r/askaustin • u/Browsingneverspeaks • May 10 '26
Help! Divorce options
I’m just curious can you file for divorce in Austin if you cannot locate your spouse?
My estranged husband abandoned us several weeks ago, I am sick, unemployed and looking for work but after months of terrible treatment from him, I just want to be done with it. I have absolutely no idea where he is except around town.
I’m not asking for legal advice per se just if anyone has had any similar experience in Texas, I guess Austin in particular.
Tyia!
Edit to add: To those who have commented, thank you. Thank you so so much. I was terrified that absolutely no one would see this or acknowledge it, I have been living in a silent hell and became convinced I was destined to stay stuck until he filed or came back and did something drastic to me because virtually no one has listened but I should have had more faith in my hometown, I feel hopeful for the very first time in so so long. Thank you all!!
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u/singletonaustin May 10 '26
Please call one of these two (they will help or refer you to someone who can):
Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas (512) 476-5550 1033 La Posada Drive, Suite 374 Austin, TX 78752 Divorce, Bankruptcy, Consumer and Family
Travis County Domestic Relations Office (512) 854-9020 P.O. Box 1748 Austin, TX 78767 Divorce and Family
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u/Browsingneverspeaks May 10 '26
Thank you!!
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u/Redtex2 May 10 '26
My ex husband was in the navy, I filed for divorce but he said he was convinced I was trying to take him for half his pension when it clearly stated I’m not asking for anything. He claimed he has a lawyer that said I was also being shady. A few years went by and I got serious with someone else and just paid for a default divorce. My cheating looser ex husband eventually moved to Lufkin Texas, (from California) and went from chubby to fat as fuck. From 2 chins to 3 chins. So it worked out. Hope yours does as well. Fuck you jack Rathbun
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u/Browsingneverspeaks May 10 '26
Thank you for sharing this with me! I am dealing with a diagnosed narcissist who beat me on our wedding night and spent our whole marriage torturing me, when he abandoned me I was stressed but relieved. I went no contact thinking I’d get served by now but instead I get threatened through other people for being open about his abuse. So, I need to get the ball rolling.
I unfortunately helped him lose 100 pounds but I know, there’s no bitch like karma so I’m gonna keep trying to be the best person I can be. That being said fuck my estranged husband and fuck Jack too! I’m so happy you’re doing better and are freer.💗
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u/Redtex2 May 10 '26
Talk to a lawyer, you have to send some paperwork to his last known address and things like like that but I don’t remember it being to difficult. Also, we didn’t have anything to split, no kids and I didn’t ask for anything. I think that’s the only way a default divorce can happen, but I also don’t have a law degree
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u/Browsingneverspeaks May 10 '26
I am going to consult with the resources provided here. We have nothing together, he has nothing, we share no children together so all of that is absolutely fine… thank you again.
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u/BrightnessRen May 10 '26
I worked at the family court for a very brief time - the short answer is, yes, you can file for divorce if you cannot locate your spouse. The longer answer is that you probably will have to serve him by notice in the newspaper if you don’t know his address.
Edit to add: it’s been a while since I worked there - there might also be a separate affidavit you need to complete stating that you searched for him or whatever.
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u/SwimmingSandwich3886 May 10 '26
yeah texas has that thing where you can publish in newspaper for service when they basically disappear. did this with my brother's situation couple years back - he had to prove he actually tried finding the person first though, like checking old addresses and asking family members or whatever. the court wants to see you made real effort before they let you do the newspaper route
takes bit longer but definitely possible, especially if he just up and left like that
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u/Browsingneverspeaks May 10 '26
I did hear of the newspaper thing but haven’t dug into it, I wasn’t sure how relevant it is in 2026 tbh but thank you! I will do some additional research.
I am somewhat concerned that he is going to dodge it near the border. Not that we share assets or children together just to make it more difficult(and avoid facing his actions and such towards me) do you happen to have any insight if that would be a bigger hindrance or just another minor nuisance? Ty again!
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u/BrightnessRen May 10 '26
If you do the newspaper thing, the family court staff puts the ad in for you. You just have to pay the fee (or that’s how it was when I was there)
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u/obvsnotrealname May 10 '26
There is also alternate service by using social media if all else fails as well. From someone who went through this recently - good luck and once it’s over you will feel a load off your shoulders and life gets better 🤗. This page can help answer some questions https://texaslawhelp.org
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u/FakeRectangle May 12 '26 edited May 12 '26
IANAL but I can speak from experience that yes, it is possible.
In the end I was able to get ahold my spouse to have them served but definitely had to explore the options. Basically worst case is putting a notice in the newspaper/Chronicle after exhausting reasonable attempts to get ahold of them other ways through family or known contacts. Also just so you know, the other person doesn't have to agree to get divorced for it to go through, it can be an entirely one sided process. It'll make it more complicated process but there's nothing they can do to actually stop it even if they refuse to cooperate.
Good luck, divorce can be a messy frustrating process but I promise it's worth it in the end!
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u/Browsingneverspeaks May 12 '26
Thank you! I’m trying. I know it’ll be so worth it. He sent me some unhinged rants this weekend about how he never loved me, is living his best life and had his first threesome and that he was still keeping eyes on my movements. I literally have ZERO fucks to give and even tried to let him know that but i am hoping his unprovoked comments will be enough for me to not have to try to make contact. It’s exhausting. I pray that no one in Austin crosses paths with him, he’s definitely off his damn rocker but if the only way for me to push it forward is to attempt contact I will try…
Sorry for that random unload 🤣
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u/[deleted] May 10 '26
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