3 Things you need to know about:
Divorce
1. Only one spouse must have established residency in Texas to file for divorce in Texas.
2. Texas law requires a "just and right" property distribution, not necessarily 50:50.
3. Unless waived by the Court, a newly divorced man or woman may not marry again for 30 days after the decree is final.
Child Support
1. Laws regarding establishing paternity have recently changed in Texas.
2. Your income tax refund can be garnished to satisfy child support judgments.
3. A parent providing support for a child can get credit for the other children for whom he or she provides support.
Adoption
1. Even a private adoption of a child in Texas by adoptive parents in another state requires agencies in both states to approve the adoption.
2. Under some circumstances, a child's name can be changed even if that child is not adopted.
3. A social study is required for completion of an adoption even in a step-parent adoption.
Enforcement
1. The Attorney General of Texas will enforce child support orders, but they do not represent the custodial parent. They represent the state.
2. Often the Court will order the non-compliant party to pay attorney fees for the parent attempting to collect past-due child support.
3. Harris County operates special courts charged with hearing child support cases brought by the Texas Attorney General.