Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
How to rescind paperwork that is filed with the court?
I am in the process of trying to get a divorce. My divorce was filed by my husband in the state of Texas. He gave me a 'waiver of citation' and I signed it and filed it with the court. My husband left Texas without setting up or going to the court date. I really wanted to get this over with but when I called the court they said since I filed that waiver I am not able to set up the court date. They told me I could file some paper to rescind the waiver however I do not know what papers. I need to know what the next step should be? I cannot file here in TN because I am not yet considered a resident so i have to go through Texas. What next?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: How to rescind paperwork that is filed with the court?
You stated that your husband filed suit for divorce in Texas, but did not pursue it to a hearing. You should hire an attorney who will file an Answer and a CounterPetition for Divorce, and set the case for a hearing with proper notice to the opposing party. The CounterPetition will prevent your husband from dismissing his suit.
Re: How to rescind paperwork that is filed with the court?
Since you do not live in Texas, you may be better off getting the divorce Tennessee. That would depend on the states' respective property division laws and, if applicable, laws concerning children's issues. You need to talk to an attorney about the differences. It might behoove you to try to get the Texas action dismissed if your husband is not pursuing it. On the other hand, Texas might be better for you.
I believe that you received bad information about the waiver. The waiver may have just waived service of process for the divorce suit or it may have waived other rights, including the right to receive certain information or notice of hearing. An attorney should review the court's file for you to find out the actual status. Regardless of the waiver, there is nothing to stop you from filing an answer in the suit, effectively voiding the waiver. You can then set a hearing or conduct discovery, if necessary. If you want something in the divorce that was not in your husband's petition, or if you want to stop him from dismissing the suit, you need to file a counterpetition.
Good luck.