If a Texas court lacks personal jurisdiction over a nonresident spouse, its authority is significantly limited. While the court may still grant a divorce, it cannot issue binding orders regarding property division, spousal support, or other personal judgments against the nonresident spouse. This limitation can have profound implications for the outcome of the divorce, especially when significant assets or spousal support are at stake.
To avoid this, it is critical to establish personal jurisdiction through the long-arm statute or by proving the nonresident spouse’s minimum contacts with Texas. Failing to do so can result in a divorce that does not fully resolve all legal issues, potentially leading to further litigation in another state. For those seeking a comprehensive divorce resolution in Texas, ensuring that the court has full jurisdiction is a top priority.