reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter B. Grounds for Annulment › Section 6.108. Mental Incapacity

Sec. 6.108.  MENTAL INCAPACITY.  (a)  The court may grant an annulment of a marriage to a party to the marriage on the suit of the party or the party's guardian or next friend, if the court finds it to be in the party's best interest to be represented by a guardian or next friend, if:
(1)  at the time of the marriage the petitioner did not have the mental capacity to consent to marriage or to understand the nature of the marriage ceremony because of a mental disease or defect;  and
(2)  since the marriage ceremony, the petitioner has not voluntarily cohabited with the other party during a period when the petitioner possessed the mental capacity to recognize the marriage relationship.
(b)  The court may grant an annulment of a marriage to a party to the marriage if:
(1)  at the time of the marriage the other party did not have the mental capacity to consent to marriage or to understand the nature of the marriage ceremony because of a mental disease or defect;
(2)  at the time of the marriage the petitioner neither knew nor reasonably should have known of the mental disease or defect;  and
(3)  since the date the petitioner discovered or reasonably should have discovered the mental disease or defect, the petitioner has not voluntarily cohabited with the other party.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter B. Grounds for Annulment › Section 6.109. Concealed Divorce

Sec. 6.109.  CONCEALED DIVORCE.  (a)  The court may grant an annulment of a marriage to a party to the marriage if:
(1)  the other party was divorced from a third party within the 30-day period preceding the date of the marriage ceremony;
(2)  at the time of the marriage ceremony the petitioner did not know, and a reasonably prudent person would not have known, of the divorce;  and
(3)  since the petitioner discovered or a reasonably prudent person would have discovered the fact of the divorce, the petitioner has not voluntarily cohabited with the other party.
(b)  A suit may not be brought under this section after the first anniversary of the date of the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter B. Grounds for Annulment › Section 6.110. Marriage Less Than 72 Hours After Issuance of License

Sec. 6.110.  MARRIAGE LESS THAN 72 HOURS AFTER ISSUANCE OF LICENSE.  (a)  The court may grant an annulment of a marriage to a party to the marriage if the marriage ceremony took place in violation of Section 2.204 during the 72-hour period immediately following the issuance of the marriage license.
(b)  A suit may not be brought under this section after the 30th day after the date of the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter B. Grounds for Annulment › Section 6.111. Death of Party to Voidable Marriage

Sec. 6.111.  DEATH OF PARTY TO VOIDABLE MARRIAGE.  Except as provided by Subchapter C, Chapter 123, Estates Code, a marriage subject to annulment may not be challenged in a proceeding instituted after the death of either party to the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1170 (H.B. 391), Sec. 4.03, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 324 (S.B. 1488), Sec. 22.016, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.201. Consanguinity

Sec. 6.201.  CONSANGUINITY.  A marriage is void if one party to the marriage is related to the other as:
(1)  an ancestor or descendant, by blood or adoption;
(2)  a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;
(3)  a parent's brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption;  or
(4)  a son or daughter of a brother or sister, of the whole or half blood or by adoption.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.202. Marriage During Existence of Prior Marriage

Sec. 6.202.  MARRIAGE DURING EXISTENCE OF PRIOR MARRIAGE.  (a)  A marriage is void if entered into when either party has an existing marriage to another person that has not been dissolved by legal action or terminated by the death of the other spouse.
(b)  The later marriage that is void under this section becomes valid when the prior marriage is dissolved if, after the date of the dissolution, the parties have lived together as husband and wife and represented themselves to others as being married.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.203. Certain Void Marriages Validated

Sec. 6.203.  CERTAIN VOID MARRIAGES VALIDATED.  Except for a marriage that would have been void under Section 6.201, a marriage that was entered into before January 1, 1970, in violation of the prohibitions of Article 496, Penal Code of Texas, 1925, is validated from the date the marriage commenced if the parties continued until January 1, 1970, to live together as husband and wife and to represent themselves to others as being married.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.204. Recognition of Same-Sex Marriage or Civil Union

Sec. 6.204.  RECOGNITION OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE OR CIVIL UNION.  (a)  In this section, "civil union" means any relationship status other than marriage that:
(1)  is intended as an alternative to marriage or applies primarily to cohabitating persons;  and
(2)  grants to the parties of the relationship legal protections, benefits, or responsibilities granted to the spouses of a marriage.
(b)  A marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union is contrary to the public policy of this state and is void in this state.
(c)  The state or an agency or political subdivision of the state may not give effect to a:
(1)  public act, record, or judicial proceeding that creates, recognizes, or validates a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction;  or
(2)  right or claim to any legal protection, benefit, or responsibility asserted as a result of a marriage between persons of the same sex or a civil union in this state or in any other jurisdiction.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 124, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.205. Marriage to Minor

Sec. 6.205.  MARRIAGE TO MINOR.  A marriage is void if either party to the marriage is younger than 18 years of age, unless a court order removing the disabilities of minority of the party for general purposes has been obtained in this state or in another state.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 4.17, eff. September 1, 2005.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 52 (S.B. 432), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2007.
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 934 (S.B. 1705), Sec. 5, eff. September 1, 2017.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter C. Declaring a Marriage Void › Section 6.206. Marriage to Stepchild or Stepparent

Sec. 6.206.  MARRIAGE TO STEPCHILD OR STEPPARENT.  A marriage is void if a party is a current or former stepchild or stepparent of the other party.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 268 (S.B. 6), Sec. 4.17, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.301. General Residency Rule for Divorce Suit

Sec. 6.301.  GENERAL RESIDENCY RULE FOR DIVORCE SUIT.  A suit for divorce may not be maintained in this state unless at the time the suit is filed either the petitioner or the respondent has been:
(1)  a domiciliary of this state for the preceding six-month period;  and
(2)  a resident of the county in which the suit is filed for the preceding 90-day period.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.302. Suit for Divorce by Nonresident Spouse

Sec. 6.302.  SUIT FOR DIVORCE BY NONRESIDENT SPOUSE.  If one spouse has been a domiciliary of this state for at least the last six months, a spouse domiciled in another state or nation may file a suit for divorce in the county in which the domiciliary spouse resides at the time the petition is filed.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.303. Absence on Public Service

Sec. 6.303.  ABSENCE ON PUBLIC SERVICE.  Time spent by a Texas domiciliary outside this state or outside the county of residence of the domiciliary while in the service of the armed forces or other service of the United States or of this state, or while accompanying the domiciliary's spouse in the spouse's service of the armed forces or other service of the United States or of this state, is considered residence in this state and in that county.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 436 (S.B. 1159), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.304. Armed Forces Personnel Not Previously Residents

Sec. 6.304.  ARMED FORCES PERSONNEL NOT PREVIOUSLY RESIDENTS.  A person not previously a resident of this state who is serving in the armed forces of the United States and has been stationed at one or more military installations in this state for at least the last six months and at a military installation in a county of this state for at least the last 90 days, or who is accompanying the person's spouse during the spouse's military service in those locations and for those periods, is considered to be a Texas domiciliary and a resident of that county for those periods for the purpose of filing suit for dissolution of a marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 436 (S.B. 1159), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.305. Acquiring Jurisdiction Over Nonresident Respondent

Sec. 6.305.  ACQUIRING JURISDICTION OVER NONRESIDENT RESPONDENT.  (a)  If the petitioner in a suit for dissolution of a marriage is a resident or a domiciliary of this state at the time the suit for dissolution is filed, the court may exercise personal jurisdiction over the respondent or over the respondent's personal representative although the respondent is not a resident of this state if:
(1)  this state is the last marital residence of the petitioner and the respondent and the suit is filed before the second anniversary of the date on which marital residence ended;  or
(2)  there is any basis consistent with the constitutions of this state and the United States for the exercise of the personal jurisdiction.
(b)  A court acquiring jurisdiction under this section also acquires jurisdiction over the respondent in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.306. Jurisdiction to Annul Marriage

Sec. 6.306.  JURISDICTION TO ANNUL MARRIAGE.  (a)  A suit for annulment of a marriage may be maintained in this state only if the parties were married in this state or if either party is domiciled in this state.
(b)  A suit for annulment is a suit in rem, affecting the status of the parties to the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.307. Jurisdiction to Declare Marriage Void

Sec. 6.307.  JURISDICTION TO DECLARE MARRIAGE VOID.  (a)  Either party to a marriage made void by this chapter may sue to have the marriage declared void, or the court may declare the marriage void in a collateral proceeding.
(b)  The court may declare a marriage void only if:
(1)  the purported marriage was contracted in this state;  or
(2)  either party is domiciled in this state.
(c)  A suit to have a marriage declared void is a suit in rem, affecting the status of the parties to the purported marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter D. Jurisdiction, Venue, and Residence Qualifications › Section 6.308. Exercising Partial Jurisdiction

Sec. 6.308.  EXERCISING PARTIAL JURISDICTION.  (a)  A court in which a suit for dissolution of a marriage is filed may exercise its jurisdiction over those portions of the suit for which it has authority.
(b)  The court's authority to resolve the issues in controversy between the parties may be restricted because the court lacks:
(1)  the required personal jurisdiction over a nonresident party in a suit for dissolution of the marriage;
(2)  the required jurisdiction under Chapter 152;  or
(3)  the required jurisdiction under Chapter 159.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.401. Caption

Sec. 6.401.  CAPTION.  (a)  Pleadings in a suit for divorce or annulment shall be styled "In the Matter of the Marriage of __________ and __________."
(b)  Pleadings in a suit to declare a marriage void shall be styled "A Suit To Declare Void the Marriage of __________ and __________."
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.402. Pleadings

Sec. 6.402.  PLEADINGS.  (a)  A petition in a suit for dissolution of a marriage is sufficient without the necessity of specifying the underlying evidentiary facts if the petition alleges the grounds relied on substantially in the language of the statute.
(b)  Allegations of grounds for relief, matters of defense, or facts relied on for a temporary order that are stated in short and plain terms are not subject to special exceptions because of form or sufficiency.
(c)  The court shall strike an allegation of evidentiary fact from the pleadings on the motion of a party or on the court's own motion.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.403. Answer

Sec. 6.403.  ANSWER.  The respondent in a suit for dissolution of a marriage is not required to answer on oath or affirmation.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.4035. Waiver of Service

Sec. 6.4035.  WAIVER OF SERVICE.  (a)  A party to a suit for the dissolution of a marriage may waive the issuance or service of process after the suit is filed by filing with the clerk of the court in which the suit is filed the waiver of the party acknowledging receipt of a copy of the filed petition.
(b)  The waiver must contain the mailing address of the party who executed the waiver.
(c)  Notwithstanding Section 132.001, Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the waiver must be sworn before a notary public who is not an attorney in the suit.  This subsection does not apply if the party executing the waiver is incarcerated.
(d)  The Texas Rules of Civil Procedure do not apply to a waiver executed under this section.
(e)  The party executing the waiver may not sign the waiver using a digitized signature.
(f)  For purposes of this section, "digitized signature" has the meaning assigned by Section 101.0096.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 614, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 916 (H.B. 1366), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2013.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 198 (S.B. 814), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2015.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.404. Information Regarding Protective Orders

Sec. 6.404.  INFORMATION REGARDING PROTECTIVE ORDERS.  At any time while a suit for dissolution of a marriage is pending, if the court believes, on the basis of any information received by the court, that a party to the suit or a member of the party's family or household may be a victim of family violence, the court shall inform that party of the party's right to apply for a protective order under Title 4.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 361 (S.B. 1275), Sec. 2, eff. June 17, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.405. Protective Order and Related Orders

Sec. 6.405.  PROTECTIVE ORDER AND RELATED ORDERS.  (a)  The petition in a suit for dissolution of a marriage must state whether, in regard to a party to the suit or a child of a party to the suit:
(1)  there is in effect:
(A)  a protective order under Title 4;
(B)  a protective order under Subchapter A, Chapter 7B, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(C)  an order for emergency protection under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure; or
(2)  an application for an order described by Subdivision (1) is pending.
(b)  The petitioner shall attach to the petition a copy of each order described by Subsection (a)(1) in which a party to the suit or the child of a party to the suit was the applicant or victim of the conduct alleged in the application or order and the other party was the respondent or defendant of an action regarding the conduct alleged in the application or order without regard to the date of the order.  If a copy of the order is not available at the time of filing, the petition must state that a copy of the order will be filed with the court before any hearing.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 62, Sec. 6.04, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 885 (H.B. 3052), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 469 (H.B. 4173), Sec. 2.30, eff. January 1, 2021.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.406. Mandatory Joinder of Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship

Sec. 6.406.  MANDATORY JOINDER OF SUIT AFFECTING PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP.  (a)  The petition in a suit for dissolution of a marriage shall state whether there are children born or adopted of the marriage who are under 18 years of age or who are otherwise entitled to support as provided by Chapter 154.
(a-1)  If the parties to a suit for dissolution of a marriage are the intended parents under a gestational agreement that is in effect and that establishes a parent-child relationship between the parties as intended parents and an unborn child on the birth of the child, the petition in the suit for dissolution of a marriage shall state:
(1)  that the parties to the marriage have entered into a gestational agreement establishing a parent-child relationship between the parties as intended parents and an unborn child on the birth of the child;
(2)  whether the gestational mother under the agreement is pregnant or a child who is the subject of the agreement has been born; and
(3)  whether the agreement has been validated under Section 160.756.
(b)  If the parties are parents of a child, as defined by Section 101.003, and the child is not under the continuing jurisdiction of another court as provided by Chapter 155, the suit for dissolution of a marriage must include a suit affecting the parent-child relationship under Title 5.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 130 (H.B. 1689), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.407. Transfer of Suit Affecting Parent-Child Relationship to Divorce Court

Sec. 6.407.  TRANSFER OF SUIT AFFECTING PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP TO DIVORCE COURT.  (a)  If a suit affecting the parent-child relationship is pending at the time the suit for dissolution of a marriage is filed, the suit affecting the parent-child relationship shall be transferred as provided by Section 103.002 to the court in which the suit for dissolution is filed.
(b)  If the parties are parents of a child, as defined by Section 101.003, and the child is under the continuing jurisdiction of another court under Chapter 155, either party to the suit for dissolution of a marriage may move that court for transfer of the suit affecting the parent-child relationship to the court having jurisdiction of the suit for dissolution.  The court with continuing jurisdiction shall transfer the proceeding as provided by Chapter 155.  On the transfer of the proceedings, the court with jurisdiction of the suit for dissolution of a marriage shall consolidate the two causes of action.
(c)  After transfer of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship as provided in Chapter 155, the court with jurisdiction of the suit for dissolution of a marriage has jurisdiction to render an order in the suit affecting the parent-child relationship as provided by Title 5.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.408. Service of Citation

Sec. 6.408.  SERVICE OF CITATION.  Citation on the filing of an original petition in a suit for dissolution of a marriage shall be issued and served as in other civil cases.  Citation may also be served on any other person who has or who may assert an interest in the suit for dissolution of the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.409. Citation by Publication

Sec. 6.409.  CITATION BY PUBLICATION.  (a)  Citation in a suit for dissolution of a marriage may be by publication as in other civil cases, except that notice shall be published one time only.
(b)  The notice shall be sufficient if given in substantially the following form:
"STATE OF TEXAS
To (name of person to be served with citation), and to all whom it may concern (if the name of any person to be served with citation is unknown), Respondent(s),
"You have been sued.  You may employ an attorney.  If you or your attorney do not file a written answer with the clerk who issued this citation by 10 a.m. on the Monday next following the expiration of 20 days after you were served this citation and petition, a default judgment may be taken against you.  The petition of __________, Petitioner, was filed in the Court of __________ County, Texas, on the ______ day of __________, against __________, Respondent(s), numbered ______, and entitled  'In the Matter of Marriage of __________ and __________. The suit requests __________ (statement of relief sought).'
"The Court has authority in this suit to enter any judgment or decree dissolving the marriage and providing for the division of property that will be binding on you.
"Issued and given under my hand and seal of said Court at __________, Texas, this the ______ day of __________, ______.
"..............................
Clerk of the __________ Court of
____________ County, Texas
By _______, Deputy."
(c)  The form authorized in this section and the form authorized by Section 102.010 may be combined in appropriate situations.
(d)  If the citation is for a suit in which a parent-child relationship does not exist, service by publication may be completed by posting the citation at the courthouse door for seven days in the county in which the suit is filed.
(e)  If the petitioner or the petitioner's attorney of record makes an oath that no child presently under 18 years of age was born or adopted by the spouses and that no appreciable amount of property was accumulated by the spouses during the marriage, the court may dispense with the appointment of an attorney ad litem.  In a case in which citation was by publication, a statement of the evidence, approved and signed by the judge, shall be filed with the papers of the suit as a part of the record.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.410. Report to Accompany Petition

Sec. 6.410.  REPORT TO ACCOMPANY PETITION.  At the time a petition for divorce or annulment of a marriage is filed, the petitioner shall also file a completed report that may be used by the district clerk, at the time the petition is granted, to comply with Section 194.002, Health and Safety Code.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1128, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter E. Filing Suit › Section 6.411. Confidentiality of Pleadings

Sec. 6.411.  CONFIDENTIALITY OF PLEADINGS.  (a)  This section applies only in a county with a population of 3.4 million or more.
(b)  Except as otherwise provided by law, all pleadings and other documents filed with the court in a suit for dissolution of a marriage are confidential, are excepted from required public disclosure under Chapter 552, Government Code, and may not be released to a person who is not a party to the suit until after the date of service of citation or the 31st day after the date of filing the suit, whichever date is sooner.
Added by Acts 2003, 78th Leg., ch. 1314, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2003.
Renumbered from Family Code, Section 6.410 by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 728 (H.B. 2018), Sec. 23.001(24), eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.502. Temporary Injunction and Other Temporary Orders

Sec. 6.502.  TEMPORARY INJUNCTION AND OTHER TEMPORARY ORDERS.  (a)  While a suit for dissolution of a marriage is pending and on the motion of a party or on the court's own motion after notice and hearing, the court may render an appropriate order, including the granting of a temporary injunction for the preservation of the property and protection of the parties as deemed necessary and equitable and including an order directed to one or both parties:
(1)  requiring a sworn inventory and appraisement of the real and personal property owned or claimed by the parties and specifying the form, manner, and substance of the inventory and appraisal and list of debts and liabilities;
(2)  requiring payments to be made for the support of either spouse;
(3)  requiring the production of books, papers, documents, and tangible things by a party;
(4)  ordering payment of reasonable attorney's fees and expenses;
(5)  appointing a receiver for the preservation and protection of the property of the parties;
(6)  awarding one spouse exclusive occupancy of the residence during the pendency of the case;
(7)  prohibiting the parties, or either party, from spending funds beyond an amount the court determines to be for reasonable and necessary living expenses;
(8)  awarding one spouse exclusive control of a party's usual business or occupation;  or
(9)  prohibiting an act described by Section 6.501(a).
(a-1)  If the court on its own motion refers to mediation a suit described by Subsection (a) in which a motion for a temporary order described by that subsection is pending, the court may not postpone the initial hearing on the pending motion to a date that is later than the 30th day after the date set for the hearing.
(b)  Not later than the 30th day after the date a receiver is appointed under Subsection (a)(5), the receiver shall give notice of the appointment to each lienholder of any property under the receiver's control.
(c)  Not later than the seventh day after the date a receiver is appointed under Subsection (a)(5), the court shall issue written findings of fact and conclusions of law in support of the receiver's appointment.  If the court dispenses with the issuance of a bond between the spouses as provided by Section 6.503(b) in connection with the receiver's appointment, the court shall include in the court's findings an explanation of the reasons the court dispensed with the issuance of a bond.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.  Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 695, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.
Amended by:
Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 493 (H.B. 2703), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2017.
Acts 2023, 88th Leg., R.S., Ch. 509 (H.B. 2671), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2023.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.503. Affidavit, Verified Pleading, and Bond Not Required

Sec. 6.503.  AFFIDAVIT, VERIFIED PLEADING, AND BOND NOT REQUIRED.  (a)  A temporary restraining order or temporary injunction under this subchapter:
(1)  may be granted without an affidavit or a verified pleading stating specific facts showing that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result before notice can be served and a hearing can be held;  and
(2)  need not:
(A)  define the injury or state why it is irreparable;
(B)  state why the order was granted without notice;  or
(C)  include an order setting the suit for trial on the merits with respect to the ultimate relief sought.
(b)  In a suit for dissolution of a marriage, the court may dispense with the issuance of a bond between the spouses in connection with temporary orders for the protection of the parties and their property.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.504. Protective Orders

Sec. 6.504.  PROTECTIVE ORDERS.  On the motion of a party to a suit for dissolution of a marriage, the court may render a protective order as provided by Subtitle B, Title 4.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1193, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.505. Counseling

Sec. 6.505.  COUNSELING.  (a)  While a divorce suit is pending, the court may direct the parties to counsel with a person named by the court.
(b)  The person named by the court to counsel the parties shall submit a written report to the court and to the parties before the final hearing.  In the report, the counselor shall give only an opinion as to whether there exists a reasonable expectation of reconciliation of the parties and, if so, whether further counseling would be beneficial.  The sole purpose of the report is to aid the court in determining whether the suit for divorce should be continued pending further counseling.
(c)  A copy of the report shall be furnished to each party.
(d)  If the court believes that there is a reasonable expectation of the parties' reconciliation, the court may by written order continue the proceedings and direct the parties to a person named by the court for further counseling for a period fixed by the court not to exceed 60 days, subject to any terms, conditions, and limitations the court considers desirable.  In ordering counseling, the court shall consider the circumstances of the parties, including the needs of the parties' family and the availability of counseling services.  At the expiration of the period specified by the court, the counselor to whom the parties were directed shall report to the court whether the parties have complied with the court's order.  Thereafter, the court shall proceed as in a divorce suit generally.
(e)  If the court orders counseling under this section and the parties to the marriage are the parents of a child under 18 years of age born or adopted during the marriage, the counseling shall include counseling on issues that confront children who are the subject of a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1325, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.506. Contempt

Sec. 6.506.  CONTEMPT.  The violation of a temporary restraining order, temporary injunction, or other temporary order issued under this subchapter is punishable as contempt.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter F. Temporary Orders › Section 6.507. Interlocutory Appeal

Sec. 6.507.  INTERLOCUTORY APPEAL.  An order under this subchapter, except an order appointing a receiver, is not subject to interlocutory appeal.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter G. Alternative Dispute Resolution › Section 6.601. Arbitration Procedures

Sec. 6.601.  ARBITRATION PROCEDURES.  (a)  On written agreement of the parties, the court may refer a suit for dissolution of a marriage to arbitration.  The agreement must state whether the arbitration is binding or nonbinding.
(b)  If the parties agree to binding arbitration, the court shall render an order reflecting the arbitrator's award.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter G. Alternative Dispute Resolution › Section 6.6015. Determination of Validity and Enforceability of Contract Containing Agreement to Arbitrate

Sec. 6.6015.  DETERMINATION OF VALIDITY AND ENFORCEABILITY OF CONTRACT CONTAINING AGREEMENT TO ARBITRATE.  (a)  If a party to a suit for dissolution of a marriage opposes an application to compel arbitration or makes an application to stay arbitration and asserts that the contract containing the agreement to arbitrate is not valid or enforceable, notwithstanding any provision of the contract to the contrary, the court shall try the issue promptly and may order arbitration only if the court determines that the contract containing the agreement to arbitrate is valid and enforceable against the party seeking to avoid arbitration.
(b)  A determination under this section that a contract is valid and enforceable does not affect the court's authority to stay arbitration or refuse to compel arbitration on any other ground provided by law.
(c)  This section does not apply to:
(1)  a court order;
(2)  a mediated settlement agreement described by Section 6.602;
(3)  a collaborative law agreement described by Section 6.603;
(4)  a written settlement agreement reached at an informal settlement conference described by Section 6.604; or
(5)  any other agreement between the parties that is approved by a court.
Added by Acts 2011, 82nd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1088 (S.B. 1216), Sec. 1, eff. June 17, 2011.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter G. Alternative Dispute Resolution › Section 6.602. Mediation Procedures

Sec. 6.602.  MEDIATION PROCEDURES.  (a)  On the written agreement of the parties or on the court's own motion, the court may refer a suit for dissolution of a marriage to mediation.
(b)  A mediated settlement agreement is binding on the parties if the agreement:
(1)  provides, in a prominently displayed statement that is in boldfaced type or capital letters or underlined, that the agreement is not subject to revocation;
(2)  is signed by each party to the agreement;  and
(3)  is signed by the party's attorney, if any, who is present at the time the agreement is signed.
(c)  If a mediated settlement agreement meets the requirements of this section, a party is entitled to judgment on the mediated settlement agreement notwithstanding Rule 11, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, or another rule of law.
(d)  A party may at any time prior to the final mediation order file a written objection to the referral of a suit for dissolution of a marriage to mediation on the basis of family violence having been committed against the objecting party by the other party.  After an objection is filed, the suit may not be referred to mediation unless, on the request of the other party, a hearing is held and the court finds that a preponderance of the evidence does not support the objection.  If the suit is referred to mediation, the court shall order appropriate measures be taken to ensure the physical and emotional safety of the party who filed the objection.  The order shall provide that the parties not be required to have face-to-face contact and that the parties be placed in separate rooms during mediation.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.  Amended by Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 178, Sec. 2, eff. Aug. 30, 1999;  Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1351, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter G. Alternative Dispute Resolution › Section 6.604. Informal Settlement Conference

Sec. 6.604.  INFORMAL SETTLEMENT CONFERENCE.  (a)  The parties to a suit for dissolution of a marriage may agree to one or more informal settlement conferences and may agree that the settlement conferences may be conducted with or without the presence of the parties' attorneys, if any.
(b)  A written settlement agreement reached at an informal settlement conference is binding on the parties if the agreement:
(1)  provides, in a prominently displayed statement that is in boldfaced type or in capital letters or underlined, that the agreement is not subject to revocation;
(2)  is signed by each party to the agreement;  and
(3)  is signed by the party's attorney, if any, who is present at the time the agreement is signed.
(c)  If a written settlement agreement meets the requirements of Subsection (b), a party is entitled to judgment on the settlement agreement notwithstanding Rule 11, Texas Rules of Civil Procedure, or another rule of law.
(d)  If the court finds that the terms of the written informal settlement agreement are just and right, those terms are binding on the court.  If the court approves the agreement, the court may set forth the agreement in full or incorporate the agreement by reference in the final decree.
(e)  If the court finds that the terms of the written informal settlement agreement are not just and right, the court may request the parties to submit a revised agreement or set the case for a contested hearing.
Added by Acts 2005, 79th Leg., Ch. 477 (H.B. 202), Sec. 3, eff. September 1, 2005.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.701. Failure to Answer

Sec. 6.701.  FAILURE TO ANSWER.  In a suit for divorce, the petition may not be taken as confessed if the respondent does not file an answer.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.702. Waiting Period

Sec. 6.702.  WAITING PERIOD.  (a)  Except as provided by Subsection (c), the court may not grant a divorce before the 60th day after the date the suit was filed.  A decree rendered in violation of this subsection is not subject to collateral attack.
(b)  A waiting period is not required before a court may grant an annulment or declare a marriage void other than as required in civil cases generally.
(c)  A waiting period is not required under Subsection (a) before a court may grant a divorce in a suit in which the court finds that:
(1)  the respondent has been finally convicted of or received deferred adjudication for an offense involving family violence as defined by Section 71.004 against the petitioner or a member of the petitioner's household; or
(2)  the petitioner has an active protective order under Title 4 or an active magistrate's order for emergency protection under Article 17.292, Code of Criminal Procedure, based on a finding of family violence, against the respondent because of family violence committed during the marriage.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 896 (H.B. 72), Sec. 1, eff. June 19, 2009.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.703. Jury

Sec. 6.703.  JURY.  In a suit for dissolution of a marriage, either party may demand a jury trial unless the action is a suit to annul an underage marriage under Section 6.102.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
Amended by:
Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 52 (S.B. 432), Sec. 7, eff. September 1, 2007.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.704. Testimony of Husband or Wife

Sec. 6.704.  TESTIMONY OF HUSBAND OR WIFE.  (a)  In a suit for dissolution of a marriage, the husband and wife are competent witnesses for and against each other.  A spouse may not be compelled to testify as to a matter that will incriminate the spouse.
(b)  If the husband or wife testifies, the court or jury trying the case shall determine the credibility of the witness and the weight to be given the witness's testimony.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.705. Testimony by Marriage Counselor

Sec. 6.705.  TESTIMONY BY MARRIAGE COUNSELOR.  (a)  The report by the person named by the court to counsel the parties to a suit for divorce may not be admitted as evidence in the suit.
(b)  The person named by the court to counsel the parties is not competent to testify in any suit involving the parties or their children.
(c)  The files, records, and other work products of the counselor are privileged and confidential for all purposes and may not be admitted as evidence in any suit involving the parties or their children.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.
2023 Texas Statutes › Family Code › Title 1 - The Marriage Relationship › Subtitle C - Dissolution of Marriage › Chapter 6 - Suit for Dissolution of Marriage › Subchapter H. Trial and Appeal › Section 6.706. Change of Name

Sec. 6.706.  CHANGE OF NAME.  (a)  In a decree of divorce or annulment, the court shall change the name of a party specifically requesting the change to a name previously used by the party unless the court states in the decree a reason for denying the change of name.
(b)  The court may not deny a change of name solely to keep the last name of family members the same.
(c)  A change of name does not release a person from liability incurred by the person under a previous name or defeat a right the person held under a previous name.
(d)  A person whose name is changed under this section may apply for a change of name certificate from the clerk of the court as provided by Section 45.106.
Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 7, Sec. 1, eff. April 17, 1997.