If you want to start a divorce process in Texas, you need to fill out and file an Original Petition for Divorce. It is an official request submitted to the court to end a marriage legally. In the document, a petitioner has to provide personal details about the parties, grounds for seeking marriage termination, requests for temporary orders, and claims on relevant matters like property division, child support, etc.
Download Original Petition for Divorce Form in PDF Format
Mandatory County Standing Orders
Filing an Original Petition for Divorce in 2026 often triggers automatic, legally binding county Standing Orders. Many Texas counties require these orders to be attached at filing, and they function as immediate injunctions. They prohibit hiding assets, canceling insurance, harassment, and changing a child’s residence or school while the case is pending. Ignoring or failing to attach these orders can result in contempt proceedings before the first hearing.
Compulsory Electronic Filing and Redaction
Electronic filing is now mandatory for all Texas divorce petitions. Petitioners must comply with strict “Sensitive Data” rules by redacting or separating information such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and the full names of minor children. This information is typically placed on a separate Sensitive Data Sheet, ensuring the public petition does not expose private details and meeting clerk requirements for acceptance.
Expanded Information for Children and High-Asset Claims
Petitions filed in 2026 must clearly address special circumstances to avoid early delays. When children are involved, the petition should reference the Expanded Standard Possession Order (ESPO) if the parents live within 50 miles of each other. For high-income cases, the petition must also state whether support above the $11,700 net-resource guideline cap is being sought, as these claims must be raised at the outset to preserve the court’s authority to grant them later.
Please note that the divorce documents provided in this article can only be used as samples. They may not be up-to-date or relevant to your divorce situation. OnlineDivorceTexas will provide you with all necessary documents needed to apply for a divorce in Texas with no delays. We will take care of the tedious paperwork required in your uncontested case.
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