How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorced in Texas?

Posted Feb 26, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos | Divorce

Divorce means significant change, and can be challenging in the short term but often for the best in the long term. Even so, financial concerns intimidate some from pursuing long-term happiness. So, how much does it cost to get divorced? There is no easy formula for estimating the cost of a divorce. Expenses vary depending on factors like whether you and your spouse agree on essential matters, whether you have minor children, and how much property you own. 

At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we understand that divorce is emotionally and financially taxing, even before you factor in the costs of the actual legal divorce process. Led by Mary E. Ramos, a board-certified family lawyer, our team is dedicated to providing efficient, client-centered representation, exploring practical strategies during consultations, and offering unwavering support throughout the divorce process. 

What Does Divorce Involve?

Through a divorce, you legally end a marriage. Divorce involves dividing assets, resolving child custody and support arrangements, and potentially negotiating spousal support. 

Types of Divorce

Divorces can be contested or uncontested. You can get an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse agree on all the essential terms of the dissolution. You have a contested divorce if you cannot agree to all essential terms of the split. This status is relevant because uncontested divorces tend to cost significantly less than divorces that go through an extended court process.  

The Divorce Process

To get divorced in Texas, you complete the following steps:

1. One spouse files for divorce;
2. The filing spouse (petitioner) serves divorce papers on the other spouse (respondent);
3. The respondent responds to the divorce papers;
4. The spouses complete mandatory discovery by exchanging financial and personal information;
5. The spouses attempt to resolve issues outside of court;
6. When the spouses cannot agree on terms, the court holds a trial where a judge decides unresolved issues; and
7. The court finalizes the divorce by issuing a divorce decree, officially ending the marriage.

Since spouses in an uncontested divorce typically resolve all issues before filing, they will likely bypass several steps. Regardless of whether the divorce is contested or not, the court cannot finalize a divorce until 60 days after the date the original petition for divorce was filed.

Divorce-Related Expenses

Each step of the divorce process brings expenses. Those expenses generally fall into several categories, including legal fees, court fees, and costs related to unique circumstances in your relationship.

Legal Fees

Legal fees—the money you pay your lawyer for their services—are often the most significant expense in a divorce. Lawyers may charge the following fees:

• Hourly rates—you pay a set fee for each hour of work;
• Flat fees—you pay a set fee for specific services; and
• Retainers—you pay for a certain number of hours upfront and usually pay for any additional work at an hourly rate.

Logically, the more work your lawyer does for your case, the more you will owe them.

Court and Mediation Costs

Court-related costs often include the following:

• Filing fees, 
• Service of process fees, and
• Mediation fees.

Court costs are fairly standard and don’t vary significantly.

Additional Expenses

Beyond legal fees and court costs, divorcing spouses may encounter a range of additional expenses related to their unique circumstances. Examples of these additional expenses include:

• Financial experts—in high-asset divorces, you may need financial experts to assess the value of property, investments, or businesses; 
• Parenting classes—some Texas courts mandate parenting classes for divorcing parents;
• Counseling or therapy—some individuals or families choose to seek counseling during and after divorce; and
• Private investigators—in contested divorces, spouses may hire private investigators to gather evidence of misconduct or hidden assets.

These additional expenses can take the unprepared off guard, but guidance from an experienced attorney can help you anticipate and minimize these costs.

How Much Does Divorce Cost? 

Several variables significantly impact overall divorce costs. Whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and the case’s relative complexity usually impact the case most.

Contested vs. Uncontested

How much does a divorce cost if both parties agree? Uncontested divorces where the parties agree on all terms—while less expensive—aren’t free and typically involve legal fees, court costs, and other service fees. Contested divorces typically require more extensive involvement of lawyers, mediators, and the court, resulting in higher costs. Also, in addition to the cumulative costs of resolving your disagreements in a contested divorce, you may have to duplicate certain expenses. 

For example, assume you and your spouse jointly own a house. In an uncontested divorce, you agree to split the costs of hiring one appraiser. In a contested divorce, you and your spouse may hire two different appraisers and pay each their own fee, resulting in higher overall costs for both of you.

Case Complexity

The other primary driving factor is the complexity of your case. Divorces often grow more complex when you, your spouse, or both of you:

• Have minor children,
• Own high-value or intangible assets, or
• Owe significant debts.

Examples of assets that cause cases to become more complicated include:

• Business interests,
• Intellectual property, and
• Retirement benefits.

Case complexity also increases when a spouse claims the other engaged in wrongdoing related to the marriage or the divorce. For example, the divorce may involve investigations into the following:

• Assets one spouse tries to hide from the other, 
• Infidelity, or 
• Abuse.

In short, case complexity frequently relates to children, property, and your ability to cooperate with one another. 

Why Choose Ramos Law Group, PLLC?

Having the right legal team to guide you through your divorce can make all the difference in costs and overall satisfaction. At Ramos Law Group, PLLC, we offer the following:

• Experience. Our team has handled hundreds of divorce cases, including contested and high-asset divorces, and we are familiar with the nuances of the judges and legal procedures in Texas family courts.
• Client-centered approach. We prioritize your needs and goals, offering tailored solutions and compassionate support.
• Privacy and discretion. We understand the sensitive nature of divorce and are committed to protecting your privacy, especially when your divorce involves children.
• Efficiency. We aim to resolve cases efficiently, minimizing unnecessary expenses while advocating aggressively for your rights.

If you are considering divorce, contact Ramos Law Group, PLLC, to schedule an initial consultation. When we meet, we will explore your options, answer your questions, create a plan, and help you take the first steps toward long-term happiness.

Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by Mary E. Ramos

Mary E. Ramos

Mary E. Ramos is Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is recognized and respected throughout the Houston legal community for dedication in effectively representing clients’ rights and interests. Mary understands the emotional side of divorce and brings a special compassion to each and every case.