What gets divided in a divorce in Texas?

Asked by: Willie Thiel  |  Last update: September 29, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (2 votes)

Texas is a community property state. In Texas Family Code Sec. 3.002, it states that everything you acquire during your marriage – money earned, real estate purchased, and any other property obtained– is considered to belong equally to both spouses and will be divided by the Court.

What is the wife entitled to in a divorce in Texas?

What is a wife entitled to in divorce in Texas? In Texas, all property that either spouse acquired during the marriage is subject to a just and equitable division. This usually equates to an equal split, but the Judge retains the ability to split property as they see fit based on the available evidence.

Do you get half of everything in a divorce in Texas?

Texas is a community property state that follows equitable distribution of marital property in the divorce process. This means your marital property is split into community property and separate property before the division. Your community property is any asset or debt that has been acquired throughout the marriage.

Is everything 50/50 in a divorce in Texas?

In a Texas divorce, the courts try to split property and assets equitably, but Texas isn't a 50/50 divorce state. A Court is charged with making a “just and right” division of the marital estate, taking into account a variety of factors.

How is property divided in Texas divorce?

Texas is one of nine states that is a community property jurisdiction. In general, this means that any property acquired by a couple during their marriage (with a few exceptions) is equally owned by both spouses.

How Is Property Divided in Texas During Divorce?

28 related questions found

Who has to leave the house in a divorce in Texas?

Legal and Practical Considerations: Legally, both spouses have an equal right to stay in the marital home unless a court decides otherwise. This is because, in Texas, a home bought during the marriage is considered community property, owned equally by both spouses.

Do men lose 50% in divorce?

Nine states (Arizona, California, Louisiana, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin) have what are known as community property laws, which divide marital property equally upon divorce. Marital property is generally defined as all income, property, and debts acquired during the marriage.

What is the 10 year rule for divorce in Texas?

The 10-year rule stipulates that a spouse may seek spousal support if the marriage lasted 10 years or longer. However, meeting this duration requirement does not automatically guarantee spousal support but rather makes it a possibility that the court will consider.

How are bank accounts split in a divorce in Texas?

In a Texas divorce, retirement accounts (individual retirement accounts, defined-benefit, defined-contribution plans, etc.), military retirement, bank accounts, investment and brokerage accounts, and stocks are ALL divisible by the Court, no matter what spouses' name is on the account.

Can I get half of my husband's retirement in a divorce in Texas?

In Texas, the law considers retirement accounts acquired during the marriage as community property. This means they are subject to division upon divorce. The division is not necessarily equal but must be just and right, considering the rights of each party and any children of the marriage.

How do I divorce my husband without losing everything?

Best Ways To Protect Your Money During Divorce
  1. Create an Asset Protection Trust. ...
  2. Legally Establish the Divorce. ...
  3. Open Accounts in Your Name Only. ...
  4. Identify All Your Assets. ...
  5. Get Copies of All Your Financial Statements. ...
  6. Freeze All Joint Bank Accounts. ...
  7. Make a Tax Preparation Plan. ...
  8. Know Your State Laws.

Do I have to give my wife money if we are separated?

A: You do not have to support your wife during separation or divorce unless it is court-ordered by a judge. However, if the court orders you to pay spousal support, you must pay that support.

Does it matter whose name is on the mortgage in a divorce?

Key takeaways. If you obtained a joint mortgage with your ex, you're both responsible for the debt, even after divorce. Divorcing couples with a joint mortgage typically sell the home, refinance the mortgage in one spouse's name or have one party buy out the other.

What can be used against you in a divorce in Texas?

Evidence That Can be Used Against a Spouse in a Texas Divorce
  • Infidelity. If your spouse can prove you committed adultery, they can be awarded a greater share of your marital assets and custody of your children. ...
  • Substance Use. ...
  • Abuse History. ...
  • Finances. ...
  • Social Media Posts. ...
  • Correspondence.

What can a woman get out of a divorce?

In California, a wife is entitled to half of the marital assets and up to 40% of her spouse's income for child support, spousal support, and other terms of the divorce settlement. If you are going through a divorce, it is important to explore the entitlements a wife has and how the final settlements are determined.

Do I have to support my wife after divorce in Texas?

Texas does have alimony, but Texas law favors alimony payments that are decided in private contracts as a part of divorce settlements over court ordered alimony. Texas does, however, allow for alimony or spousal support payments to be ordered, but there are very strict requirements that determine who is eligible.

Can I empty my bank account before divorce in Texas?

Similarly, in some counties in Texas, a Standing Order is automatically attached to every divorce petition. This order prevents either party from draining marital bank accounts or intentionally reducing the value of marital property.

Can my wife take everything in a divorce in Texas?

In Texas, a wife generally has the right to an equitable share of community property acquired during the marriage. This can include assets such as real estate, income, and debts. The courts aim for a “just and right” division by considering factors like earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and future needs.

Can a spouse hide bank accounts in a divorce?

Do Bank Statements Have to be Disclosed in California Divorce? Under California law, each spouse is required to file a full financial disclosure report at the time of the divorce proceeding. This may include disclosure of bank statements and other assets.

What not to do during a divorce in Texas?

Things to Avoid During Divorce
  • Do Not Disclose Confidential Information to Others. ...
  • Do Not Hide/Destroy Property or Documents. ...
  • Do Not Incur Unusual Debts/Liabilities. ...
  • Do Not Discuss the Settlement with Spouse. ...
  • Do Not Belittle Your Spouse to Other People, Especially the Children.

Who gets the house in a divorce in Texas?

So, in a Texas divorce, who gets the house? The answer is that you're both entitled to it and must decide together what to do with it.

How much does it cost to divorce in Texas?

The average cost of a divorce in Texas can vary significantly; an uncontested divorce typically ranges from $300 to $5,000, whereas a contested divorce can exceed $20,000 depending on the complexity of the case. It is essential to consider the type of divorce to estimate the potential expenses accurately.

Who loses most in a divorce?

Though men can feel financially stressed after the divorce because they may have to pay alimony, child support, move out to another home, and generally spend more every month, many studies suggest that the economic impact of divorce adversely impacts women more than men.

How to avoid getting screwed in a divorce?

Ten Ways to Keep From Screwing Up Your Divorce
  1. Get professional help. ...
  2. Get your share. ...
  3. Insure your future. ...
  4. Terminate joint debt. ...
  5. Consider taxes on support. ...
  6. Transfer retirement assets. ...
  7. Rev up your retirement planning. ...
  8. Cut your ex out of your will.

Am I responsible for my husband's debts if we divorce?

Until you have a court order, any property or debt from your marriage still belongs to both of you. This is true no matter who is using it or who has it with them. The same is true of debts.