Texas divorce laws state that at least one of the parties must reside in Texas for a period of six months prior to filing for a divorce. If one spouse reaches the requirement, either spouse can actually file for a divorce in the state of Texas. It doesn't necessarily have to be the spouse who actually lives in the state. Temporary orders can be issued by the courts to cover issues such as child support and the like until the actual divorce is final. Grounds for a divorce in the state of Texas are adultery, abandonment, cruel and inhuman treatment, living separately for at least three years, irreconcilable differences/unable to re-unite, three years in a mental health facility, and felony conviction and imprisonment for at least one year. Texas law assumes that it is in the best interest of the child to issue both parents joint custody and by Texas law either parent can be ordered to pay child support.