How long after my divorce do I have to wait to get remarried?

There are some individuals that tell me they will never marry again and then there are those that ask me how soon they can remarry.  There is a 30 day remarriage prohibition. You must wait 30 days from the date the judge signs your Final Decree of Divorce to remarry. In rare cases, the judge may waive the 30-day remarriage prohibition for good cause shown.

At What Age Can A Child Choose Which Parent To Live With In Texas?

I am frequently asked at what age can a child choose which parent he/she wants to live with.  There is clearly a misunderstanding about children choosing who they want to live with. In Texas, children do not get to choose who they want to live with.  Section 153.009 of the Texas Family Code does allow for children to have a voice on the subject. The law allows for a party to request for the judge to confer with a child. Once a request is made for a judge to confer with a child, the judge must talk with children 12 years of age and older and may talk with children under the age of 12. Therefore, the law allows for children to state their preference, it does not allow them to choose.  The interview is merely evidence  courts can use to make its decision.  The court’s decision is ultimately based on what is in the best interest of the children.

What is a QDRO?

QDRO stands for Qualified Domestic Relations Order. It is pronounced KWAH-droh. A QDRO is commonly used in a divorce to assign a portion of one spouse’s (participant spouse) qualified retirement benefits to the participant’s former spouse.

What does SAPCR stand for?

In Texas, SAPCR stands for a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.   It is the name for suits that involve almost any issue regarding a child. This includes conservator issues and child support. In a divorce with children, a SAPCR is combined with a suit for dissolution of marriage.

What should I wear to court?

I tell my clients to dress as if they were going to church.  You should dress and act in a professional manner. If you are going to court on an uncontested divorce, you do not have to wear a suit, but you should dress neatly. Slacks and a collar shirt are acceptable.  Shorts,tank tops, sleeveless shirts and flip-flops are not appropriate courtroom attire.

How soon after my divorce can I get remarried?

In Texas, there is a 30-day remarriage prohibition. Therefore, neither party to a divorce may marry a third party before the 31st day after the date their divorce is decreed.  However, the former spouses may marry each other anytime.   A party to a divorce may request a waiver of the 30-day prohibition against marriage; however, they are not automatically granted because good cause must be shown for the waiver.