a child. They can also help you navigate the state system during the adoption process.
Which attorney or law firm you hire can have a huge impact on the cost of adoption in Texas. If you are thinking of hiring a lawyer, make sure you discuss fee arrangements up front. A family attorney can make the adoption process much easier, but you want to know what to expect in terms of legal fees.
Assistance with Adoption Fees in Texas
There are a number of things that can help you cover Texas adoption costs. Talk to your employer to see if they offer financial assistance to help cover adoption fees. This may be part of your employee benefits package.
In addition, some nonprofit organizations and adoption agencies have grants and other financial assistance for adoptive parents. The grant may be offered through the agency you are using for the adoption or through a separate nonprofit entity.
Call Our Office
Whether you are interested in a private adoption or an adoption through the state, The Larson Law Office is here to help. Our experienced Houston family law attorneys can help you decide which type of adoption is best for you. The husband-and-wife team of Erik and Diana Larson is ready to guide you through the process of welcoming a new addition to your family.
Call us today.
Establishing Paternity in Texas
/in Child Custody Law, Divorce Law /by Erik LarsonHow To Establish Paternity in Texas?
This presumption is created if a man is married to the child’s mother and the child is born either during the marriage or within 300 days after the marriage is terminated.
This presumption of paternity in Texas can be attacked by a suit to establish parentage or the filing of a valid denial of fatherhood and an acknowledgement of paternity (AOP) by another person.
A man can also become a father in Texas if he files an Acknowledgement of Paternity (AOP). The AOP must be signed by both the child’s mother and father and filed with the Bureau of Vital Statistics (BVS). Filing a signed AOP is a way to determine paternity in Texas instead of filing a lawsuit to determine the child’s father.
In situations where the child does not a presumed father under the Texas Family Code, such as where the man and woman were never married to each other, the signed AOP is effective on the date the document is filed with the BVS.
Effective Acknowledgement of Paternity in Texas
To be valid, an AOP must:
1. be “in a record”;
2. be signed or authenticated under penalty of perjury by both the mother of child and the man acknowledging paternity;
3. state that the child does not have either a presumed father, an adjudicated father or another acknowledged father;
4. state whether genetic testing has been done and, if testing has been done, that the man’s claim for paternity is consistent with the test results; and
5. state that the man and the mother of the child understand that the AOP has the same effect as a court’s finding of paternity and that challenging an AOP is allowed in only certain cases.
Denial of Paternity in Texas
A presumed father can also sign a denial of paternity in Texas. Similar to the effect of an AOP, a denial of paternity by a man, along with another man’s acknowledgement of paternity, has the effect of a court ruling of paternity. As a result, a valid denial of paternity by a presumed father will release that man from all of the rights and duties of a parent. To be an effective denial of paternity under the Texas Family Code, the following requirements must be met:
1. A valid AOP is filed by another man;
2. The denial of paternity must be in a record, signed by another man and filed;
3. The presumed father has not done an AOP previously and has not been adjudicated to be the father by a Texas family court.
Contact Our Law Office Today
If you have questions about acknowledgement of paternity in Texas or denials of paternity, contact The Larson Law Office at 713.221.9088 to discuss your issue with our Houston family lawyers.
Understanding Child Custody During Coronavirus in Texas
/in Child Custody Law /by Erik LarsonMost of our daily activities have been altered by the virus and the efforts to contain its spread.
Child custody and visitation is no exception. Between court closures and concerns about virus exposure, child custody during coronavirus can be difficult to navigate. Here, we will discuss some important things to keep in mind when it comes to custody during coronavirus.
Do Travel Restrictions Affect Visitation?
One of the main concerns that many parents have is the effect of COVID-19 on child visitation. Coronavirus mitigation efforts have included restrictions on travel to and from certain states. If your child is living in a state with a travel restriction, this may or may not affect your right to visitation depending on whether you have a Texas order or a custody order from another state.
Under a Texas order, custody and visitation rights are typically not impacted by restrictions meant to combat coronavirus. Both the child and the parents can typically travel according to the terms of the visitation agreement.
Concerns About the Child’s Health
Visitation and custody during COVID present very real concerns about your child’s health and safety. Someone in the other parent’s household may have been exposed to COVID-19. You might be worried that the other parent is not careful enough with social distancing and other precautions. Unfortunately, if you refuse to follow a custody arrangement because of these risks, the other parent may take legal action.
They can file a motion to enforce your custody agreement, and you may be held in contempt of court. Contact a lawyer if you have concerns about child custody and coronavirus. If there is a sufficient risk to the child or someone else from coronavirus exposure, a lawyer can help you handle a legal challenge from the other parent. If possible, you should contact a lawyer before you decide not to follow a custody or visitation arrangement.
Concerns About Another Family Member’s Health
The same issues arise if you or the child’s other parent live with someone who is vulnerable to coronavirus. Custody during coronavirus can bring up concerns that your child might expose another family member to the virus. If you are afraid that complying with a visitation schedule might expose someone to harm, you should contact a lawyer about the risks of ignoring the agreement.
What Else Can I Do?
If you and the other parent are on amicable terms, you should try to work out an agreement about child custody during COVID-19. Maybe you share concerns about virus exposure if the child travels between your two households. You and the other parent can agree that your child should stay with one parent or the other until the virus is more controlled.
You can formally modify your custody agreement with the court, but this is not always necessary. If you and your co-parent have a signed written agreement describing a new arrangement or if you have a course of conduct of working by agreement in a way deviating from the order, these can serve as evidence in support of modifying the order.
Call Our Office
If you need help reaching a new arrangement with your child’s other parent or if you are concerned about child visitation and coronavirus, call our office.
Our experienced divorce lawyers will give you honest advice about the risks of your situation and the options you may have. You have your family’s best interest in mind, and we have your best interest in mind. The Larson Law Office is ready to help you navigate custody and visitation in this uncharted time.
Can You Access Texas Divorce Records?
/in Divorce Law /by Erik LarsonYou and your spouse may also want to make changes to your divorce agreement. This will require you to look up your divorce records.
Since divorce can be very personal and has the potential to bring out private information in court, you may be wondering who else can see your divorce records.
If you have Googled “are divorce records public in Texas” or if you need a copy of your divorce records for any reason, you may find the answers to your questions here.
Types of Divorce Records
What you need to do to obtain your divorce records in Texas depends on what type of records you are looking for. There are several different types of divorce records in Texas. Each document type contains different information and is accessible by different people.
Divorce Certificate
A divorce certificate contains only the most basic information about your divorce. A Texas divorce certificate states that you got a divorce and states the time and place when the court finalized the divorce. Divorce certificates are the most commonly requested Texas divorce records. The certificate will be sufficient to prove that you are legally able to remarry. In most cases, only you, your spouse, and the lawyers who represented you both in the divorce can see a divorce certificate.
Divorce Decree
Another type of record with more information than the divorce certificate is the divorce decree. Texas usually allows only the parties to the divorce and their attorneys to access the divorce decree. A copy of a divorce decree in Texas contains all the divorce terms that you and your spouse agreed upon. For example, if the court decided that you or your spouse must pay child support, that information and the details about the support payments will be in the divorce decree. You may need to access your divorce decree if you are looking to file a petition to modify terms of the divorce decree relating to child support, spousal support, visitation or other issues.
Divorce Record
A divorce record is the case file from your divorce. This includes all the filings from your divorce case. In the state of Texas, divorce records are generally considered public. A third party can potentially find Texas public divorce records.
How Do I Access Divorce Records?
To request a divorce record, you must find the entity, such as the county clerk’s office, that created the document. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has resources that can help someone request divorce records. These resources include a list of local offices and tools for requesting divorce records online. You may have to pay a fee to access records. In addition to using the tools provided by the state of Texas, you can sometimes access divorce records through third party websites.
How Do I Access My Divorce Decree or Certificate?
Now that you know about the different types of divorce records, you may be searching “how to get a copy of divorce decree in Texas”. You must request your divorce decree from the district clerk in the district in which you got divorced. This is also true for divorce certificates. Since certificates and divorce decrees in Texas are not public, you may have to verify your identity before you can access your records.
Contact Us With Questions
With so many different types of Texas divorce records, finding what you need can be confusing. Contact The Larson Law Office with any questions you may have about the record search. Erik and Diana Larson are ready to devote their full attention and years of experience to your concerns.
Navigating Texas Child Custody Laws
/in Child Custody Law /by Erik LarsonAn Overview of Texas Child Custody Laws
Unfortunately, even when parents try their best to insulate their children from the conflict, the divorce process can create tremendous turmoil and parents need to take special care to ensure that the divorce process does not negatively affect the children.
At the Larson Law Office, we understand that it’s best to solve custody disputes as soon as possible for the sake of your children.
Our family law attorneys know how to navigate Texas custody laws and are committed to helping you reach a quick, successful resolution.
Different Types of Child Custody
One of the most important steps in developing a parenting plan is setting up a custody arrangement with the opposing party. In Texas, there are two custody agreement options: joint conservatorship and sole conservatorship.
Joint Conservatorship
Child custody laws in Texas define joint custody—known in Texas as joint conservatorship—as an arrangement where both parents share in all decision-making regarding their child’s upbringing. This includes education, medical treatment, and more.
Physical possession of the child is only one part conservatorship. A custody order will grant one parent the right to determine the primary residence of the child. Unless the parties agree to a possession schedule, the court will also determine how much access the non-primary parent will have. This will often be either the standard or extended standard schedules outlined by the Texas Family Code. Custom schedules are also possible, particularly where the parties agree. And even with one parent designated as the primary residential parent, it is possible to have a 50/50 split, such as a week-on-week-off schedule.
Sole Conservatorship
Sole custody—known as sole managing conservatorship—usually comes into play when the behavior of one parent is detrimental to the well-being of the child in some way. This includes abuse, neglect, or drug and alcohol addiction. If the court finds that these circumstances exist, these situations can result in the non-offending party being awarded sole managing conservatorship. This means they have exclusive control over decisions regarding the child.
A party who is not named as a managing conservator will generally be named as a possessory conservator, meaning that they have rights to visitation. However, it is possible that the court will grant them only supervised visitation or restrict them from visiting at all.
How to File for Child Custody in Texas
Before you file, child custody laws in Texas require you to prove that your child’s home state is Texas. This means that your child must have lived at least six consecutive months in Texas with a parent or legal guardian before filing.
If your child meets the criteria, you should begin filling out the necessary paperwork with an experienced Texas family law attorney.
1. Fill Out Paperwork
The paperwork you fill out for child custody depends on your marital situation. You will either file a suit affecting the parent–child relationship (SAPCR) or file for a divorce. In cases where you and your spouse have children under 18, the divorce includes a SAPCR.
If you believe that the other parent will do something damaging or dangerous as retaliation, you can file for a temporary restraining order.
For divorce cases with children under 18 years old, you must complete the following forms:
If you are unable to pay court fees, you may also need to fill out a Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs. Once you fill out these forms, you must file them with the district court in the county where your child resides.
2. Notify the Attorney General’s Office If Required
If your child has ever received benefits related to Medicaid, food stamps, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), you must submit a copy of your petition to the attorney general’s office by email, mail, or fax.
If this does not apply to you, skip to step three.
3. Inform the Respondent
The other parent (respondent) must be informed about the petition. You can either do this by serving them court papers or asking them to fill out a form in person. Keep in mind that hiring someone to serve court papers usually costs money.
4. Wait for the Respondent to File
At this point, you do not need to do anything else. Wait to see if the opposing party files a response. Once they do, your next step is to attend a hearing or mediation to work out the details of the custody agreement.
5. Attend Mediation or a Court Hearing
Child custody laws in Texas allow parents to create their own custody agreement through mediation if they don’t want a judge to decide for them. If you have trouble coming up with an agreement in mediation, you can take the dispute to court. However, an experienced Texas family law attorney can help you avoid going to court and solve your custody dispute during mediation.
Need Help Navigating Child Custody Laws in Texas? Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney
Most parents just want what is best for their child. If you are considering filing for child custody or are in the middle of a custody dispute, you need an experienced family law attorney in Texas who will aggressively fight for your children.
At the Larson Law Office, we have years of experience with child custody cases throughout the state of Texas. We offer personalized service so that you don’t have to go through this alone. To schedule a free consultation, give us a call at 713-221-9088.
2021 Scholarship Winner
/in Uncategorized /by wyattTexas Child Visitation Enforcement Overview
/in Child Custody Law, Divorce Law, Family Court /by Erik LarsonCan You Get a Divorce While Pregnant in Texas?
/in Divorce Law /by Erik LarsonIf you are currently pregnant, you may be wondering whether you can get a divorce while pregnant in Texas.
The short answer is no.
Although you can start the divorce process while pregnant, Texas law requires you to wait to finalize the divorce.
Can You Still File for Divorce While Pregnant in Texas?
If you and your spouse consider divorce in Texas while pregnant, be prepared to wait. While state law permits you to file for divorce while pregnant in Texas, courts will not finalize a divorce until the birth of your child. Additionally, Texas family law requires that a divorce case be on file for at least 60 days before the divorce decree issues. So even though you can’t finalize your divorce until the baby is born, there’s no reason to wait to file your divorce. If you don’t file until after the baby is born, you will be stuck waiting at least another 60 days.
A domestic violence exception permits bypassing the waiting periods required for a divorce while pregnant in Texas. In these situations, courts may issue a protective order forcing your spouse to move out and not contact you or any other children. If you are a victim of domestic violence while pregnant, contact a family law attorney today to protect you and your unborn child.
Factors That May Delay a Texas Divorce While Pregnant
In addition to the waiting periods implemented by Texas law, whether one can divorce while pregnant in Texas is quickly complicated by the following additional factors: Texas courts require resolution of paternity and child support issues after the birth of the child.
Child Support
If you get pregnant while you are married, the Texas presumption of paternity recognizes your spouse as the biological father of your child. Therefore, the courts will wait to issue the divorce decree until the determination of child support, child visitation, and child custody issues after the child’s birth.
Paternity Issues
If your husband is not your child’s biological father, you still must wait to receive the finalization of your divorce in Texas. Although paternity issues do not hinder whether you can initially file for divorce while pregnant, these paternity issues may delay final judgment.
If your husband denies being the biological father of your child, you may need to conduct a paternity test after your child’s birth. However, if your husband refuses to submit to a paternity test, the court will not allow him to deny paternity.
Another way to rebut the presumption of paternity occurs when the presumed father files a denial of paternity and another man files an acknowledgement of paternity. Texas Family Code provides that the filing of these two documents discharges the presumed father from paternity and all rights and responsibilities of a parent.
As a child’s biological father must provide financial support, it’s best to uncover any paternity issues before obtaining a final divorce decree. If your spouse is not your child’s biological father, they will likely attempt to avoid financial responsibility for that child.
Contact Us
The answer to the question, Can I get a divorce while pregnant? is complicated. No law prohibits you from filing for divorce in Texas while pregnant. However, a resolution to your divorce must wait until the birth of your child. Despite these rules, pregnancy is not a permanent delay to your divorce.
If you have questions about a divorce while pregnant in Texas, contact The Larson Law Office today. The attorneys at The Larson Law Office provide custom, quality representation to all clients. We answer all questions from our clients personally and promptly. If you hire Erik or Diana as your divorce attorney, you only ever speak to Erik or Diana about your divorce.
The Larson Law Office commits to highly personalized representation, so no client ever feels left in the dark about their case. A divorce represents a deeply personal and emotional event. We support our clients through this transitional time and help you turn toward a brighter future for you and your family.
We dutifully represent clients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding metropolitan areas. Contact The Larson Law Office online, or call us today at 713-221-9088 for a complimentary case review regarding a divorce while pregnant in Texas.
How Long After Divorce Can You Remarry in Texas?
/in Divorce Law /by Erik LarsonMany people decide to remarry after divorcing their first spouse.
Whether you want to remarry soon after your divorce or after several years have passed, there are a few things you should know about remarrying after a Texas divorce.
Overview of Texas Law
Short answer: In Texas, you must wait thirty days after a judge finalizes your divorce to remarry. Your divorce is final on the day that the judge issues the final decree of divorce. On the thirty-first day after the judge issues the decree, you can legally remarry.
Are There Any Exceptions?
If you want to remarry the former spouse that you just divorced, there is no thirty-day waiting period requirement.
Why Is There a Waiting Period?
The thirty-day waiting period exists because, after a court finalizes a divorce, the parties to the divorce have thirty days to file an appeal. An appeal is a way to challenge the terms of the divorce agreement. Texas law requires a thirty-day waiting period after a divorce before remarriage so that both spouses can be certain that the terms of their divorce will not change.
It is possible to waive the thirty-day waiting period by filing a motion with the judge. You do not need your former spouse’s agreement to file a motion to waive the waiting period.
Waiving the Thirty-Day Waiting Period
A judge can grant your motion to waive the thirty-day waiting period for remarriage for good cause. Good cause can include a number of specific circumstances such as:
The judge has the ultimate discretion to consider the facts and circumstances of your situation and determine whether to waive the waiting period. Hiring a family law attorney can help you make the best possible case for why you should not have to wait thirty days to remarry.
How Many Times Can You Get Married in Texas?
There is no limit to how many times you can get married in Texas. You must divorce your previous spouse before remarrying. After getting divorced, you must wait thirty days or have a judge waive the waiting period before you remarry. As long as you follow these requirements, you can get married as many times as you want.
How a Lawyer Can Help with Your Divorce
If you want to remarry soon but do not think that a judge will waive the thirty-day waiting period, a lawyer may be able to help you finalize your divorce faster. Your attorney can advise you about whether you meet the requirements for an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorce proceedings often take less time than contested divorces.
A divorce attorney can also keep your desire to remarry in mind when negotiating your divorce agreement. If you value finalizing your divorce quickly over getting particular assets in the property division, a good lawyer will work to achieve your goals.
Finally, your lawyer can request a waiver of the thirty day waiting period in your original divorce petition. If you think you may want to remarry after divorce, you should hire a skilled family law attorney to handle your case.
Ask Us Your Questions
If you have questions about remarriage in Texas, The Larson Law Office has answers. We are a husband and wife team that prioritizes personalized client service. Our experienced divorce attorneys will devote their own time to the details of your case and help you plan for remarriage after divorce. Contact The Larson Law Office today.