Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Divorce in Texas
Open-data reference.
Filing a divorce in Texas costs $250–$350 - near the median of the 10 states we track. The typical timeline is 60 days minimum, 3-6 months uncontested, 12-24+ months contested, and a mandatory waiting period of 60 days applies before the court can finalize the matter.
No-fault (insupportability) or fault grounds (cruelty, adultery, abandonment, felony conviction)
What This Means for Your Divorce Filing in Texas
Filing for divorce in Texas costs $250–$350 at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Varies by county. Harris County ~$300, Travis County ~$280. Indigency waivers available. Beyond the filing fee, a mandatory waiting period of 60 days applies before the court can finalize the matter, and the typical case timeline is 60 days minimum, 3-6 months uncontested, 12-24+ months contested. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, Texas lays out 7 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 5 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: 6 months in Texas, 90 days in county where filing. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - No-fault (insupportability) or fault grounds (cruelty, adultery, abandonment, felony conviction) (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Varies by county. Harris County ~$300, Travis County ~$280. Indigency waivers available.
How Texas compares to other states
Texas ranks #4 of 10 states for divorce filing cost. Each bar is a state's upper-bound divorce filing fee, from $225 (NC) to $435 (CA); Texas is highlighted at $350.
Source: state court filing-fee schedules (upper-bound fee per state). Verify current amounts with the relevant court. How we calculate this ranking →
Key Requirements
- File Original Petition for Divorce
- Serve spouse via constable/process server
- 60-day mandatory waiting period
- Finalize with Decree of Divorce
- Property division per community property rules
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
File Original Petition for Divorce in District Court
- 2
Serve spouse (Waiver of Service or formal service)
- 3
Spouse has 20 days to answer
- 4
Discovery and negotiations
- 5
Wait 60 days from filing
- 6
Attend final hearing
- 7
Judge signs Final Decree of Divorce
Important Notes
Texas is a community property state. Fault grounds can affect property division.
Grounds / Eligibility
No-fault (insupportability) or fault grounds (cruelty, adultery, abandonment, felony conviction)
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- $250–$350
- Residency
- 6 months in Texas, 90 days in county where filing
- Waiting Period
- 60 days
- Typical Timeline
- 60 days minimum, 3-6 months uncontested, 12-24+ months contested
Official Resources
Other Civil Processes in Texas
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Texas?
The filing fee for divorce in Texas is $250–$350. Varies by county. Harris County ~$300, Travis County ~$280. Indigency waivers available.
How long does divorce take in Texas?
60 days minimum, 3-6 months uncontested, 12-24+ months contested
Do I need a lawyer for divorce in Texas?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for divorce in Texas, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for Texas resources.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Texas?
Texas requires a mandatory waiting period of 60 days before the process can be finalized.
What are the residency requirements for divorce in Texas?
6 months in Texas, 90 days in county where filing
What documents are needed for divorce in Texas?
Key requirements include: File Original Petition for Divorce; Serve spouse via constable/process server; 60-day mandatory waiting period.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from Texas court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |