Alerts for Do Your Own Divorce TEXAS 12th Edition

The 13th edition comes with a CD that includes the latest version of all forms in the book plus many others for special purposes, a sample Settlement Agreement, court information, the Texas Family Code, Links to resources, worksheets, tax tables and more!

Seven new or revised forms: Petition, Waiver, Decree, Standard Possession Order, Possession Order for Child Under Three, Recommended Possession Terms for Babies, and Child Support Order.

New Tax Charts for 2011 added to the companion CD.

Standing Orders. The companion CD now contains a folder with Standing Orders for 15 Texas counties that you attach to the Petition if you file in one of those counties.

New alimony laws – Page 65. The section on Spousal Maintenance has been substantially revised to reflect new legislation, effective Sept. 1, 2011, that expands a spouse's eligibility for alimony, the duration and amount allowed. This applies to cases with no settlement agreement if the matter has to be decided in court by a judge. Revised section also includes the legal definition of gross income for figuring the amount of alimony.

Divorce Helpline. Divorce Helpline service is no longer available in Texas and all references to it have been removed from the book.

Page 47 – Fraud. If a court finds fraud on the marital estate, the judge will calculate the value of the estate as if there had there been no fraud, then divide it as the judge thinks is just, including an award to the wronged spouse of an extra share, money damages, or both.

Page 55 – Babies under three. Prepare a Standard Possession Order (parenting schedule) and also a separate Possession Order for Children Under Three with a schedule that is more suitable for their age. See form 05-Ex3 on the 2011 CD for an example order, and form 05-EX3A for recommended terms for babies of various ages. The Standard Order will automatically become effective when the child reaches three.

Pages 85 – Standing Orders. New section. Many counties have Standing Orders that must be attached to any divorce petition filed in that county. These are designed to help keep the peace and protect children and property. Standing Orders for 15 different counties can be found on the 2011 companion CD. Other counties might also require standing orders, so check with the court clerk or local rules. If required in your county, get a copy and attach to your Petition before filing it.

What's new in the 13th Edition — Updated to Sept. 2011

	CD included! The 13th edition comes with a CD that includes the latest version of all forms in the book plus many others for special purposes, a sample Settlement Agreement, court information, the Texas Family Code, Links to resources, worksheets, tax tables and more! Seven new or revised forms: Petition, Waiver, Decree, Standard Possession Order, Possession Order for Child Under Three, Recommended Possession Terms for Babies, and Child Support Order. New Tax Charts for 2011 added to the companion CD. Standing Orders. The companion CD now contains a folder with Standing Orders for 15 Texas counties that you attach to the Petition if you file in one of those counties. New alimony laws – Page 65. The section on Spousal Maintenance has been substantially revised to reflect new legislation, effective Sept. 1, 2011, that expands a spouse's eligibility for alimony, the duration and amount allowed. This applies to cases with no settlement agreement if the matter has to be decided in court by a judge. Revised section also includes the legal definition of gross income for figuring the amount of alimony. Divorce Helpline. Divorce Helpline service is no longer available in Texas and all references to it have been removed from the book. Page 47 – Fraud. If a court finds fraud on the marital estate, the judge will calculate the value of the estate as if there had there been no fraud, then divide it as the judge thinks is just, including an award to the wronged spouse of an extra share, money damages, or both. Page 55 – Babies under three. Prepare a Standard Possession Order (parenting schedule) and also a separate Possession Order for Children Under Three with a schedule that is more suitable for their age. See form 05-Ex3 on the 2011 CD for an example order, and form 05-EX3A for recommended terms for babies of various ages. The Standard Order will automatically become effective when the child reaches three. Pages 85 – Standing Orders. New section. Many counties have Standing Orders that must be attached to any divorce petition filed in that county. These are designed to help keep the peace and protect children and property. Standing Orders for 15 different counties can be found on the 2011 companion CD. Other counties might also require standing orders, so check with the court clerk or local rules. If required in your county, get a copy and attach to your Petition before filing it.

Alerts for the 12th Edition
	May 11, 2010 Fixed Worksheet 1, Personal Info. Fields for items 33 and 37 were linked (identical) and needed to be made separate. To download the fixed worksheet, click here.
	November 6, 2009 Typo in form 05 - Ex7—Property and Debts.rtf Item 4 appears to state that Respondent is given assets as Petitioners separate property, which of course makes no sense. It should read: "Respondent is given the following as Respondent's sole and separate property ... etc." Please correct this form in your word processor, or click here to download a corrected form.

What's new in the 12th Edition — Updated to Sept. 2009

	CD included! The 12th edition comes with a CD that includes the latest version of all forms in the book, a sample Settlement Agreement, court information, the Texas Family Code, Links to resources, worksheets, tax tables and more! Four new or revised forms: Possession Order, Decree, Exhibit 2: Conservatorship, Exhibit 3: Possession Order. New Tax Charts for 2009 added to the companion CD. New Chapter A. rewritten and updated with lots of new information and advice. Pages 1–3, 33, Divorce Helpline. Divorce Helpline service now available in Texas. Tens of thousands helped since 1990. Call to see how Divorce Helpline can help you solve problems, reduce cost, stay out of court, do paperwork. (800) 359-7004. Page 38 – Marital estate. Clarified. Pages 41 – 42, Reimbursement. New section on reimbursement of funds spent by one estate to benefit another. For instance, if marital property was used to benefit one spouse's separate property, or vice–versa. Pages 43 – 46, Pension and retirment plans Rewritten with new information and advice. Page 52 – Wills, trusts, beneficiaries. Added section 7 with new information and advice. Pages 56 – 57, Standard Possession Order. Revised with updated information and advice. Page 60 – Figuring net monthly income. Updated information.. Page 63 – Health insurance. Revised with updated information and advice. Page 68 – Agreements re Joint Custody. Updated with new information and advice to conform to new legislation. Page 111 – Decree re Possession Order. Slightly amended. New Appendix B – Special Custody Rules for Military Personnel.