How Does the Texas Long-Arm Statute Affect Divorce Jurisdiction?

The Texas long-arm statute plays a significant role in determining whether a Texas court can exercise jurisdiction over a nonresident spouse in a divorce case. Under this statute, if Texas was the last marital residence of the spouses, or if there is any other constitutional basis for doing so, the court may exercise personal jurisdiction over a nonresident spouse. This means that even if one spouse has moved out of Texas, the state may still have the authority to rule on issues like property division and spousal support, provided the necessary conditions are met.

This is particularly relevant in cases where the spouses lived in Texas for a time, even if one spouse later relocates. The statute ensures that Texas courts can still handle the divorce comprehensively, provided the jurisdictional requirements are satisfied. For anyone involved in a cross-state divorce, understanding the long-arm statute is key to ensuring that the divorce is processed in Texas with all relevant issues addressed.