Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Final Divorce Decree, Child Support and Name Change
My divorce became final 9-17-93; however, my final divorce decree is not in the file. I have requested it from my ex's atty. I was informed that he did not sign. Does this mean we are still married? On 9-17-93, the Judge also awarded spousal/child support; however, he was unemployed and I did not pursue. I have since requested the DA's office to reopen and enforce. He now lives in Texas and I have provided them with his info. What will happen now that he lives in another state? What will happen should he not sign the decree? Additionally, I want to go back to my maiden name, how should I go about doing that?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Final Divorce Decree, Child Support and Name Change
Sounds like you could singlehandedly keep an attorney
busy for a few weeks. You have 3 different issues, all
with different answers. 1. Whether your still married
is a good question. If a decree wasn't signed, it is
likely that you are. Check the docket sheet, or find
out the disposition of the case. See if judgment was
entered or the case dismissed for sitting around too
long. 2. If a child support order was entered (it may
be in the unfiled decree and thus never entered), sue
for child support. Texas works like every other state
and accepts foreign decrees. 3. In Texas, there is
a petition to change your name if you do so after the
divorce is final (if yours is). I do not know how
it is done outside Texas.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
