Federal due process is a key consideration when a Texas court seeks to exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident spouse in a divorce case. Under federal law, for a court to assert jurisdiction, the nonresident must have established “minimum contacts” with the state, and the exercise of jurisdiction must align with traditional notions of fair play and substantial justice. This means that the nonresident spouse’s interactions with Texas should be significant enough that they could reasonably expect to be brought into court there.
If a nonresident spouse has only limited or accidental connections to Texas, asserting personal jurisdiction may violate due process, potentially invalidating any court orders related to the divorce. Thus, for those involved in an interstate divorce, it’s essential to ensure that the requirements of federal due process are met, ensuring that any judgments rendered by the Texas courts are enforceable and legally sound.