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In Texas, property division in a divorce is based on community property laws, which means that all property acquired during the marriage is generally considered community property and is subject to division between the spouses in a divorce. However, separate property, which is property that was owned by one spouse before the marriage or acquired by gift or inheritance during the marriage, is not subject to division.

Here are some guidelines for property division in a divorce in Texas:
1. Identify and classify the property: All property must be identified, classified as community or separate, and valued. This includes real estate, personal property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, stocks, and any other assets.

2. Determine the value of the property: The court will consider the fair market value of the property at the time of the divorce.

3. Consider any factors that may affect the property’s value: For example, if the property is a business or a piece of real estate that is difficult to sell, the court may adjust the value accordingly.

4. Divide the property: The court will divide the community property in a way that is “just and right,” which means that the division should be fair and equitable, but not necessarily equal. The court will consider factors such as each spouse’s earning capacity, health, education, and the size and nature of the estate.


It’s important to note that debts and liabilities acquired during the marriage are also subject to division in a divorce.

There are two types of grounds for divorce in Texas: fault-based and no-fault.

Fault-based grounds for divorce
• Adultery
• Cruelty
• Abandonment
• Confinement in a mental hospital for at least three years
• Conviction of a felony

No-fault grounds for divorce
• Insupportability – This is the most common ground for divorce in Texas. It means that the marriage has broken down irretrievably and there is no reasonable possibility of reconciliation.
• Living apart for at least three years

In Texas, child support is calculated using the percentage of the noncustodial parent’s income, based on the number of children to be supported. The calculation takes into account the net resources of the noncustodial parent, which includes all income from most sources, minus certain deductions.

The net resources are calculated by subtracting certain deductions from the gross income, such as federal income tax, state income tax, social security tax, union dues, and health insurance premiums. After calculating the net resources, the percentage is applied to the noncustodial parent’s monthly net resources to determine the amount of child support.

Texas RioGrande Legal Aid is a great resource for understanding your child support obligation. https://www.trla.org/child-support

1. Pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement: Consider entering into a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement with your spouse that outlines the division of assets in the event of divorce. These agreements can be especially useful if you have substantial assets or if you own a business.

2. Keep separate property separate: If you have separate property, make sure to keep it separate from community property. This means not commingling separate funds with community funds and keeping separate assets in your name only.

3. Document and keep records: Keep good records of all assets, income, and expenses. This will be useful in the event of a divorce to prove what assets are separate property and what assets are community property.

4. Avoid hiding assets: Hiding assets during a divorce can result in serious legal consequences, including sanctions and penalties. It’s important to be transparent and honest about all assets and income.

5. Work with a qualified family law attorney: A qualified family law attorney can help you navigate the divorce process and protect your assets. They can also help you negotiate a fair and equitable property division settlement.

6. It’s important to note that the best way to protect your assets in a divorce will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified family law attorney who can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your individual needs and circumstances.

In a divorce in Texas, both parents have certain rights and responsibilities related to their children, and both spouses have certain rights and responsibilities related to property division and spousal support.

Here are some of the key rights and responsibilities of parents and spouses in a divorce in Texas:

Rights and responsibilities of parents:
1. Conservatorship: In Texas, conservatorship refers to the rights and duties each parent has in relation to their children. Both parents have the right to seek conservatorship of their children and to participate in decisions regarding their children’s health, education, and welfare. In many cases, one parent is awarded the exclusive right to determine the residence of the child, making that parent the custodial or primary parent.
2. Possession and Access: Both parents have the right to reasonable possession of and access to their children, unless it is not in the best interest of the child.

3. Child support: Both parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. The amount of child support is based on the child support guidelines set forth in the Texas Family Code.


Rights and responsibilities of spouses:
1. Property division: Both spouses have the right to seek a fair and equitable division of community property in a divorce. Separate property is not subject to division.

2. Spousal support: In some cases, one spouse may be entitled to spousal support (also called spousal maintenance) after a divorce. This is based on factors such as the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, and each spouse’s ability to support themselves.

3. Legal representation: Both spouses have the right to legal representation in a divorce.

4. It’s important to note that the specific rights and responsibilities of parents and spouses in a divorce will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case.

1. Contact an attorney: A family law attorney can help you understand your options for enforcing the court order and can represent you in court proceedings.

2. File a motion for enforcement: You can file a motion for enforcement with the court that issued the order. This motion asks the court to enforce the terms of the order and may result in penalties for the non-complying party.

3. Seek contempt of court: If the other party is willfully violating the court order, you may be able to seek a finding of contempt of court. This can result in fines, jail time, or other penalties for the non-complying party.

4. Seek a modification of the order: If the non-compliance is due to a change in circumstances, or if the other party continues to violate the court order, you may need to seek a modification of the court order rather than enforcement.


It’s important to keep records of all communications, payments, and other relevant information related to the court order. This can help you prove your case in court and increase your chances of a successful enforcement action.

In Texas, a prenuptial agreement is a legal contract that is entered into by two parties prior to marriage.

Here are the basic requirements for getting a prenuptial agreement:
1. Voluntary agreement: Both parties must enter into the prenuptial agreement voluntarily and without duress or coercion. It cannot be signed under pressure, fraud, or undue influence.

2. Full disclosure of assets and debts: Both parties must make a full and fair disclosure of their assets and debts. This means providing complete and accurate information about all property, income, and liabilities.

3. Fair and reasonable terms: The terms of the prenuptial agreement must be fair and reasonable at the time it is signed. It cannot be unconscionable or overly one-sided.

4. Written agreement: The prenuptial agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties in the presence of a notary public.

5. Enforceability: The prenuptial agreement must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in order to be enforceable.