Amended Petitions in Family Law Cases

This article explains what to do when you need to change something in your starting documents in family law cases.

If there is something you want to add to (or remove from) the documents you filed with the court, you can file an “amended petition.” This article explains a little about the process.

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How do you change something in the original petition?

After filing your original petition, you might find that there is information you want to add to (or remove from) the documents you filed with the court. You can do this. File an “amended petition” to add something to, or withdraw something from, the original petition. Have an attorney look over your amended petition.

Note: There is no specific form for filing an amended petition. You could write the changes on a copy of the form you already filed, and follow the requirements for amended petitions. As such, Texaslawhelp.org does not have a form for this.

Note that TexasLawHelp's forms are not designed for amending. You may want to hire a lawyer to draft them for you (see limited scope representation). You can also review this Harris County Law Library presentation on finding and formatting legal forms and read TexasLawHelp's article about drafting court documents.

What is the effect of amending a petition?

An amended petition should be “entire and complete in itself,” meaning that it takes the place of the original document. If an amended petition is successfully filed, the original document is no longer a part of the record before the court.

Why might I want to file an amended petition?

Reasons you might file an amended petition include:

• Correcting something that was incorrectly stated in the original petition;
• Adding something that was accidentally left out of the original petition;
• Removing something that should not have been included in the original petition; or
• Including more detailed allegations after discovering new facts or evidence.

Is there a deadline for filing an amended petition?

Generally, a person can file an amended petition up to seven days before their hearing, unless a judge has stated otherwise.

What are the requirements for an amended petition?

An amended petition should specifically mention the document that is being amended. And it should have a descriptive title such as “Petitioner’s Amended Original Petition for Divorce,” or “Petitioner’s Amended Original Petition in Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship.” Also, the amended petition should be “entire and complete in itself,” meaning it takes the place of the original document. An original petition and an amended petition will not be considered together before the court.

Note: There is no specific form for filing an amended petition, so Texaslawhelp does not have a form for this.

Do I need to serve the other party with a copy of my amended petition?

Generally, only the initial paperwork must be served by a constable, sheriff, or private process server.

But it is necessary to serve an amended petition by a constable, sheriff, or private process server if the respondent has not filed an answer. If this situation applies to your case, read How to Serve the Initial Court Papers (Family Law) and follow these steps:

• Ask the clerk to reissue the citation and attach a copy of your amended petition, and
• Arrange for the respondent to be served by a constable, sheriff, or private process server (with the new citation and amended petition).

If the respondent has filed an answer, having a new citation issued and served is generally unnecessary. But you do need to give the respondent notice that you filed an amended petition. In this case, you must notify the respondent by sending them a copy of the amended petition by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested.

Determining whether your amended petition needs to be served by a constable, sheriff, or private process server can be complicated, especially if you are trying to finish your case by default. If you have questions, use Ask a Question to chat online with a lawyer or law student, or use the Legal Help Directory.

Does filing an amended petition start the clock over on any waiting periods?

Filing an amended petition can start the clock over on any waiting periods.

If you file your amended petition before the deadline to file an answer has passed, the following waiting periods apply:

• 20+ day waiting period: From the day the respondent is served with the amended petition, the respondent has until 10 a.m. on the first Monday 20 days after service.
  • Find the day the respondent was served on a calendar; count out 20 more days; then go to the next Monday. This is the last day of the respondent’s answer period. However, if the respondent files an answer any time before you finish your case, it will still count.
  • Important: When counting the 10-day waiting period, do not count the day the return of service is filed with the court, and do not count the day you go to court to finish your case.

  Does filing an amended petition start the clock over on the 60-day waiting period in a divorce?

  No. Filing an amended petition does not affect the 60-day waiting period required for finishing your divorce. The filing of the original petition commences at the start of the 60-day waiting period.

  Should I talk to a lawyer about amending the petition?

  These basic instructions are not a substitute for the legal advice and counsel of a lawyer. A lawyer is trained to protect your legal rights. Even if you decide to represent yourself, try to talk to a lawyer about your case before filing anything. Use the Legal Help Directory tool for help in locating a lawyer.