How to Afford Divorce in Texas

Divorce can bring relief, but it often comes with a financial hit that stops people in their tracks. Court fees, lawyer costs, and paperwork add up fast, especially in Texas where contested divorces can drain your savings. Some couples delay filing because they think they can’t afford it. If you’re stuck in that situation, it helps to understand how to afford divorce without putting your life on hold. There are ways to cut costs, get help, or work around the big expenses without sacrificing your future.

Ideas to Help Pay For Your Texas Divorce

Divorce in Texas often comes with legal fees, filing costs, and other unexpected expenses. Even an uncontested divorce can cost hundreds, while contested cases can reach into the thousands. Many people delay or avoid filing simply because they cannot afford it. But staying in a marriage just to save money can lead to more stress and even financial trouble down the line.

If you’re looking for ways to pay for your divorce, you have options. Texas law allows various paths to reduce or manage these costs, especially if you’re dealing with limited income or tough circumstances.

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Texas?

The cost of divorce varies by county and case type. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on key terms, usually costs between $300 and $1,000 if you do everything on your own. Adding an attorney pushes that amount higher, sometimes $3,000 to $5,000 or more.

Contested divorces cost more. Disagreements over child custody, property division, or support can drive up legal fees quickly. In some high-conflict cases, the cost may exceed $10,000 per spouse.

Filing fees also vary by county, often falling between $250 and $350. These are paid directly to the court when filing your petition for divorce.

Use a Payment Plan with Your Attorney

Some Texas divorce attorneys offer payment plans. This spreads out your legal fees over several months. You may pay an upfront retainer fee and then make monthly payments. Always ask about this during your consultation. Many lawyers will work with you if you show genuine need and intent to pay.

What to ask the lawyer:

• Do you offer payment plans for divorce cases?
• How much is your retainer fee?
• Can I make monthly payments by card or bank transfer?

This option gives you access to legal support while avoiding one large payment upfront.

Apply for a Waiver of Court Filing Fees

Texas courts may waive filing fees if you cannot afford them. This is called an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Costs. You must submit this affidavit with your initial divorce paperwork.

What you need to include:

• Your income and expenses
• Whether you receive government assistance
• Any dependents you support

If the judge approves the request, you won’t have to pay the usual filing fee. Some counties will also waive copy fees and other small court costs.

Try Legal Aid Services in Texas

Texas has several legal aid groups that help low-income residents. These organizations may provide free or low-cost divorce services if you qualify.

Some of the most common providers include:

• Legal Aid of Northwest Texas
• Lone Star Legal Aid
• Texas RioGrande Legal Aid

You’ll need to meet their income requirements, and services are often limited to simple or uncontested divorces. Some legal aid offices have long waitlists, so apply early if you think you may qualify.

Consider a DIY Divorce Packet

If you and your spouse agree on all divorce terms, you may not need a lawyer. Texas offers self-help divorce forms through the TexasLawHelp.org website. These packets come with instructions and checklists that guide you step-by-step through the process.

Common requirements for a DIY divorce:

• No children under 18
• No ongoing bankruptcy case
• No real property to divide
• Both parties agree on everything

A do-it-yourself divorce may cost less than $500 total, especially if you get a filing fee waiver.

Use Credit or a Personal Loan

While not ideal, some people pay for divorce costs with credit cards or personal loans. This gives you flexibility to move forward now and handle repayment over time.

Before using credit, consider:

• Can you pay off the balance within a few months?
• Is the interest rate manageable?
• Will this debt affect your post-divorce budget?

Some lenders offer divorce-specific personal loans, but they often come with high interest. Compare all your options before applying.

Split the Cost with Your Spouse

Even couples who disagree about their marriage sometimes agree to split the cost of the divorce. This is common in uncontested divorces, where both parties benefit from a quicker and cheaper process.

If you agree to divide filing fees and legal costs, make that part of your written divorce agreement. This way, no one can claim they were pressured or misled.

Use Mediation Instead of Court

Mediation often costs less than a full courtroom battle. In Texas, courts sometimes require mediation before trial. But even if not required, it can be a good financial move.

A mediator helps you and your spouse reach agreements on property, custody, and support. You split the cost of a mediator, which often ranges from $500 to $1,500 total—far less than what you’d pay in court.

Ask for Help from Family or Friends

It may feel awkward, but friends or relatives might be willing to help you pay divorce costs, especially if safety or your children’s well-being is at stake. Offer to repay them when your financial situation improves, and always put repayment terms in writing to avoid misunderstandings.

Use Your Tax Refund or Stimulus Money

If you recently received a tax refund or government payment, set aside part of that money to cover divorce fees. This keeps you from taking on new debt or delaying important legal action.

Even $1,000 could cover filing fees, notary costs, and a few hours with an attorney to review your paperwork.

Sell Unused Items

You may already have the money you need for your divorce sitting in your home. Look around for items you no longer use:

• Old electronics
• Designer handbags
• Jewelry
• Collectibles
• Furniture

Sell them online or at a local consignment shop. It may not cover everything, but it can give you a head start.

Find a Pro Bono Divorce Attorney

Some Texas attorneys offer free legal services to qualifying clients. These lawyers take a limited number of pro bono cases each year. You can ask during your consultation if they accept any cases for free or on a sliding scale.

Check with your local bar association for referrals to pro bono family law attorneys in your area.

Look for Law School Clinics

Law schools across Texas often run legal clinics where supervised students handle simple cases. These clinics offer low-cost or free services and can help with uncontested divorces, especially for low-income residents.

Check with schools like:

• University of Texas School of Law
• Texas A&M University School of Law
• South Texas College of Law

Clinic availability changes by semester, so reach out early and ask about waiting lists.

Final Thoughts

Divorce is expensive, but staying in a broken or unsafe marriage can cost even more—financially, emotionally, and mentally. If you’re struggling to pay for a divorce in Texas, you’re not out of options. Legal aid, payment plans, self-help forms, and even small personal sales can make a real difference.

Don’t let cost alone stop you from moving forward. Help is available, and many people have gone through the same struggle and found a way to file, finalize, and start fresh.

If you want to know more about what you can do, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “16 Steps to Help You Plan & Prepare for Your Texas Divorce”

If you want to know more about how to prepare, CLICK the button below to get your FREE E-book: “13 Dirty Tricks to Watch Out For in Your Texas Divorce, and How to Counter Them” Today!”

Other Articles you may be interested in:

1. Why do divorces cost so much in Texas?
2. How am I going to Pay for My Texas Divorce?
3. The Top 5 Hidden Costs of Divorce.
4. How Can I Get My Spouse to Pay My Attorney’s Fees in a Texas Divorce?
5. Costs associated with a divorce in Texas
6. How to budget for a cost friendly divorce in Texas
7. Low cost and affordable divorces, attorneys, websites and divorce Costs in Texas
8. Should I Hide Money from my Spouse to Get Ready for my Texas Divorce?
9. Reduce stress and costs in a divorce by mediating your case
10. What factors in your Texas divorce can increase the total cost of your case?
11. How much does it cost to file for divorce in Texas?
12. Divorce and Custody Cases: How Much Do They Cost?
13. Will A Divorce Cost Me More If I Am the One Who Initiates It?

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