How to file for divorce in Texas — without a lawyer
Texas lets you handle your own divorce, and for uncontested cases it's very doable: file in the District Court, use the state's no-fault ground — insupportability (no-fault) — follow the steps below, and use the official Texas forms. This page gives you the real requirements, with links to the official sources to verify each one.
Texas divorce: the key facts
Residency note: 6 months state, 90 days county before filing.
Verify with the official source: Texas court self-help ↗Official forms ↗Find your court ↗
The 6 steps, start to finish
- 1
Confirm you can file in Texas
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Texas for 180 days (about 6 months) before filing. County residency of 90 days may also apply. If you qualify, you'll file in the District Court — usually in the county where you or your spouse lives.
- 2
Get the official forms
Texas's own forms are free. You'll typically need the petition (Original Petition for Divorce), a financial disclosure (financial affidavit), and with children, the support worksheet (OAG monthly child-support calculator). CaseForward's guided interview fills in the decisions those forms ask you to make.
- 3
Complete your paperwork carefully
Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is the #1 reason self-filed divorces get bounced. Work through each form slowly; if you and your spouse agree on everything, prepare a settlement agreement and a standard possession order / parenting plan to attach.
- 4
File with the court (~$300–$350)
The typical court filing fee is about $300–$350 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Many Texas courts accept electronic filing through eFileTexas (Odyssey).
- 5
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must formally receive the papers — usually by sheriff, private process server, or (in agreed cases) a signed waiver/acceptance of service. Keep the proof of service; the court needs it.
- 6
Wait, then finalize
Texas has a 60-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. In an uncontested case the judge reviews your paperwork (sometimes with a short hearing) and signs the final decree.
Do the paperwork with a guide, not from scratch
CaseForward walks you through every decision, generates your court-ready Texas documents, and shows you full previews free. One price — $99 for the complete DIY packet, or $29 for a single document. No subscription.
Child support in Texas: Percentage of Income (Varying)
Applies a percentage of the paying parent's income that changes with income level. Used by North Dakota and Texas.
Texas divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Texas?
No. Every state, including Texas, lets you represent yourself in a divorce (called appearing "pro se"). Self-representation works best for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms. If your case involves abuse, hidden assets, or a real dispute over the children, talk to a licensed Texas attorney — many offer free consultations, and you may qualify for legal aid.
How long do I have to live in Texas before I can file for divorce?
At least one spouse generally must have lived in Texas for 180 days (about 6 months) before filing. County residency of 90 days may also apply. Always verify the current rule with the court's own self-help resources before filing.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Texas?
Texas has a 60-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. Uncontested cases with complete, correctly-filled paperwork are consistently the fastest.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Texas?
The typical court filing fee is about $300–$350 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Beyond the court fee, doing the paperwork yourself is the biggest saver: preparing your own documents (free preview, $99 for the complete court-ready packet on CaseForward) instead of paying a few thousand dollars in attorney fees.
What are the grounds for divorce in Texas?
Texas accepts a no-fault ground — insupportability (no-fault). Fault-based grounds also exist, but most self-represented filers use the no-fault ground because it's simpler and doesn't require proving misconduct.
How is child support calculated in Texas?
Texas uses the Percentage of Income (Varying) model. Applies a percentage of the paying parent's income that changes with income level. Used by North Dakota and Texas. You can run your numbers with CaseForward's free Texas child-support estimator, then confirm with the state's official worksheet.
Helpful Texas links & guides
Court self-help center ↗Official forms ↗E-filing (eFileTexas (Odyssey)) ↗Find your court ↗
Free: The Uncontested Divorce Filing Checklist
The whole path on two printable pages — what to gather, decide, prepare, and file. We'll email it to you, plus a short series of practical tips (unsubscribe anytime).
Divorce requirements in every state
AlabamaAlaskaArizonaArkansasCaliforniaColoradoConnecticutDelawareDistrict of ColumbiaFloridaGeorgiaHawaiiIdahoIllinoisIndianaIowaKansasKentuckyLouisianaMaineMarylandMassachusettsMichiganMinnesotaMississippiMissouriMontanaNebraskaNevadaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew MexicoNew YorkNorth CarolinaNorth DakotaOhioOklahomaOregonPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaSouth DakotaTennesseeTexasUtahVermontVirginiaWashingtonWest VirginiaWisconsinWyoming