Texas Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in Texas using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
Texas divorces typically cost 21% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in Texas
- Property system
- Community property
- Filing fee
- $250 - $350
- Waiting period
- 60 days
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $2,000 - $5,500
- Attorney hourly rate
- $250/hr - $500/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in Texas: What You Should Know
Texas divorces cost significantly more when fault grounds are alleged or when business interests are involved. The 60-day mandatory waiting period applies from the date the petition is filed, not from service. This is a small but important distinction for planning. Texas allows both fault and no-fault divorce, and pursuing fault grounds adds attorney time for investigation, discovery, and litigation of the fault issue itself. Texas's community property rules mean that all income and debt accumulated during the marriage is presumed jointly owned. Disputes about what is and is not community property are a common source of added cost in Texas divorces.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to Texas on this page.
Divorce Cost in Texas - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in Texas?
An uncontested divorce in Texas typically runs $2,000 - $5,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $15,000 - $50,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Texas?
The court filing fee for divorce in Texas is $250 - $350. Add about $75 for serving papers on your spouse, plus a typical county clerk surcharge of around $25. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in Texas?
An uncontested divorce in Texas usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 14 months. Texas requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days after filing before a divorce can be finalized. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Texas?
No, Texas allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. Texas attorneys typically charge $250/hr - $500/hr.
How is property divided in a Texas divorce?
Texas follows community property, meaning marital assets are generally split 50/50. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $600 to $2,000 in Texas.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.