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If you are planning a fresh start in 2009, and that start includes being out of a marriage, there are some important dates for you to know.

Before I go on, for some readers this will sound like a terrible thing to discuss. For those not in a bad situation planning in advance for a divorce sounds wrong. Openly letting people know the dates they need to keep in mind sounds equally sad. However, the point of this post isn't to encourage a divorce, it is to let those who know a divorce is what they need, time to plan accordingly.

If you want a Texas divorce finalized before January 1, 2009, you have to have your petition filed before November 1, 2008. There is a sixty day waiting period, so any divorce filed after November first will automatically not be heard until 2009. If you want to be sure it is finished before January 1, 2009, then you should plan to file in advance. Allowing one week of preparation time for the attorney, and two weeks for court vacations or closings puts your deadline at October 11, 2008.

So, if you have already resolved yourself to a divorce, and you want it completed before January 1, 2009, I recommend you have retained your attorney and started the process before October 11, 2008.