People seeking divorce from their spouses are often concerned about the cost of a divorce and the length of time it takes for marriage dissolution to be finalized. When children or significant property is involved the divorce process can be extremely complex and expensive. Texas divorces actually are among the top five states as far as the highest cost of divorce in the nation is concerned.
The average cost of a divorce that involves children in Texas is slightly more than $23,000 while a divorce with no children is $15,000. But your divorce may cost more or less than these averages because not every divorce is the same.
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How Much Is A Simple Divorce
Average Cost Of Uncontested Divorce In Texas
When filing for divorce, you have to pay a filing fee at the county clerk’s office in the county you and your spouse reside. Different counties charge different base fees. For example, Fort Bend County charges $310 dollars for annulment with or without children while Brazoria County charges $288 for divorce and annulment.
Harris County charges a base filing fee of $293 without children and $320 with children involved. A simple divorce is uncontested, involves no minor children, and no real property. So, a simple divorce is basically an uncontested divorce. You must meet the following criteria to qualify:
- You and your spouse must not have any disagreements about any major issue
- You and your spouse have to agree on everything in your divorce
- Either you or your spouse must have lived for at least 6 months in Texas
- Either you or your spouse must have lived in the county where you file for at least 90 days
If you fail to meet any one of these requirements, you will have to go through a standard divorce process. That means that issues such as dividing marital assets, child custody, and others will be handled through a court process.
Apart from the base filing fee, you also have to pay the court filing fees and your attorney fees if you qualify for a simple divorce. There are other smaller costs you also need to consider. If you believe you and your spouse qualify for a simple divorce, you can go ahead and finalize the divorce in the county where you reside.
There is a compulsory waiting period of 30 days before your divorce can be finalized. So, the soonest your divorce will be finalized is on the day after the 30-day waiting period.
Do You Need An Attorney?
How Much Does A Basic Divorce Cost
An experienced divorce attorney will review your case and help you determine whether you qualify for a simple divorce. Sometimes couples think that everything seems straight forward but there are certain details that could lead to issues with your divorce. Your divorce attorney will ensure that your interests are protected.
Your attorney is in a better position to help you find an alternative if you do not qualify for a simple divorce. You can always choose mediation to end the marriage if you cannot go through a simple divorce.
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content on this website is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely on the information found on this website as a substitute for seeking professional legal counsel.