Does my spouse need to be served with divorce papers?

Yes, in Texas, your spouse must be served with divorce papers in order to begin the divorce process. This requirement is known as “service by citation.” In order to serve your spouse, the divorce papers must be delivered to them in person, or in certain cases, by certified mail. The papers must include a citation, which is a legal document that notifies your spouse of the action taken against them and their rights to answer the divorce petition. The citation must also be published in a local newspaper. This is done to give notice to the public that you are filing for divorce. Once the papers have been served, your spouse must file an answer with the court within thirty days. This answer should state whether they agree to the terms of the divorce or not. If your spouse fails to file an answer, the court may enter a default judgment. This means that the terms of the divorce will be decided without further input from your spouse. Divorce is a difficult process, but it is important to ensure that the law is followed. By having your spouse served with divorce papers, you are guaranteeing that the divorce process is legally sound.

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Does my spouse need to be served with divorce papers?

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