For couples who aren’t quite ready to tackle divorce, separation can be a great precursor, giving them time and space to figure out what they want to do. At North Texas Family Lawyers, we’ve helped many clients settle into separation, and one question we’re often asked is: how long do I have to be separated before filing for divorce?
The short answer is Texas doesn’t have a separation requirement.
This is the opposite approach taken by other states, many of which do require separation before filing. However, just because Texas isn’t one of them doesn’t mean there aren’t still a few caveats and limitations meant to slow down couples racing for divorce.
Can You File for Legal Separation in Texas?
No, you cannot file for legal separation in Texas. Texas courts do not recognize legal separation. However, you can still separate for as long as you would like.
The logic behind having people do so is sound.
- A separation period prevents quick divorces
- It provides a cooling-off period for level heads to, hopefully, prevail. This works like a frustrated parent forcing two fighting siblings to sit in the same room together until they aren’t angry.
- Afterward, if a couple still wants to part ways, you’ve ensured that divorce isn’t just their knee-jerk reaction to a complicated problem.
Other Ways in Which Texas Legal Separation Could Be Beneficial
This timeout period could have many perks. In exchange for this forced togetherness, states that require separation often allow couples to file a legal separation agreement. This offers many of the same protections you’d find in a regular divorce—things like
This gives couples the ability to focus on their relationship without having to worry about how these issues are being handled. So, while required separation might sound tedious, it actually can be beneficial, especially if you’re able to protect your rights in the process.
Getting “Legally” Separated in Texas
Unfortunately, legal separation isn’t something Texas currently recognizes. Under Lone Star state jurisdiction, you’re married until you aren’t—there is no in-between. However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to mimic the arrangement.
How to Mimic a Texas Legal Separation with a Partition and Exchange Agreement Contract
To offer you some of the protections in a legal separation, North Texas Family Lawyers can file a Partition and Exchange Agreement on your behalf.
This is a kind of postnuptial contract, which can be used to override the standard rules of community property and distribute assets according to how you choose. Furthermore, custody and childcare arrangements can be made through either a protective order or by filing a “Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship,” both of which can make your parenting plan legally binding. At the same time, you and your spouse are separated.
Other Things to Consider Before Divorce
Residency Requirements
While Texas might not enforce separation, that doesn’t mean there aren’t other methods they employ to slow down potential divorce candidates. One of these is residency.
To file for divorce in Texas, at least one of your duo has to have lived in the state continuously for six months. In addition, that person must meet the county requirement. This length can vary, but in Denton, the threshold is ninety days.
For the most part, these residency requirements are standard. However, there are a few exceptions (such as military assignments), and if you are unsure whether you qualify, you should discuss it with your family law attorney.
Mediation
Another potential roadblock to a quick divorce is mediation.
During mediation, a neutral third party (called a “mediator”) will meet with you and your spouse to try and help you reach an agreement outside of court. Mediators are licensed negotiators and typically have a lot of experience resolving complex issues like parenting plans, custody, property division, and alimony. Everything said in these proceedings is confidential, and attorneys are not required to be present (although we strongly recommend it since a mediator’s top priority is resolution, and not necessarily your best interest).
At North Texas Family Lawyers, we urge our clients to try mediation before proceeding to litigation. These negotiations are not only an excellent way to maintain control over your outcome, but they are significantly cheaper and faster than a traditional trial.
In Denton, mediation is not required; however, in some counties, you might not have a choice. Texas jurisdictions are not blind to the benefits of mediation—both for the couple and for an already overloaded court system. For this reason, mediation is often a mandatory step for anyone wishing to pursue a contested divorce.
Required Waiting Period
The most similar rule (in purpose) to a required separation period, however, is Texas’s waiting period.
According to the Texas Family Code, judges cannot make a final ruling on a divorce until sixty days after the filing date. Ergo, even if you wanted to rush your divorce through a hasty D.I.Y. process (which isn’t something we’d recommend, anyway), you’ll still be in a holding pattern for at least two months afterward.
Similar to the factors motivating enforced separation, this delay is designed to give couples time to reconcile—which, as crazy as it might sound, actually happens quite frequently. Hence, the only time courts are willing to make an exception to this rule is for situations involving domestic violence.
Baby Break
Finally, it may not happen as often, but it’s also worth mentioning that courts will almost always delay a divorce if one of the partners is pregnant. This holds true, even if the baby was fathered by someone outside the relationship.
Part of the reasoning behind this is that courts prefer to address all divorce-related matters simultaneously, including childcare responsibilities. Another part, however, is because of parentage. If there is a question in that regard, then you’ll need to establish paternity through genetic testing, a matter that cannot be resolved until after the baby is born.
Legal Separation Attorneys in Texas
In the end, sometimes absence does make the heart grow fonder. Hence, even if Texas doesn’t require it, separation can be the perfect solution for couples who need time and space to decide if divorce is right for them.
If you are contemplating the possibility of separation in Texas, the family law attorneys at North Texas Family Lawyers want to hear from you. Call us today at (972) 402-6367, or schedule a consultation online, and let us help you find a solution that will work best for your unique situation.