General Information

About This Guide

This research guide is intended to help you locate legal information about divorce and annulment in Texas. This page is for those representing themselves in court.

Please see the Practice Aids page for resources aimed at both attorneys and those who are representing themselves.

Texas Law

Below you will find references to areas of the Texas Family Code that govern divorce and annulment.

If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the "plain English" resources listed on this page, visit a law library to access other self-help publications, or speak to an attorney.

Texas Family Code
Chapters 6 through 9 of the Family Code govern divorces (dissolution of marriage), marital property, spousal maintenance (alimony), and post-decree proceedings, like enforcement and property division.

Explained in "Plain English"

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in "plain English."

Divorce Articles
These articles from TexasLawHelp discuss various concerns surrounding the divorce process.
FAQs: Filing a Divorce without Children
This FAQ page from TexasLawHelp addresses common questions about divorce in Texas. The questions do not address situations where children are involved, but may be of interest to anyone getting divorced.
Financial Resources & Help When You Are Divorcing With a Low Income
This page from TexasLawHelp provides information about assistance and strategies that may be available to you if you are divorcing and have a low income.
Pro Se Divorce Handbook: Representing Yourself in Family Court [PDF]
This handbook provides information about representing yourself in simple, uncontested divorce proceedings. It discusses issues related to marital property and child custody as well as court etiquette.

The Civil Court Process

Civil Litigation in Texas: The Basics in Three Phases
This article explains the three phases of civil litigation. It provides details on the initial phase which includes research, filing, notice and response, the discovery process, motions and requests. It also provides information on the trial and post-trial phases. Information all phases include links to the court rules, practical advice and related articles to walk you through the process.
Justice 101: The Client's Guide to Texas Civil Litigation
This video provides a basic overview of litigation. It covers basic definitions and the major steps involved when someone has a civil lawsuit. Topics include the attorney-client relationship, pleadings, discovery, motions, alternative dispute resolution, trial and appeal proceedings. (22 minutes)
What to Expect in Texas Family Law Court [PDF]
This is a guide, provided by the Texas Young Lawyers Association, on family law court proceedings. It provides a close look at the legal process for those unfamiliar with court proceedings in an effort to make the experience less difficult.

E-Books from the Texas State Law Library

Many of the e-books available through the State Law Library contain forms or drafting guides. Below are some e-book titles that may help you with your research on divorce in Texas.

Texas family law practice and procedure [electronic resource]
Covers: conservatorship, guardianship, premarital agreements, divorce, custody, spousal support, temporary orders, termination of parental rights, adoption, and more. Includes drafting guides for legal forms.
Texas family law practice manual [electronic resource]
This six-volume set from the State Bar of Texas contains many commonly used family law forms.
Divorce After 50: your guide to the unique legal & financial challenges [electronic resource]
Legal information and practical advice for older Americans dealing with divorce. Divorce rates are soaring among seniors, but the legal and emotional challenges you face as an older adult are different from those that apply to younger divorcees.
Divorce without court : a guide to mediation & collaborative divorce [electronic resource]
If you are trying to avoid legal bills and headaches during your divorce, this book can assist in guiding you through a negotiated divorce through means of mediation and/or collaboration.

Who Can I Contact?

Because state agencies are unable to offer legal advice to the public, there are not many official state resources for Texans needing help with their divorce. If you require assistance, consider speaking to an attorney or a legal aid organization. For help finding legal assistance, see the "Need Legal Assistance?" box on this page.

Texas Vital Statistics (Texas Department of State Health Services)
The Vital Statistics office can help you locate marriage or divorce records.
Travis County Reference Attorney
If you are filing on the uncontested docket (meaning both parties agree) in Travis County, the reference attorney is available to review forms and assist with the process. The reference attorney cannot represent either party.

Divorce