INSTRUCTIONS: TEXAS PETITION FOR DIVORCE WITH CHILDREN

To initiate a divorce in Texas from a spouse, you may file a petition without the help of an attorney. The Texas Petition For Divorce With Children discussed in this article can be found on the website of Texas Law Help, which provides many of the forms commonly used in the state's courtrooms.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 1: Write the names of both parties, write the court number, and the name of the county where it is located.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 2: List all children under age 18 who are part of the marriage.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 3: Under part 1, "Parties," give the full names of both spouses.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 4: In part 3, "Jurisdiction," indicate whether you or your spouse has lived in Texas for at least 90 days.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 5: Under part 4, "Marriage and Separation," list the dates you married and stopped living together.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 6: In part 5, "Children," list all information requested. Indicate whether the wife is pregnant. List the birthday and location of birth for every child, as well as where they live now. Note any court orders currently in effect concerning children. If children have any health insurance, record the policy number, cost of premium, who pays for it, and whether the insurance comes through the parent's workplace. Indicate whether or not you are filing a Family Information form. List any assets belonging to the children. List any children born to the wife during the marriage conceived by another man.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 7: In part 6, "Property," list all property you acquired before marriage, including any real estate, motor vehicles or land.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 8: In part 7, note if you wish for your name to be restored to what it was prior to marriage.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 9: In part 8, indicate if you have a protective order against your spouse.

Texas Petition For Divorce With Children Step 10: In part 9, indicate your wishes about how to serve your spouse with a copy of the petition. Sign and date the document.