Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859 (Tex. App. 1995). · Go Syfert
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859 (Tex. App. 1995). Cases Citing This Book View Copy Cite
62 citation events (50 in the last 25 years) across 6 distinct courts.
Strongest positive: Benton Wilcoxon v. Sparkie Properties LLC (txctapp11, 2025-12-31)
Treatment trajectory · 1995 → 2026 · click a year to view as-of
1995 2010 2026
Top citers, strongest first. 49 distinct citers. How cited ↗
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Benton Wilcoxon v. Sparkie Properties LLC
txctapp11 · 2025 · confidence medium
Arnold v. Price, 365 S.W.3d 455, 458 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2011, no pet.) (citing Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ)); Klingenschmitt v. Weinstein, 342 S.W.3d 131, 133 (Tex. App.— Dallas 2011 , no pet.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rubiela Williams v. Ennis Williams
S.C. Ct. App. · 2022 · confidence medium
Ct. App. 1994) (holding member consented by making general appearance and filing answer with counterclaims without contesting jurisdiction); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App. 1995) (deciding member consented by filing general answer and not contesting court's jurisdiction until appeal)). "[S]tates have held that consent by a military spouse may be express or implied, and that a general appearance coupled with a failure to timely object to personal jurisdiction constitute implied consent under [s]ection 1408(c)(4)(C)." Pierce v. Pierce, 132 So. 3d 553, 562 (Miss. 2014) (citing Ju…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) BROADBENT v. BROADBENT
Okla. Civ. App. · 2019 · confidence medium
See also White v. White, 543 So.2d 126 (La.App.1989) (consent can be implied after a general appearance, which waives all personal jurisdiction objections); Judkins v. Judkins, 441 S.E.2d 139 (CA. 1994) (member consented by making general appearance and filing answer with counterclaims without contesting jurisdiction); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.1995) (member consented by filing general answer and not contesting court's jurisdiction until appeal). ¶13 We find the court had personal jurisdiction over Husband to divide his military retirement.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Christopher Todd Rust v. Aslynn Tanis Rust
Tex. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.— Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see Kawasaki Steel Corp. v. Middleton, 699 S.W.2d 199, 201 (Tex. 1985); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n.14 (1985) (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Clinton Hucks and Shalynn Hucks v. Valerie Salazar and Julissa Salinas
Tex. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); Boyd v. Kobierowski, 283 S.W.3d 19, 21 (Tex. App.—San Antonio 2009, no pet.) (“A general appearance entered before a special appearance waives any special appearance complaint.”); see First Oil P.L.C., 264 S.W.3d at 776 (setting out that strict compliance with special-appearance rule of civil procedure 120a is required because failure to do so results in waiver”). ”[A] party enters a general appearance when [they] (1) invoke the judgment of the court on any question other than the court’s jurisdiction, (2…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Martha A. Delgado v. Jose Luis Delgado
Tex. App. · 2018 · confidence medium
Code§ 7.001 ............................................................. 13 PRAYER................................................................................................................. 15 CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE ................................................... .. ........ .......................... ............ 16 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE ............................................................................................................ 16 11 INDEX OF AUTHORITIES STATE CASES PAGES Bell v. Campbell, 328 S.W.3d 618, 620 (Tex. App.-El Paso 2010, no pet.} ..... 5, 6 Burney…
discussed Cited as authority (rule) In Re the Marriage of Williams
Kan. Ct. App. · 2016 · confidence medium
App. 734, 737 , 441 S.E. 2d 139 [1994]); the Texas Court of Appeals (Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 [Tex. App. 1995]); the Washington Court of Appeals (Marriage of Parks, 48 Wash. App. 166, 170 , 737 P.2d 1316 [1987]); the Wisconsin Court of Appeals (In re Marriage of Kildea v. Kildea, 143 Wis. 2d 108, 114 , 420 N.W. 2d 391 [1988]); and the Virginia Court of Appeals (Lenhart v. Burgett, No. 0528-94-1, 1995 WL 129140 , at *2 [Va. App. 1995] [unpublished opinion]).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Celeste Grynberg and Jack J. Grynberg D/B/A Grynberg Petroleum v. M-I L.L.C.
Tex. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ); Boyd v. Kobierowski, 283 S.W.3d 19, 21 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 2009, no pet.) (“A general appearance entered before a special appearance waives any special appearance complaint.”); see First Oil PLC, 264 S.W.3d at 776 (setting out that strict compliance with special-appearance rule of civil procedure 120a is required because failure to do so results in waiver); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewiez, 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n. 14, 105 S.Ct. 2174 , 85 L.Ed.2d 528 (1985) (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waiv…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kelly Patrick Amos v. State of Texas
Tex. App. · 2012 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see also Burger King Corp., 471 U.S. at 472 n.14 (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jeanna Nicole Arnold v. Matthew Price (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jeanna Nicole Arnold v. Matthew Price (2×) also: Cited "see"
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) SBG Development Services, L.P. v. NuRock Group, Inc. Individually and D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc. NuRock Development Group, Inc. D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc. NuRock Development, Ltd. D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc.
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz , 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n.14, 105 S. Ct. 2174, 2182 (1985) (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) SBG Development Services, L.P. v. NuRock Group, Inc. Individually and D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc. NuRock Development Group, Inc. D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc. NuRock Development, Ltd. D/B/A NuRock Development, Inc.
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n.14, 105 S. Ct. 2174, 2182 (1985) (―[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.‖).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Eric Branckaert v. Valerie Otou
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n.14, 105 S. Ct. 2174 , 2182 n.14 (1985) (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.”).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gardner Aldrich, LLP v. Michael Robert Tedder
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Code Ann. § 38.001 (West 2008). [4] AMX Enters., L.L.P. , 283 S.W.3d at 516–17 (citations omitted). [5] See id. at 520 . [6] Sundance Oil Co. v. Aztec Pipe & Supply Co. , 576 S.W.2d 780, 781 (Tex. 1978). [7] Hawkins v. Ehler , 100 S.W.3d 534, 541 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 2003, no pet.); Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ). [8] Sprick v. Sprick , 25 S.W.3d 7, 13 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1999, pet. denied). [9] Wileman v. Wade , 665 S.W.2d 519 , 520–21 (Tex. App.—Dallas 1983, no writ). [10] 900 S.W.2d 108 , 111–12 (Tex. App.—Houston [14th Dist.] 19…
cited Cited as authority (rule) Gardner Aldrich, LLP v. Michael Robert Tedder
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Hawkins v. Ehler, 100 S.W.3d 534, 541 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 2003, no pet.); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ). 8 .
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Klingenschmitt v. Weinstein
Tex. App. · 2011 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ); see also Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 471 U.S. 462 , 472 n. 14, 105 S.Ct. 2174 , 85 L.Ed.2d 528 (1985) (“[T]he personal jurisdiction requirement is a waivable right.”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Milacron Inc. v. Performance Rail Tie, L.P.
Tex. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Milacron Inc. v. Performance Rail Tie, L.P.
Tex. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Milacron Inc. v. Performance Rail Tie, L.P.
Tex. App. · 2008 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Providian National Bank v. Ebarb
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
See also Sprick v. Sprick, 25 S.W.3d 7, 13 (Tex.App.-El Paso 1999, pet. denied); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Providian National Bank v. Kerri Ebarb and George Ebarb
Tex. App. · 2005 · confidence medium
See also Sprick v. Sprick , 25 S.W.3d 7, 13 (Tex. App.--El Paso 1999, pet. denied); Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Freeman v. Freeman
Tex. App. · 2004 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 864 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Silbaugh v. Ramirez
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Exito Electronics, Co., Ltd. v. Trejo
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Exito Electronics, Co., Ltd. v. Virginia Trejo
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Gutierrez v. Cayman Islands Firm of Deloitte & Touche (2×)
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Rule 120a “requires strict compliance.” Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) James Emanuel French v. Deborah Lynn French
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
Cockerham v. Cockerham , 527 S.W.2d 162, 171 (Tex. 1975); Sprick v. Sprick , 25 S.W.3d 7, 13 (Tex. App.--El Paso 1999, pet. filed); Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ). 15.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) James Emanuel French v. Deborah Lynn French
Tex. App. · 2003 · confidence medium
App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1981, writ dism’d). 12: Finch , 825 S.W.2d at 221 ; Wallace , 623 S.W.2d at 725 . 13: Pletcher v. Goetz , 9 S.W.3d 442, 446 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1999, pet. denied). 14: Cockerham v. Cockerham , 527 S.W.2d 162, 171 (Tex. 1975); Sprick v. Sprick , 25 S.W.3d 7, 13 (Tex. App.—El Paso 1999, pet. filed); Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ). 15: Sprick , 25 S.W.3d at 13 ; see Tex. Fam.
cited Cited as authority (rule) Kathleen Silbaugh v. Arturo v. Ramirez
Tex. App. · 2002 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Limbaugh v. Limbaugh
Tex. App. · 2002 · confidence medium
Id. § 1450(f)(4) (West 1998); Schneider v. Schneider, 5 S.W.3d 925, 927-28 (Tex.App.-Austin 1999, no pet.); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 864-65 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Shapolsky v. Brewton
Tex. App. · 2001 · confidence medium
Rule 120a “requires strict compliance.” Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App. — Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Ambassador Medical, Inc. v. Camacho, Jorge Arredondo
Tex. App. · 2000 · confidence medium
P. 120a; Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
cited Cited as authority (rule) N803RA, INC. v. Hammer
Tex. App. · 2000 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Sprick v. Sprick (2×)
Tex. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
Id., citing Cockerham v. Cockerham, 527 S.W.2d 162, 171 (Tex. 1975); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App. — Fort Worth 1995, no writ); and Jones v. Jones, 890 S.W.2d 471, 475 (Tex.App. — Corpus Christi 1994, writ denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Rebecca Ann Bray v. William Joseph Bray
Tex. App. · 1999 · confidence medium
I recognize that Rebecca's interest in the retirement benefits is generally considered a community property interest despite the wording of the decree, see Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ); however, for purposes of the equitable recoupment doctrine, I believe that Rebecca's assertion of her right to those benefits in bankruptcy should be treated as a claim.
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Kimsey v. Kimsey
Tex. App. · 1998 · confidence medium
Cockerham v. Cockerham, 527 S.W.2d 162, 171 (Tex.1975); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); Jones v. Jones, 890 S.W.2d 471, 475 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1994, writ denied).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Dart v. Balaam
Tex. App. · 1997 · confidence medium
See South Carolina Nat’l Bank v. Westpac Banking Corp., 678 F.Supp. 596, 598-99 (D.S.C.1987); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ); Estate of Griffin v. Sumner, 604 S.W.2d 221, 227 (Tex.Civ.App.—San Antonio 1980, writ ref'd n.r.e.).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jim Arnold Corp. v. Bishop (2×)
Tex. App. · 1996 · confidence medium
Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 865 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited as authority (rule) Jones v. Sheehan, Young & Culp, P.C.
5th Cir. · 1996 · confidence medium
P.Ann. r. 121 (West 1979); Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 862 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, n.w.h.) ("Once a party enters an appearance by filing an answer without challenging jurisdiction, he is before the court for all purposes.”).
cited Cited as authority (rule) Edward D. Jones & Company and Delmar \Bo\" McKinney v. Pat Fletcher
unknown court · 1995 · confidence medium
App. P. 52(a); Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 864 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ); Carlisle v. Philip Morris, Inc. , 805 S.W.2d 498, 518 (Tex. App.--Austin 1991, writ denied).
discussed Cited "see" David De Leon v. Cherie D. De Leon
Tex. App. · 2016 · signal: see · confidence high
See Sabine Offshore Serv., Inc. v. City of Port Arthur, 595 S.W.2d 840, 841 (Tex. 1979). 5 See, e.g., Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 864 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (overruling former serviceperson’s claim that court erred in prohibiting him from changing his survivor benefit beneficiary and discussing federal statute providing that “if a divorce occurs after retirement and the member of the Survivor Benefit Plan had initially elected to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan when retiring, a court may order continued participation by the member in favor of the former spous…
cited Cited "see" Sheshtawy v. Sheshtawy
Tex. App. · 2004 · signal: see · confidence high
See Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App.Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (holding that it was not abuse of discretion to award the husband debts that were incurred by him for his business).
discussed Cited "see" Hawkins v. Ehler
Tex. App. · 2003 · signal: see · confidence high
See Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (It is well-established that debts contracted during the marriage are presumed to be community, unless it is shown the creditor agreed to look solely to the separate estate of the contracting spouse for satisfaction.).
discussed Cited "see" Robert Lee Hawkins v. Terry Lynn Ehler
Tex. App. · 2003 · signal: see · confidence high
See Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.--Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (It is well-established that debts contracted during the marriage are presumed to be community, unless it is shown the creditor agreed to look solely to the separate estate of the contracting spouse for satisfaction.).
discussed Cited "see" Robert Lee Hawkins v. Terry Lynn Ehler
Tex. App. · 2003 · signal: see · confidence high
See Morris v. Morris , 894 S.W.2d 859, 863 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no writ) (It is well-established that debts contracted during the marriage are presumed to be community, unless it is shown the creditor agreed to look solely to the separate estate of the contracting spouse for satisfaction.).
cited Cited "see, e.g." Marrita Murphy v. Daniel Jude Leveille
Tex. App. · 2020 · signal: see also · confidence low
See 10 U.S.C. § 1450 (f)(3)(B); see also Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859 , 864–65 (Tex. App.—Fort Worth 1995, no pet.).
cited Cited "see, e.g." David C. Goad v. the County of Guadalupe, Texas
Tex. App. · 2015 · signal: see, e.g. · confidence medium
See, e.g., Morris v. Morris. 894 S.W.2d 859,862 (Tex. App—Forth Worth 1995, no writ).
discussed Cited "see, e.g." In Re the Marriage of Eilers (2×)
Tex. App. · 2006 · signal: see also · confidence medium
P. 43.2(b); De La Garza v. Express-News Corp., 722 S.W.2d 251, 253 (Tex.App.-San Antonio 1986, no writ); see also Morris v. Morris, 894 S.W.2d 859, 864 (Tex.App.-Fort Worth 1995, no writ).
Retrieving the full opinion text from the archive…
Donald L. MORRIS, Appellant,
v.
Elizabeth Lawler MORRIS, Appellee
2-94-063-CV.
Court of Appeals of Texas.
Mar 30, 1995.
894 S.W.2d 859
Richard B. Tanner, Dallas, for appellant., Leigh Ann Fouts, Grand Prairie, for appel-lee.
Lattimore and Day.
Cited by 54 opinions  |  Published

OPINION

DAY, Justice.

Appellant Donald L. Morris appeals from a final decree of divorce which divided property, allocated debts and determined child custody and support. He brings five points of error: (1) the trial court erred by awarding appellee an amount of money and a percentage of any increase in appellant’s military retired pay; (2) the trial court erred by imposing alimony upon a retired military member; (3) the trial court abused its discretion in disproportionate division of the property and debts of the parties; (4) the .trial court erred by failing to insure that the signed decree followed its rendition as to the amount of monthly child support and circumstances of any increase; and (5) the trial court erred by prohibiting appellant from changing his survivor benefit beneficiary. Appellee brings one cross-point, claiming Donald’s appeal has been taken for purposes of delay and without sufficient cause, and asking us to award her damages under the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure. We overrule appellant’s first, second, third and fifth points of error and appellee/counter-appellant’s cross-point. We sustain appellant’s fourth point of error and modify the judgment of the trial court accordingly.

Donald Morris (“Donald”) entered the military in 1969. In 1970, he married appellee Elizabeth Lawler Morris (“Elizabeth”). Elizabeth filed for divorce on March 4, 1992, four days after Donald’s retirement from the United States Navy. At the time she filed for divorce, Elizabeth was separated from Donald and was living in Arlington, Texas. Donald was living in Lancaster, Texas. Donald filed an Original Answer, containing a General Denial, on March 20, 1992.

Donald and Elizabeth entered into Agreed Temporary Orders on May 28, 1992, wherein Donald was to pay $400.00 per month in child support and to pay the younger child’s orthodontic bill to Dr. John Valant. The case was called to trial on April 14, 1993, and the parties entered into an agreed settlement at that time. Such agreement called for Donald to pay $120.00 per month in child support and for Elizabeth to receive 50 percent of Donald’s military retirement benefits pay. Shortly thereafter, Donald learned he would be receiving disability payments in lieu of his retirement, which would preclude Elizabeth from receiving her full share of Donald’s retirement benefits. Donald informed Elizabeth of this change and offered to pay $400.00 in monthly child support if Elizabeth would not go after Donald’s retirement benefits if he were to discontinue receiving disability and resume receiving the retirement pay.

On July 8,1993, Elizabeth filed a Motion to Enforce Master’s Recommendation because of Donald’s failure to pay child support and the orthodontic bills. The trial court entered an Order to Set Aside Prior Agreement, and the case was set for final trial on August 26, 1993. At that time, the court ordered Donald to pay $110.00 per month in child support and also ordered Donald to pay $275.00 per month in child support if for any reason in any month Donald received disability income, in lieu of his normal retirement income. Although Elizabeth was awarded one-half of Donald’s retirement benefits, she maintains he continues to refuse to pay her that portion of the benefits owed.

In his first point of error, Donald claims the trial court committed reversible error by awarding Elizabeth' an amount of money and a percentage of any increase in Donald’s military retired pay. Donald concedes the trial court had in personam jurisdiction and that the trial court had general family law subject matter jurisdiction; however, he argues the trial court lacked jurisdiction over disposable retired pay under the Uniformed Services Former Spouses’ Protee[*862] tion Act (“FSPA”), 10 U.S.C.A. § 1408 (1983). Donald says the FSPA was intended to protect servieepersons from state laws which would not have been imposed absent assignment for military duty in the situs state. He says that, although the twenty-nine page final divorce decree references the jurisdictional aspects of the FSPA, all references pertain to Elizabeth, not to Donald. He argues that the trial court lacked the power to treat any disposable retired pay as property of the parties and that the disposition, as a result, is void.

Elizabeth’s response, unchallenged by appellant, is that Donald has remained in Texas since retirement and conducts several businesses out of his home in Texas. At the time the divorce was filed, Donald did not file a special appearance but instead filed a general answer, appeared at temporary hearings and entered into agreed temporary orders, appeared at two trials and never objected to the jurisdiction of the court to hear the divorce or any related matter. Donald does not dispute that he has remained in Texas, conducted several businesses out of his home in this state, or that in failing to file a special appearance to contest jurisdiction he has effectively waived this point.

Texas Rules of Civil Procedure allow a party to challenge the jurisdiction of a court over a person or property through a special appearance; however, the rule authorizing the special appearance mandates strict compliance. Tex.R.Civ.P. 120a; Slater v. Metro Nissan of Montclair, 801 S.W.2d 253 (Tex.Civ.App.—Fort Worth 1990, writ denied). Once a party enters an appearance by filing an answer without challenging jurisdiction, he is before the court for all purposes. West v. City Nat’l Bank of Birmingham, 597 S.W.2d 461, 464 (Tex.Civ.App.—Beaumont 1980, no writ).

10 U.S.C.A. § 1408(c)(4) (1983) provides as follows:

A court may not treat the disposable retired or retainer pay of a member in the manner described in paragraph (1) unless the court has jurisdiction over the member by reason of (A) his residence, other than because of military assignment, in the territorial jurisdiction of the court, (B) his domicile in the territorial jurisdiction of the court, or (C) his consent to the jurisdiction of the court.

Id.

Paragraph (1) of the FSPA states that:

Subject to the limitations of this section, a court may treat disposable retired or retainer pay payable to a member for pay periods beginning after June 25, 1981, either as property solely of the member or as property of the member and his spouse in accordance with the law of the jurisdiction of such court.

10 U.S.C.A § 1408(c)(1) (1983) (emphasis added).

Where the former serviceperson wishes to challenge jurisdiction, he or she must comply with the requirements of Rule 120a by filing a special appearance. Where the former ser-viceperson allows a trial to proceed without obtaining a ruling on his Rule 120a motion, the special appearance is waived and the party has consented to the court’s jurisdiction. Seeley v. Seeley, 690 S.W.2d 626, 628 (Tex.Civ.App.—Austin 1985, no writ).

Donald did not file a special appearance but instead filed a general answer. He appeared at hearings and was generally involved in the process between March 20, 1992, when he filed his answer, and December 9, 1993, when his Motion for New Trial was filed. Donald did nothing to challenge or contest the trial court’s jurisdiction during the entire process and waited to raise the issue during his appeal. Accordingly, point of error one is overruled.

In his second point of error, Donald claims the trial court erred by imposing alimony upon a retired military member. Donald claims the Texas marital property scheme as applied to disposable retired pay conflicts with the intent of the Texas legislature to not have permanent alimony. He says the division of military benefits here violates state law because it effectively imposes alimony upon him and that it also infringes upon his rights under the due process and/or equal protection clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution. He fails, however, to cite a[*863] single Texas case which even remotely defines the division of disposable retired military pay as alimony and instead offers a history lesson detailing Congress’ desire to demonstrate special concern for service personnel and a general, if unconvincing, public policy argument.

The FSPA allows state courts to continue to apply community property laws. See 10 U.S.C.A. § 1408; Cameron v. Cameron, 641 S.W.2d 210, 212-13 (Tex.1982). It is well-settled that military retirement benefits earned from years of service during the marriage are community property. TexFam. Code ANN. § 5.01 (Vernon 1993); Cearley v. Cearley, 544 S.W.2d 661 (Tex.1976); Taggart v. Taggart, 552 S.W.2d 422 (Tex.1977). Military retirement pay is a vested community property right, subject to division by the divorce court, and it is not alimony. United States v. Stelter, 553 S.W.2d 227, 229 (Tex.Civ.App.—El Paso 1977), reversed on other grounds, 567 S.W.2d 797 (1978). Donald’s second point of error is overruled.

In his third point of error, Donald claims the trial court erred in ordering him to pay all debts of the marriage and $1,500.00 in attorney fees. Donald claims it was a clear abuse of discretion for the trial court to depart from the basic rule of equitable distribution of assets and liabilities but fails to argue these bald assertions.

Elizabeth responds that among-the debts awarded to Donald were debts to Beneficial Finance, Mike Stringer and Softron International. Elizabeth notes Donald refinanced the Beneficial Finance debt in his own name during the marital separation and the creditor agreed to look only to him for payment. The debts owed Mike Stringer and Softron International were debts incurred by Donald for his businesses. Finally, Elizabeth notes the income tax debt was owed for taxes on Donald’s retirement pay, from which Elizabeth did not benefit. Elizabeth maintains the court was within its discretion to order Donald to pay attorney fees in light of what she calls Donald’s fraud regarding his receipt of disability pay in lieu of retirement pay.

The Texas Family Code does not require the trial court to make an equal division of the community estate. Rather, it vests wide discretion within the trial court to divide the property in a manner the court deems just and right. Tex.Fam.Code Ann. § 3.63 (Vernon 1993). “The role of the court of appeals in reviewing cases where property is divided in a divorce action is to determine only if there is an abuse of discretion.” Allen v. Allen, 646 S.W.2d 495, 496 (Tex.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1982, no writ). “This abuse must be clearly demonstrated or the discretion will not be disturbed on appeal and it will be presumed that the trial court acted properly.” Id. (citing Bell v. Bell, 513 S.W.2d 20 (Tex.1974)). Where, as here, the record does not contain any request for findings of fact and conclusions of law, the judgment of the trial court must be affirmed if it can be upheld on any legal theory that finds support in the evidence. In the interest of W.E.R., 669 S.W.2d 716, 717 (Tex.1984).

It is well-established that debts contracted during the marriage are presumed to be community, unless it is shown the creditor agreed to look solely to the separate estate of the contracting spouse for satisfaction. Humphrey v. Taylor, 673 S.W.2d 954, 956 (Tex.App.—Tyler 1984, no writ) (citing Cockerham v. Cockerham, 527 S.W.2d 162, 171 (Tex.1975)). We do not find it was a clear abuse of discretion to award Donald the debt to Beneficial Finance given that he had refinanced the note in his own name and the creditor agreed to the arrangement. It was not an abuse of discretion to award Donald the debts owed Mike Stringer and Softron International, particularly since those debts were incurred by Donald for his businesses, nor was it an abuse of discretion for Donald to be ordered to pay the tax debt.

The award of attorneys fees is one factor to consider in making an equitable division of the estate in a divorce. Simpson v. Simpson, 727 S.W.2d 662, 664 (Tex.App.—Dallas 1987, no writ) (citing Thomas v. Thomas, 525 S.W.2d 200, 201 (Tex.Civ.App.—Houston [1st Dist.] 1975, no writ)). We cannot say, then, that it was improper for the court to have ordered Donald to pay attorney fees, either. Donald’s third point of error is overruled.

[*864] In his fourth point of error, Donald claims the trial court committed reversible error by failing to insure the signed decree followed its rendition as to the amount of monthly child support and the circumstances of any increase. The final judgment stated that Donald was to pay $120.00 per month in child support and that in the event Donald became more than 10% disabled, Donald’s monthly child support obligation would increase to $275.00. The docket sheet reflects that Donald was to pay $120.00 per month in child support and that “[i]f in any mo. respondent] receives disability instead of retirement-support for that mo. will be $275.00” In the Statement of Facts, the trial court ordered Donald to pay $110.00 per month in child support and stated that “if for any reason Mr. Morris goes into the hospital then he is paid disability in lieu of his retirement pay and if for any month he is paid disability benefits in lieu of his retirement pay, support is set in the sum of $275 for that month.”

Donald, first says that this court should modify the judgment to be consistent with the judgment rendered on these two points “irrespective of any other relief,” but he then argues that this court should modify the final decree to provide for $110.00 per month in child support and payment of child support of $275.00 per month if Donald is 100% disabled and affirm.

Elizabeth’s response, unchallenged by Donald, is that Donald had ample opportunity to urge the trial court to correct the discrepancy between the language used by the trial court at the trial and the final judgment but repeatedly failed to do so. Elizabeth claims that although Donald was represented by counsel at the hearing on the Motion to Enter Judgment, which occurred on November 9, 1993 and at which the final agreed decree was signed, Donald failed to raise any objection as to the contents of the judgment. Further, she points out that Donald failed to raise any complaint about the language of the final decree in his Motion for New Trial, which was filed on December 9, 1993, before the court lost plenary power. However, Elizabeth recognizes the disparity between the amount of child support ordered by the court at the hearing and the amount reflected in the final agreed decree and says the strict language of the trial court should be incorporated into the decree.

In order to preserve a complaint for appellate review, a party must have presented to the trial court a timely request, objection or motion, stating the specific grounds for the ruling he desired the court to make. Tex.R.Apf.P. 52(a). It is also necessary for the complaining party to obtain a ruling upon the party’s request, objection or motion. Id. Although Donald failed to show due diligence to cause the order to be corrected and arguably waived his complaint, see McCaskill v. McCaskill, 761 S.W.2d 470, 474 (Tex.App.—Corpus Christi 1988, writ denied); Dodson v. Seymour, 664 S.W.2d 158, 160 (Tex.App.—San Antonio 1983, no writ), there clearly is a disparity in the amount of child support ordered at the hearing and in the decree. Although Donald made an inadequate effort to bring this discrepancy to the attention of the trial court, both parties have requested the judgment be corrected to reflect the court’s strict language. Therefore, we modify the judgment of the trial court pursuant to Tex. RApp.P. 80(b). Donald is ordered to pay $110.00 per month in child support, and if for any reason in any month he receives disability income in lieu of his normal retirement income, Donald is ordered to pay $275.00 per month in'child support.

In his fifth point of error, Donald claims the trial court erred by prohibiting him from changing his survivor benefit beneficiary. Donald argues that federal law has preempted this area and that state courts are not free to substitute their decision for Congress’ action. However, Elizabeth points out that 10 U.S.C.A. § 1447 (1983) provides that if a divorce occurs after retirement and the member of the Survivor Benefit Plan had initially elected to participate in the Survivor Benefit Plan when retiring, a court may order continued participation by the member in favor of the former spouse.

Donald answered ‘Tes” when asked whether he had the benefit in place. The court was within its authority to order continued participation pursuant to 10 U.S.C.A.[*865] § 1450(f) (1983). Donald’s fifth point of error is overruled.

In her cross-point, Elizabeth argues that Donald has no reasonable ground to believe the trial court’s judgment will be reversed and asks that we award her damages of ten percent of the amount in dispute pursuant to rule 84 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure.

Elizabeth argues that established law in this jurisdiction is contrary to any possible theory raised by appellant as to four of his five points of error and that in the one point of error where Donald might have been entitled to relief, point of error four, the appropriate action of this court would have been correction and clarification by the trial court rather than reversal. She further argues that the history of the case, a review of the record and examination of the authorities relied upon by the parties can only lead to the conclusion that the sole purpose of Donald in perfecting his appeal was to delay final adjudication.

Rule 84 of the Texas Rules of Appellate Procedure authorizes us to award the prevailing appellee an amount not to exceed ten times the total taxable costs as damages against appellant if we determine that an appellant has taken an appeal for delay and without sufficient cause. Delay damages should only be applied with prudence, caution and after careful deliberation. Masterson v. Hogue, 842 S.W.2d 696, 699 (Tex.App.—Tyler 1992, no writ). In making findings as to whether an appeal has been taken for delay without sufficient cause, we must review the case from the advocate’s point of view and determine whether the advocate had reasonable grounds to believe the case would be reversed. Jones v. Colley, 820 S.W.2d 863, 867 (Tex.App.—Texarkana 1991, writ denied). We have previously held that sanctions would not be granted on appeal if the appellant’s brief was well-researched and presented arguable points of error. Trans-Continental Fin. Corp. v. Summit Nat’l Bank, 761 S.W.2d 575, 578 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1988, no writ) (citing GTE Directories Corp. v. McKinnon, 734 S.W.2d 429, 432 (Tex.App.—Fort Worth 1987, no writ)). Although the law as to four of Donald’s points of error is exceedingly well-settled, he raised one valid complaint. Because Donald’s brief presented an arguable point of error, we cannot say his appeal was taken for delay and without sufficient cause. Elizabeth’s cross-point is overruled.

The judgment of the trial court is modified as to point of error four and in all other respects affirmed.