Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Divorce
My wife filed for divorce and I did not respond. I then was served with a citation and ordered to answer the suit. During all of this we have been discussing trying to work things out and continue in our marrage but i still have to answer the court. What papers or forms do I need to file with the court to answer this citation? Do you have the forms or a location on line that I can download them and file them? Or can I just write a letter to the court?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Divorce
Write a letter to the court to deny everything. Let me know if you need assistance.
Re: Divorce
YOU NEED TO FILE AN ANSWER now!!!!
IF NOT, AND THE DIVORCE WAS FILED OVER 60 DAYS AGO, SHE CAN GET A DEFAULT DIVORCE AND SHE CAN GET WHATEVER SHE WANTS!
If you don't do anything after the judge signs the final decree of divorce, it becomes final in 30 days.
And you cannot change the property division. You also cannot change the child support for one year.
So if she testifies that you make $1 million per year, your child support will be high and you are obligated to pay it for one year. If you don't, you are in contempt of court and can go to jail.
In other words, you need to do something.
Are you taking me seriously yet?
If you trust your spouse, the Court will determine it's your own problem.
They have no sympathy when you get served papers by a process server or Sheriff and ignore them.
This is the ONLY notice you will receive from the court.
It's now on your shoulders to act or not act.
You will not receive a certified copy of the final decree of divorce in most Texas counties.
Again, it's your obligation to figure out how to order a copy and to understand what it says.
I urge you to retain an attorney.
I sell a fill in the blank "Answer" document for $20.
It is free to file it with the court.
I guess they are available on line. I don't know.
Type in "Texas Answer" and see what you get.