Top ten questions:
1. How do I get a divorce? - A divorce is started with the filing of an Original Petition for Divorce. This document is really nothing more than a lawsuit asking the court to dissolve the marriage, divide property and debt, make appropriate orders for children (if any), and enter judgment.
2 How long will it take to get a divorce? – There is a sixty day waiting period that begins on the day the divorce petition is filed. A divorce in Texas can not be granted before the expiration of sixty days from the day the divorce petition is filed. In most cases, divorces take between 2-8 months but there are always exceptions.
3. I am afraid of my spouse, what do I do? - There are many options under Texas Law if you fear for your physical safety or the safety of your children. If you are ever threatened or physically abused by your spouse call 911 immediately and explain in detail to the responding officer exactly what happened. Then consult with an attorney regarding the options available to you.
4. I was never married to the other parent of my child, how do I get child support? There is no requirement that the parties be married in order for the custodial parent to receive child support.
5. How much is child support? Child support is generally set at 20% of the net income for the first child, 25% for the next child, 30% for the next child, and so on. Child support is a complex issue and you should seek the advice of an attorney to clarify your individual situation.
6. I’m paying too much/receiving too little in Child Support, what can I do? If circumstances have changed since your divorce and you feel that your child support payments are incorrect, you can request a modification from the court.
7. My spouse is unemployed, how much child support will I get? If a person is unemployed at the time a child support order is established the Court will calculate child support based upon the federal minimum wage at 40 hours a week
8. I have an order establishing child support, but I am not getting it, what do I do? - Contact the Texas Attorney General www.oag.state.tx.us/index.shtml
9. I do not know where my spouse is - can I still get a divorce? Yes.
10. Is there an alternative way to reach an agreement for our divorce? Yes, mediation is an alternative to litigation that can be less expensive and less stressful for divorcing couples and their children. In the mediation process, the couple works with a trained mediator and their lawyers to reach an agreement on contested issues.
