Review and check all the categories which apply to your situation for an estimate of the legal retainer fee and costs.
The filing fee for most counties is approximately $250. If your spouse files first, your filing fee for a counter-petition if less than $40.
The cost of service of divorce papers is between $65-$130. If you and your spouse are in agreement on all issues in your divorce (division of property and debts, child custody and support), one party may sign a waiver of service to avoid this fee. If your spouse files first, their attorney is served with your counter-petition by your attorney.
If you have children and agree on all issues, the minimum retainer is $1250.
If you do not have children and agree on all issues, the minimum retainer is $700.
In a contested divorce, a temporary hearing is necessary within the first month to determine use of the home, child support, temporary custody, temporary spousal support, temporary responsibility for bills, etc. Minimum retainer with a temporary orders hearing is $2500.
If you own a home and title will be transferred, minimum fee is $200, which includes filing fees for the new deeds.
If one spouse has a retirement plan which must be "rolled over" to the other, the basic fee for preparation of a Qualified Domestic Relation Order is $500.
An exact retainer fee and an estimate of the total potential fee for your particular situation will be discussed at our initial free consultation.
What do I need to know before filing for divorce in Texas?
You must live in Texas for six months and in the county whre you file for at least 90 days.
An uncontested (agreed) divorce may be granted at the end of a 60-day waiting period.
A contested divorce may take from six months to over a year to move through the courts.
There is no legal separation in Texas.
Temporary custody, child support and spousal support, as well as responsibllity for pending bills, may be settled in a hearing within 30 days of filing for divorce.
Call 281.799.7212 if you need a Houston Divorce Attorney