TX HB2971

Allows Texas courts to adopt a written divorce agreement as the final decree without requiring parties to testify or appear in person before the court

Requires the agreement to include signatures from both parties, marriage and separation dates, grounds for divorce, property characterization (separate vs. community), and a proposed division of community property

Mandates that agreements involving children include a written parenting plan and child support agreement in accordance with existing Family Code requirements

Requires an accompanying affidavit or unsworn declaration attesting that the property division is just and right, and if children are involved, that the terms are in the children's best interest

Court must approve the agreement if terms are found to be just, right, and in children's best interest; if not, the court continues the case for further proceedings

Applies to divorce cases pending or filed on or after September 1, 2025