What Questions Are Asked at a Divorce Hearing in Texas?

In Ector and Midland County courts, your attorney asks leading yes/no questions and the judge listens. Expect essentially this:

• "State your name. Are you the petitioner in this case?"
• "Were you a Texas resident for at least six months, and a resident of this county for ninety days, before filing?"
• "When did you marry? When did you separate?"
• "Has the marriage become insupportable due to discord or conflict of personalities, with no reasonable expectation of reconciliation?"
• "Is the property division in this decree just and right?" / "Have you and your spouse agreed on all terms?"
• (With children) "Are the conservatorship, possession, and support provisions in the child's best interest?" "Is child support set consistent with the Texas guidelines?"
• "Are you asking the court to restore your former name?"

Answer "yes," "no," or one short sentence. The judge signs the decree, and you're divorced that day (assuming the 60-day waiting period has run).

Temporary orders hearings focus on money and kids right now: your income and pay structure (oilfield schedules and per diems get scrutiny), monthly expenses, who has been doing school runs, meals, and doctor visits, and why your proposed possession schedule works. Final trial adds property: what you own, what it's worth, what's separate property (and your tracing proof), debts, and any fault grounds — adultery or cruelty questions will be direct and uncomfortable.

Cross-examination survival rules: listen to the full question; answer only that question; "I don't know" and "I don't remember" are legitimate answers; never guess numbers; stay calm when provoked — judges weigh demeanor heavily in custody cases. Rehearse with your lawyer, review your inventory and proposed decree line by line, and dress like it matters. Preparing to file first? Start with the grounds for divorce in Texas. We prepare every client before they take the stand: (432) 366-6000.