If you’re considering getting a divorce in Texas, you’re probably wondering how much it will cost. So, how much does a divorce cost in Texas? The short answer is that it depends on several issues. In this article, we will look at the various factors that can influence the overall cost of a divorce in Texas, and we will also offer some cost-cutting suggestions.

What Factors Influence Texas Divorce Costs?

Several variables determine how much a divorce in Texas will cost. These include the divorce complexity, assets to be divided, and the parties’ ability to reach an agreement. In some cases, divorce can be fairly straightforward and inexpensive.

Marital Assets and Case Complexity

Factors such as asset division, child custody arrangements, and spousal support all play a role in determining how much your divorce will ultimately cost. However, if the parties cannot agree on major issues such as child custody or property division, the process can be much more complicated and costly.

Contested Divorce

If there is a large amount of property to be divided, or if one party is contesting the divorce, the divorce prices in Texas can increase significantly.

Texas is a no-fault divorce state, meaning neither party needs to show that the other was at fault to end the marriage. You can only claim “insupportability,” which refers to “a discord or conflict of personalities,” to initiate no-fault divorce proceedings.

Of course, Texans can also file for divorce based on fault, which can have repercussions for the division of property. Due to the high costs and increased hostility that can result from establishing fault in a divorce, no-fault divorces are far more prevalent. Adultery and cruelty are the most frequently cited causes of divorce based on fault.

The best way to determine Texas divorce fees is to consult a good family law attorney who can evaluate your situation and provide you with an estimate of the likely costs.

Divorce lawyers can be useful regardless of the type of divorce you pursue. You may want to hire a legal professional to handle all of the divorce paperwork and filing for you, even if your case is uncontested. In addition, other professionals, such as appraisers and accountants, may need to be consulted on various aspects of your divorce, raising the overall cost of the process.

How Much Does a Contested Divorce in Texas Cost?

Any divorce in which the spouses cannot agree on the terms of the split is considered a contested divorce.

Contested divorces in Texas can set you back an average of $15,600. On average, an experienced family law attorney will cost you around $320 per hour. This number can go up depending on the attorney’s experience handling cases like yours and the gravity of the situation.

It’s impossible to say how long your case will last, but it will take six months at least. To translate that into lawyer’s hours, you’re looking at anywhere from $12,000 if no children or property are at stake to well over $20,000 if there are.

The Cost of an Uncontested Divorce in Texas

An uncontested divorce is one in which the couple has reached an agreement on all divorce-related issues, and there are no disputes between them.

These divorces are the most cost-effective nationwide because they don’t involve the court system or expensive legal assistance. Instead, you may only have to pay a small fee to a divorce attorney to have them draft or review your divorce settlement agreement, in addition to the court filing fee.

In Texas, an uncontested divorce can cost anywhere from $300 to $5,000 (depending on whether or not legal representation is required). Because you and your spouse are on the same page regarding everything, and there is no need to retain legal representation, the uncontested divorce in Texas will cost you significantly less than a contested divorce.

Process Options Affecting Texas Divorce Cost

Variables that can drive the cost of divorce up or down include the divorce process parties opt for.

DIY Divorce

For example, a do-it-yourself divorce is typically the cheapest option, as no attorney fees are involved. However, it is important to note that not all DIY divorces can be completed without professional assistance. At the same time, the cost of hiring an attorney can sometimes be lower than the cost of going through the DIY process.

Divorce Negotiations and Mediation

Negotiation and mediation are often considered middle-of-the-road options regarding the divorce cost in Texas, as they typically involve less attorney time than litigation but more time than a collaborative divorce.

Collaborative Divorce

Collaborative divorces often have higher upfront costs due to the need for both parties to hire attorneys, but they can save money in the long run by avoiding the need for litigation.

Litigation

Family law litigation is often the most expensive option, involving multiple court appearances, court costs, and high attorney’s fees. However, it is important to note that not all divorces must go to court to be finalized. In some cases, mediation or negotiation may be able to resolve all issues without the need for litigation.

Divorce can be expensive and time-consuming, but you can minimize these costs and reduce the hassle by selecting the appropriate process option.

The Cost of Filing for Divorce in Texas

You must pay a filing fee if you are filing for divorce in Texas. The court filing fees will vary depending on the county in which you file, but it is typically between $250 and $320.

In some cases, you may be able to get a waiver of legal fees if you can demonstrate that you cannot afford to pay them. For example, if you receive public assistance or your income is below a certain level, you may be eligible for a fee waiver, so if you’re interested in applying, you should contact your local courthouse to see if you meet the requirements.

Aside from the divorce filing fee, there may be additional divorce fees in Texas, such as the cost of hiring an attorney. Check your county directory for resources for low-income Texans. Many Divorce Centers and organizations offer free or low-cost legal services to help people through the divorce process.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?

The process of getting a divorce in Texas can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the divorce, the willingness of the parties to cooperate, and whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

In general, however, the divorce process in Texas can be broken down into four main steps: filing a petition, service of process, temporary orders, and the final trial.

Filing the Petition

The first step in getting a divorce in Texas involves filing a petition with the court. The petition must be filed in the county where either party resides. 

Service of Process

Once the petition is filed, it must be served on the other party. Service of process can be accomplished by personal delivery, certified mail, or publication.

Temporary Orders

After the petition is served, the court will issue temporary orders. These orders will remain in effect until the final trial. Temporary orders may address matters such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, and use of property. The more complicated these issues become, the higher the court fees for divorce in Texas will be.

Final Trial

The final step in the divorce process is the final trial. At this trial, both parties will have an opportunity to present evidence and testimony. After hearing all of the evidence, the court will determine how to divide the assets and debt of the parties and whether one party should pay alimony or child support to the other party.

Once these decisions are made, they will be reflected in a final divorce decree that a judge will sign. The average divorce in Texas takes between six months and one year to complete from start to finish. However, some divorces may take longer if they are more complex or there is a disagreement between the parties.

How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in Texas?

The answer to this question depends on a number of factors, including case complexity and the attorney’s experience. In general, however, most divorce attorneys in Texas charge an hourly rate.

You can expect to pay anywhere from $260 to $320 an hour when hiring an experienced divorce attorney in the Lone Star State. However, a top-rated Texas divorce lawyer or attorney may charge as much as $500 per hour or more. The divorce attorney’s fees will also depend on how many hours are required to complete the case.

But how much does a simple divorce cost? A simple divorce case may only require a few hours of work, while a more complex case may require dozens or even hundreds of hours. As a result, attorney fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

The Cost of Divorce in Texas - The Bottom Line

Overall, the cost of a divorce in Texas varies greatly depending on case complexity and your attorney’s experience and expertise. Whether you are considering filing for divorce or simply want to know what to expect from the process, it is critical to seek professional legal advice. You can confidently move forward during this challenging time with proper support.