Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Family Law

I asked this question 2 days ago-no response. I hope you can help me! I have a friend who has been living with a man for more than 10 years and during that time she has been physically and emotionally abused. She has left him several times but has always gone back to him because of his threats about her possessions in the house and promises of him treating her better etc. What is her right to her things in the house? How can she arrange to remove things that belong to her and put them in a new place if and when she finds one? Does she need a court order or does she just need a constable to watch? I think she would leave the abuse if she had the assurance that she could keep most of her things because otherwise she would have nothing. She is sick and on disability and has a limited income. Please answer soon! Thank you!


Asked on 8/12/08, 7:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Family Law

Is she common-law married? If so, she can file for divorce, get a temporary hearing to sort out her belongings, and spousal support. Generally speaking she would own half of the assets and debts acquired during the marriage. (except from gift or inheritance).

If not, she needs to load up her car with her stuff and leave.

If she needs to wait until he has left the house to get her stuff, so that it is safe, then she should do that.

Civil escort usually only allow a 10 minute window to obtain clothing and toiletries; not hours of packing.

Read more
Answered on 8/12/08, 7:15 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Texas