If the homestead is the separate property of a spouse, that spouse may file a sworn petition that gives a description of the property, states the facts that make it desirable for the spouse to sell, convey, or encumber the homestead without the joinder of the other spouse, and alleges that the other spouse:
(1) has disappeared and that the location of the spouse remains unknown to the petitioning spouse;
(2) has permanently abandoned the homestead and the petitioning spouse;
(3) has permanently abandoned the homestead and the spouses are permanently separated; or
(4) has been reported by an executive department of the United States to be a prisoner of war or missing on public service of the United States.
Official text of the Texas Family Code as published by the Texas Legislative Council.