Texas Divorce Costs: 2026 Breakdown & Fee Guide
Detailed breakdown of divorce costs in Texas including filing fees, attorney costs, and ways to reduce expenses.
Texas Divorce Cost Breakdown
Divorce costs in Texas vary significantly based on whether your case is contested and whether you hire an attorney. Here's what you need to know:
Texas Filing Fees by County
Filing fees in Texas vary by county. Here are the fees for major counties:
| County | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Harris County (Houston) | $300 |
| Dallas County | $315 |
| Tarrant County (Fort Worth) | $290 |
| Bexar County (San Antonio) | $310 |
| Travis County (Austin) | $300 |
| Collin County | $295 |
| Denton County | $285 |
| El Paso County | $275 |
Attorney Fees in Texas
Hourly Rates
$200 - $450 per hour
Average: $300/hour
Flat Fee (Uncontested)
$1,500 - $3,500
For simple, agreed divorces
Average Retainer
$3,500
Upfront deposit required
Cost Scenarios for Texas
DIY Uncontested (No Children)
Simplest divorce where both parties agree on everything and handle paperwork themselves.
- Filing fee: $300-350
- Service of process: $50-100
- Copying and notary: $25-50
DIY Uncontested (With Children)
Both parties agree on custody and support. Additional parenting class required.
- Filing fee: $300-350
- Service of process: $50-100
- Parenting class (required): $20-50
- Copying and notary: $25-100
Attorney-Assisted Uncontested
Attorney handles paperwork for agreed divorce terms.
- Attorney flat fee: $1,500-3,500
- Filing fee: $300-350
- Court costs: $200-500
- Document preparation: Included in attorney fee
Mediated Divorce
Professional mediator helps negotiate settlement. Good for some disputes.
- Mediator fees: $1,500-6,000 (3-8 hours at $200-300/hr)
- Filing fee: $300-350
- Attorney review: $500-1,000 (optional)
- Document preparation: $200-500
Contested Divorce (Simple)
Some disputed issues requiring court hearings but settles before trial.
- Attorney retainer: $3,500-7,000
- Total attorney time: $7,000-15,000 (25-50 hours)
- Filing and court costs: $500-1,500
- Discovery costs: $500-2,000
- Expert witnesses (if needed): $1,000-2,500
Contested Divorce (Complex/Trial)
Multiple disputed issues, extensive discovery, and full trial.
- Attorney retainer and fees: $15,000-35,000 (50-120 hours)
- Court costs and filing fees: $1,000-3,000
- Discovery and depositions: $2,000-5,000
- Expert witnesses: $3,000-10,000
- Trial preparation: $2,000-5,000
Additional Costs to Consider
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Parenting class (if children) | $20 - $50 |
| Certified copies of decree | $1 - $5 per copy |
| Modification of child support | $500 - $3,000 |
| QDRO for retirement division | $500 - $2,000 |
| Property appraisal | $300 - $600 |
| Business valuation | $3,000 - $15,000 |
| Forensic accountant | $200 - $400 per hour |
10 Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs in Texas
File pro se for simple, uncontested divorces
Use mediation instead of going to trial
Organize all financial documents before meeting attorney
Consider limited scope representation for specific issues only
Respond promptly to attorney requests to minimize billable time
Negotiate directly with spouse when possible
Request fee waiver if you qualify based on income
Use online divorce services for document preparation ($150-300)
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Divorce Costs
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Texas?
Filing fees in Texas range from $250-$400 depending on the county. Harris County (Houston) charges $300, while Dallas County charges $315. These fees cover filing the petition only.
Can I get a fee waiver in Texas?
Yes, if you cannot afford the filing fee, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The court will review your income and decide whether to grant a waiver.
How much do divorce attorneys cost in Texas?
Texas divorce attorneys charge $200-450 per hour on average. Flat fees for uncontested divorces range from $1,500-3,500. Contested divorces typically cost $10,000-50,000+ depending on complexity.
What is a retainer fee for a Texas divorce lawyer?
Most Texas divorce attorneys require a retainer of $3,500-7,000 upfront. This is deposited into a trust account and the attorney bills against it as work is performed.
Is divorce mediation cheaper than using a lawyer in Texas?
Yes, mediation typically costs $3,000-8,000 total, which is significantly less than a contested divorce with attorneys ($10,000-50,000+). Mediators charge $200-300 per hour and most cases resolve in 3-8 hours.
Ready to Start Your Divorce?
Whether you choose DIY or hire an attorney, understanding costs helps you budget effectively.