You and your spouse made the decision to divorce, agreeing to move forward peacefully. With this mutual goal, settling the matter through an uncontested divorce is your chosen path. But is this the best fit for your situation? To find out, you need to review whether your situation meets the non-negotiable prerequisites in Texas.
Meeting state legal requirements for divorce
You or your spouse must have lived in Texas for the preceding six months before filing for divorce. Furthermore, one spouse must have resided in the county where the divorce papers are filed for the preceding 90 days.
Agreeing to all divorce terms
The biggest requirement you must meet is a mutual agreement on all key issues, including property division, child custody and spousal support. Both parties should present a signed marital settlement agreement that details the final arrangements for every issue. A single unresolved disagreement can transform your case from uncontested to contested.
Providing full financial disclosure
The courts require both spouses to provide full financial disclosure that details each other’s assets, income, liabilities and expenses. This transparency builds trust and ensures that asset division properly follows community property rules. If either of you fails to uphold this, disputes can arise and prolong your divorce case.
Assessing your situation
If you meet all the non-negotiable requirements, the uncontested option is likely the right choice. However, deciding is only the first hurdle of the process. You also need to complete and file the paperwork properly. An experienced divorce attorney can review your prepared documents and offer guidance to avoid costly legal errors.