Divorce Cost in Texas (2026)
Attorney fees, filing fees, waiting periods, and total cost estimates for Texas
Texas Divorce Cost Calculator
Filing fee in Texas: ~$300 (included in estimate)
Divorce Costs in Texas by Type
| Divorce Type | Estimated Cost (per spouse) |
|---|---|
| DIY / Pro Se (uncontested) | $330 – $1,130 |
| Online divorce service | $500 – $1,800 |
| Flat-fee uncontested attorney | $1,176 – $4,410 |
| Mediated divorce (total) | $2,499 – $8,820 |
| Contested (per spouse avg) | $13,230 – $34,300 |
| High-conflict / custody trial | $40,000 – $150,000+ |
Texas court filing fee: ~$300 (included in estimates above). Service of process: $50–$150 additional. Attorney retainers: typically $2,500–$10,000 upfront.
Divorce Laws in Texas: What You Need to Know
Texas is a community property state — marital property is typically split equally. Texas allows 'fault' grounds for divorce (adultery, cruelty, abandonment) which can affect property division. Filing fees vary by county: Harris County (Houston) $265–$305, Dallas County $300–$320.
Money-Saving Tip for Texas
Texas's 60-day waiting period (one of the shortest) allows faster resolution for agreed cases. If you have significant community property (especially business interests or retirement accounts), hire a QDRO specialist to divide retirement accounts properly — DIY QDRO errors can cost tens of thousands in tax penalties.
Find a Divorce Attorney in Texas
Many Texas family law attorneys offer free 30-minute consultations and flat-fee uncontested divorce packages. Understanding your options before retaining an attorney can save thousands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost in Texas?
The average divorce in Texas costs approximately $11,500 per spouse, but ranges from $500 for a simple DIY uncontested case to $50,000+ for contested cases with custody disputes. The Texas court filing fee is approximately $300. The biggest cost driver is cooperation — each unresolved issue adds thousands in attorney fees.
Is Texas a community property or equitable distribution state?
Texas is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally considered marital property and divided 50/50. Property owned before marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is typically considered separate property and stays with the original owner.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Texas?
The cheapest option in Texas is a DIY uncontested divorce: $300 filing fee + ~$100 service costs if you and your spouse agree on all issues and have limited assets and no children. Online divorce preparation services ($500–$2,000) prepare the paperwork for you. If you have children or significant assets, mediation ($3,000–$8,000 total) is the next most affordable option — much cheaper than litigation at $$250–$450/hour (Houston, Dallas metro)/hour in attorney fees.
How long does a divorce take in Texas?
Texas: 60-day waiting period from filing. Uncontested divorces can be finalized shortly after the waiting period ends. Contested divorces in Texas typically take 12–24 months, with high-conflict cases involving custody or business valuation sometimes taking 3–5 years.
Texas Divorce Facts
- Avg cost (per spouse)
- $11,500
- Court filing fee
- ~$300
- Asset division
- 50/50 (community)
- Residency req.
- 6 months in TX + 90 days in county
Compare by State
Average cost per spouse