HOW TO "PROVE UP" YOUR DIVORCE IN FRONT OF THE JUDGE ON AN UNCONTESTED DIVORCE

1. My name is (State your Name).  I reside at (Say home address including county).

2. I am married to (Name of Spouse).

3. Prior to the filing of this divorce action, I resided in the State of Texas for at least six months and in ________ County for at least 90 days.

4. Choose one of the below:

   a.   The Respondent has signed a Waiver of Service.

                                 OR

   b.    The Respondent was served with Citation, and has not filed an appearance.

5. I was married to the Respondent on (Date of Marriage).

6. The Respondent and I ceased to live together on or about  (Date of Separation).

7. The marriage has become insupportable because of discord and conflict of personalities between my spouse and me which renders further living together impossible.

8. This is no chance of reconciliation.

9. Choose one of the below:

   a.   There were no children born or adopted to this marriage.

   b.   There are no children born or adopted from this marriage who are still under the age of 18.

                                   OR

   c.   There were (say number)_children born or adopted during this marriage and their names are:

         (say names and ages of kids

10.   I am not pregnant (if female) or my wife is not pregnant (if male).

11.   My wife (if male) or I (if female) did not give birth to any child during the marriage who has a different biological father than (my husband or myself).

10. IF THERE ARE CHILDREN:  We have entered into an agreement concerning child support and visitation which we believe is in the best interest of the child.

11. The Respondent and I have EITHER:

   a. not acquired any community property and we will keep any personal property now in our possession.

                                   OR

   b. The Respondent and I have entered into an agreement concerning our property and debts which we believe is fair and equitable to both of us.   

12. (Say this if you have both signed the divorce decree:)

      We have both signed the Agreed Final Decree of Divorce.  I recognize the signature on the Divorce Decree to be that of my spouse. 

13.  The divorce decree accurately reflects the agreements between my spouse and myself.

14.   IF YOU OR YOUR WIFE WANT A NAME CHANGE:

        a.   I  (or my wife) would like to change my name to:  _______________________.

         b.   I (or my wife is) am not changing my name to avoid creditors or criminal prosecution.

         c.    I (or my wife) have/has used this name before.

15.   I am asking the Court to approve our agreements and grant my divorce (and name change-- if applicable).

THAT'S ALL, YOUR HONOR.