Updated on August 24, 2022
Many people who are contemplating a divorce wonder, “How much will it cost to obtain a divorce in Texas?” Unfortunately, there is no straightforward answer to that question. While the divorce filing fee ranges from $250 to $300, it is difficult to estimate how much your case will cost because the cost of a Texas divorce depends on many factors.
At The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, we understand that paying a lot of money is the last thing you want to do. That’s why we are dedicated to helping our clients keep divorce costs down through effective legal representation. Speak with a Gatesville divorce attorney to evaluate your unique case and determine how much it would cost to obtain a divorce.
What Is the Cost of Divorce in Texas?
The average cost of divorce in Texas without children is $15,600, according to a 2020 study by 24/7 Wall St. If you have children, you would have to spend much more to finalize your divorce in Texas. The average cost of a divorce with children is $23,500. In terms of the cost of a divorce, Texas ranked the 5th most expensive state.
However, a divorce is never a one-size-fits-all scenario. There are a number of factors that affect the cost of a divorce. That’s why it is essential to speak with a lawyer to determine how much a divorce would cost in your particular situation.
As a rule of thumb, contested divorces cost much more than uncontested ones. Basically, the more disputed issues your divorce has, the more it would cost. If you are worried about the cost of a Texas divorce, consult with a skilled attorney to find out how you can save on legal fees and lower the cost of your divorce.
7 Factors That Affect the Cost of a Texas Divorce
These seven factors can affect how much money you will likely spend to end your marriage in Texas.
1. How Much Is the Filing Fee?
The filing fee ranges from $250 to $350, depending on the county. For example, in Coryell County, the divorce filing fee is $259. However, if you want to file for divorce with a citation or temporary restraining order, the filing fee will increase.
If you do not have enough money to pay the divorce filing fee, you can complete a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs to waive the filing fee if your case meets specific requirements.
Typically, the spouse who files for divorce (“the Petitioner”) has to pay the filing fee. However, if both spouses agree to obtain a divorce, they may split the fee.
2. Does Your Divorce Involve Children?
As mentioned earlier, divorces that involve children usually cost more than childless divorces, though there are exceptions. There are two main reasons why your divorce may cost more if you have children:
You must address the issue of child support; and
You must agree upon a custody arrangement and create a parenting plan.
If you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement regarding child support and custody, the court will get involved to decide for you. However, any involvement by the court will increase the overall cost of your divorce. Contact a Gatesville divorce lawyer for help settling your child custody and child support terms outside of court.
3. Can You and Your Spouse Cooperate?
When the parties are willing to cooperate and compromise, they can reduce the cost of their divorce. If you want to minimize the divorce cost, it is essential to put aside your emotions and feelings to make sure that you can reach an agreement out of court.
When the spouses fight over every little thing, their divorce case is likely to go to trial, which increases divorce costs immensely.
4. Which Divorce Processes Will Be Used?
The choice of the divorce process is one of the most important factors that affect the cost of your divorce. These are the three most common divorce processes in Texas:
Divorce litigation
Mediation
Collaborative divorce
Litigation can drive up the cost of a divorce due to higher legal fees, attorney’s fees, court costs, and other expenses. Mediation and collaborative divorce are two popular alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods that can help you save on court costs and legal fees and lower the cost of your divorce.
Ask a skilled Gatesville divorce lawyer which divorce process will be most useful for your case. Contact us online for a FREE consultation.
5. Is Your Divorce Contested or Uncontested?
Another critical factor that will affect the cost of your Texas divorce is whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. In other words, do you and your spouse agree on all—or almost all—divorce issues? If so, you can pursue an uncontested divorce, which is usually much faster and cheaper than a contested one.
6. Will Your Divorce Terms Include Alimony?
Alimony, which is called spousal maintenance in Texas, is one of the most contested issues during a Texas divorce. If you or your spouse is requesting alimony and you cannot reach an agreement, you may have to spend more time, effort, and money to resolve the dispute.
Contact an experienced family law attorney in Texas to help you negotiate alimony with your spouse without having to go to court. (As mentioned earlier, litigation can drive up the cost of your divorce.)
7. What Other Legal Expenses Will You Have to Pay?
Last but not least, the legal expenses will greatly impact the overall cost of your divorce. Legal expenses include attorney’s fees, which is why it is essential to choose your divorce attorney wisely.
An experienced attorney will help minimize the cost of your divorce by developing a personalized and effective strategy for your unique circumstances.
Contact a Gatesville Divorce Attorney to Discuss Your Case
If you want to estimate the cost of divorce in Texas, it is advised to consult with a knowledgeable divorce attorney. At The Law Office of Brett H. Pritchard, our Gatesville divorce attorney has over 20 years of experience in representing clients in Coryell County and all across Texas.
We strive to help our clients find creative and cooperative solutions to family law disputes to keep divorce costs on the lower end of the spectrum. Schedule a FREE initial consultation with our divorce lawyers by calling (254) 781-4222 or contacting us online.