When a marriage reaches a turning point, many people wonder whether they have options beyond divorce. One common question we hear is whether legal separation is available in Texas—and how it compares to divorce.

Family law in Texas can feel complicated, and one of the questions we hear often is: “If I already have a custody case with my spouse, and later I decide to file for divorce, will that divorce use the same case number, or will it start fresh with a new one?” It’s a great question, and the answer isn’t always easy to find online. Let’s walk through it together.

We often hear this question from clients considering divorce, and in most cases, the answer depends on your location and circumstances.