Texas Supreme Court Approves DIY Divorce Forms
The Texas Supreme Court recently approved a set of standardized “do it yourself” divorce forms that certain couples may choose to use if they seek an uncontested divorce, meet income requirements, and have no children, according to a recent article in the Dallas Morning News.
The court ordered recently that a standardized divorce form should be made available for public comment. The purpose of the forms is to offer a standardized format, tailored to Texas divorce law, for couples with few assets and no children who wish to divorce as simply as possible. Currently, 48 other U.S. states offer similar forms tailored to their own laws.
The Texas Supreme Court noted a need for such forms in the state of Texas because many couples attempt the divorce process without the help of an attorney. In 2012, 58,000 people filed for divorce in Texas without a lawyer’s representation. While the court warns that this method is not a good idea in all divorce cases – those with significant assets or children especially benefit from an attorney’s help – it is a process that can be handled by some couples.
Opponents of the forms note that couples who use them may not be aware that they’re entitled to certain benefits from a divorcing spouse in some situations, like retirement benefits. And even couples who use the forms might benefit from speaking to an attorney first.
Divorce is a difficult event in the lives of any couple, but the help of an experienced Texas family law attorney can make the process easier and more effective in many ways. Don’t hesitate to contact an attorney if you have any questions about your family law situation.