Answer and counter petition for divorce [TX]

If you have been served with divorce papers, you essentially have three choices:u003cbru003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eDo nothingu003c/strongu003e. If you do nothing, the divorce will go on without your input and you will not have a say in matters regarding marital property, debts or even child custody. If you want to weigh in, you must file an answer, a counter petition, or both. u003c/liu003eu003cbru003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eFile an answeru003c/strongu003e. An “answer” is a legal form that you, the respondent, files with the court indicating that you want to participate in the divorce process. If you file an answer – referred to in Texas as the “respondents original answer” – it serves as a general denial of your spouse’s allegations and entitles you to notice of future proceedings. This is how to ensure you have a voice in the matter. When a respondents original answer is filed by an attorney, it serves as notice that you have counsel and that communication should be directed to your lawyer. u003c/liu003eu003cbru003eu003cliu003eu003cstrongu003eFile an answer and counter petition for divorce. u003c/strongu003e A counter petition for divorce is basically a countersuit against your spouse. It indicates that you, too, want a divorce and have your own specific requests. It allows you to state your own allegations against your spouse and to tell the judge what you would like to see happen. In other words, it allows you to strike back and present your side to the judge.u003cbru003eu003c/liu003e

Yes.u003cstrongu003e u003c/strongu003eIn Texas, an answer is due by 10 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from the date of service. To determine the deadline, find the day you received the petition, count 20 days, including weekends and holidays, and go to the next Monday. That is the day a response is due.

If you are served with divorce papers and you do not respond on or before the deadline, your spouse can receive a u003ca href=u0022https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm#:~:text=citation%20and%20petition%2C%20a-,default%20judgment,-may%20be%20takenu0022u003edefault judgmentu003c/au003e, also called a default divorce decree, which doesn’t take into account any of your wants or needs. The court can make determinations about child custody, support, debt and property division without your input.

No, if a counter petition has been filed in a divorce case, the spouse who initiated the proceedings can’t u003ca href=u0022https://versustexas.com/blog/dismiss-a-divorce-case-in-texas/u0022u003edismiss the divorce case u003c/au003e- not unless the other party also agrees. This is a benefit to filing a counter petition in a divorce; the case can’t be dismissed unless both parties agree.

Absolutely  –  and there is a high likelihood that it will be ordered by the judge. Even if both parties have essentially sued each other, mediation could help both sides come to an amicable resolution, therefore avoiding a costly and highly-emotional trial.

You don’t have to have an attorney to file an answer or counter petition for divorce. However, it is highly advisable. Divorce proceedings can be complicated and are deadline-driven. It’s best to have an experienced attorney handle your case, especially if your spouse has an attorney and you have children, property or significant assets.