Divorce timeline

After filing a petition for divorce, Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before the court can grant the divorce (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.702). Residency: at least one spouse must have been a Texas resident for 6 months and a county resident for 90 days (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.301).

Community property

Texas is a community-property state. Property and debt acquired during marriage are presumed community property, divided "just and right" at divorce (not necessarily 50/50; the court considers fault, earning capacity, and other factors). Separate property (pre-marriage assets, gifts, inheritance) is not divided.

Conservatorship (custody)

Texas uses "conservatorship" instead of "custody." The default expectation is Joint Managing Conservatorship — both parents share rights — unless evidence shows it's not in the child's best interest (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.131). Possession schedules typically follow the Standard Possession Order (Tex. Fam. Code § 153.252).

Child support

Texas uses guideline percentages of the obligor's monthly net resources, capped at the first $9,200 of monthly net resources (Tex. Fam. Code § 154.125, as periodically adjusted): 20% for 1 child, 25% for 2, 30% for 3, 35% for 4, 40% for 5+.

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