In Texas, an uncontested (simple) divorce — where both spouses agree on all terms — can be completed for relatively modest costs compared to contested divorces.
Texas court filing fees for divorce are approximately $250–$350 in most counties.
For a truly simple divorce with no children, no significant assets, and no disputes, total costs with an online service or document preparer run $500–$1,500.
Adding an attorney raises costs to $1,500–$5,000 for an uncontested divorce. Contested Texas divorces cost significantly more. This guide covers the full cost picture for Texas divorce in 2026.
For a broader national overview, see the uncontested divorce cost guide, and for contested Texas divorce costs, the divorce cost in Texas guide provides a complete breakdown.
Texas Uncontested Divorce Costs
Court filing fees vary by county: approximately $250–$350 in most Texas counties. Online divorce document services ($100–$500) can prepare all required Texas divorce documents for approval. An attorney-prepared, uncontested divorce typically costs $1,500–$3,500 in attorney fees.
Texas requires a 60-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
Spouses working through an uncontested divorce should review alimony tax deductibility rules even when spousal support is being waived, as understanding the tax treatment upfront informs how settlement agreements are structured.
Texas Divorce with Children
When children are involved, Texas divorce requires a parenting plan addressing conservatorship (custody), possession and access (visitation), and child support.
Even with agreement, divorce with children typically requires more documentation and legal review: $2,000–$6,000+ for an uncontested agreed divorce with a Standard Possession Order and agreed child support.
Parents should review child support tax implications carefully — the tax treatment of child support affects the real financial impact of agreed-upon payment amounts.
For attorney fee context, the divorce attorney fees guide covers what family law attorneys typically charge in Texas and other states.
Contested Texas Divorce Costs
When spouses cannot agree on property division, children, or support, divorce becomes contested and costs escalate significantly.
Contested Texas divorces commonly cost $10,000–$30,000 per side; high-asset or custody-dispute cases can exceed $50,000–$100,000 per side.
Mediation ($1,500–$5,000) is often required before trial and can help resolve disputes at lower cost.
For the full contested divorce cost picture, see the divorce cost in Texas guide. Separating spouses who also own property together may need a home appraisal cost to establish the fair market value of shared real estate before negotiating a division settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a simple divorce cost in Texas?
An uncontested Texas divorce with no children and no disputes costs $500–$1,500 total (filing fees plus document services). With an attorney, $1,500–$3,500 is typical. For contested divorce costs, see the divorce cost in Texas guide.
Can I file for divorce myself in Texas?
Yes — Texas allows pro se (self-represented) divorce filings. Texas Law Help provides free divorce forms. DIY divorce is most practical for simple, uncontested cases.
For national context on DIY divorce options, the uncontested divorce cost guide covers services available in all states.
How long does a divorce take in Texas?
Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing. Simple uncontested divorces are typically finalized in 60–90 days. Contested divorces take 6 months to several years.
Compare this to California's 6-month wait — see the divorce cost in California guide.
Is Texas a no-fault divorce state?
Yes — Texas allows no-fault divorce on grounds of insupportability (irreconcilable differences), meaning neither spouse needs to prove fault to obtain a divorce.
Does it matter who files for divorce first in Texas?
Generally, filing first has minimal practical impact in most Texas divorces.
The filing spouse may have a slight procedural advantage in contested cases, but outcome differences are typically minor.
Spouses navigating this decision should review divorce attorney fees to understand the cost implications of retaining legal counsel regardless of who files first, and consider how post-divorce financial planning around savings benchmarks will change once the divorce is finalized.
Sources & References
- Texas Courts — divorce procedures and requirements — https://www.txcourts.gov/
- Texas Law Help — free divorce forms and resources — https://texaslawhelp.org/
- Legal Services Corporation — free legal aid resources — https://www.lsc.gov/
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — financial considerations in divorce — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/
Last updated: April 27, 2026