A common reason couples are hesitant to get divorced is the cost involved. It’s understandable, as a legal divorce in Texas can be costly based on the unique circumstances in each situation:
- Length of marriage.
- Whether or not there are children through the marriage.
- Assets to be divided up (e.g. vehicles, property, and bank accounts).
- Liabilities that need to be covered (e.g. mortgage payments and car notes).
- Extenuating circumstances (e.g. medical health concerns for a child).
- Whether the divorce will be no-fault or whether a party will claim grounds for divorce.
Because every divorce is different, the final cost will depend on the variables involved, how much discovery is required to gather pertinent case information, how long it takes to sort through any disputes, and the amount of legal support required.
The starting point, though, is filing for divorce. If you are considering getting started on a divorce, you may have preliminary questions such as “How much does it cost to file for divorce?” We will unpack the cost in the Texas counties where we practice law.
Latest Divorce Filing Fees in South Texas
To get started on a divorce, you must file an Original Petition for Divorce in the county where you and your current spouse reside.
How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Fort Bend County?
If you live in Fort Bend County, you will need to file for divorce with the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s office in Richmond, Texas. As of the end of 2022, the Family Division has set the following court filing fees to annul a marriage:
- Annulment without children: $350
- Annulment with children: $350
Fort Bend County does not include an additional fee for divorce cases involving children. Your suit will be filed in accordance with the Texas Family Code covering the Grounds for Annulment.
You will need to pay the appropriate fee at the time of the filing to serve your spouse with the divorce papers.
How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Brazoria County?
If you live in Brazoria County, you will need to file for divorce with the Brazoria County District Clerk’s Office, which is located at the Brazoria County Courthouse in Angleton, Texas.
At the beginning of 2022, the district clerk set the following court filing fees for a divorce proceeding in a family court dispute:
- Annulment to declare the marriage void (without children): $350
- Annulment to declare the marriage void (with children): $350
Brazoria County does not include an additional fee for filing a divorce involving children. When you are ready to file for divorce, you will have multiple options to pay the court filing fee. You can view the payment options on their website.
How Much Does it Cost to File for Divorce in Harris County?
If you live in Harris County, you will need to file for divorce with the Office of the Harris County District Clerk. Specifically, the Family Courts Civil Courthouse in Downtown Houston.
Effective January 1, 2023, the following are the court filing fees for a suit to dissolve the marital relationship:
- Divorce without children: $350
- Divorce with children: $365
As standard practice, Harris County adds a $15 fee to all family cases involving children, which is why the cost is greater for a divorce with children.
You will need to pay the appropriate fee at the time of the filing to serve your spouse with the petition for divorce.
Find Help Getting Started with a Divorce in Texas
If you are getting started with the divorce process in Texas, you may have many more questions than how much it costs to file for divorce. We are here to help you navigate the divorce process from beginning to end.
Whether you are concerned about costs, the division of assets, how long the process will take, or how your children will be affected, we are here to help walk you through the complex challenges ahead.
Before filing for divorce, make sure you speak with our law firm to find expert support and guidance. If you live in one of the counties where we practice law, please get in touch with us to discuss your situation.
Reach our law office today at 281-944-5485 or 979-267-7660 to schedule a consultation. Let’s get you started on the right foot to reduce stress during this challenging time for your family.