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How much does a divorce cost in Texas?

Walter Jackowiec, Illinois managing attorney | Marble Law

By Julie Gray, Texas Managing Attorney.

September 21, 2025 · 5 min read

Get a clear understanding of divorce expenses before you begin.

Worried about surprise legal bills? You're not alone. Cost is the #1 concern for most Texans considering divorce. That's why over 75,000 people have trusted us to provide transparent, fixed pricing — so you know exactly what you'll pay before you start.

Quick Cost Overview

Uncontested divorces: Typically $3,000-$5,000 total ✓ Contested divorces: Often $15,000+ with traditional attorneys
Filing fees: $250-$350 depending on county ✓ Mediation: $500-$1,500 per day (usually split between parties)

What Determines Your Divorce Cost?

Contested vs. Uncontested

The biggest factor affecting cost is whether you and your spouse agree on terms. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree can finalize for a few thousand dollars. Contested divorces requiring court battles can easily exceed $15,000-$30,000 with traditional hourly billing.

Smart Texans reduce conflict — and costs — by working with attorneys who are motivated to resolve issues efficiently, not drag them out.

Filing Fees

Every Texas divorce starts with court filing fees ranging from $250-$350, varying by county. Additional fees may include:

Service of process: $75-$150
Certified copies: $1-$2 per page
Court reporter fees: $100-$300 per hour (if needed)

Attorney Fees: The Hidden Variable

Traditional attorneys typically require:

Retainers: $2,500-$10,000 upfront
Hourly rates: $200-$500+ per hour
Total costs: Often unpredictable until the case ends

Every email, phone call, and document review adds to your bill. A complex contested divorce can generate 50-100+ billable hours. You do the math.

That's why thousands choose Marble's transparent model — fixed prices for each service means no surprise bills, no watching the clock during calls.

Join 75,000+ clients who've found a better way through divorce.

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Breakdown of Typical Divorce Costs

Uncontested Divorce (Both Parties Agree)

Filing fees: $250-$350
Document preparation: $500-$1,500
Attorney review and filing: $1,000-$2,000
Court appearance: $500-$1,000 Total: $2,250-$4,850 with efficient representation

Contested Divorce (Disagreements Exist)

Initial retainer: $5,000-$10,000
Discovery process: $2,000-$5,000
Mediation: $1,000-$3,000
Trial preparation: $5,000-$15,000
Trial (if needed): $10,000-$25,000+ Total: $23,000-$58,000+ with traditional hourly billing

Additional Costs to Consider

Child custody evaluations: $1,500-$6,000
Property appraisals: $300-$600 per property
Business valuations: $3,000-$10,000
Parenting classes: $50-$200 (often court-required)
Therapy/counseling: $100-$250 per session

Hidden Costs Most Attorneys Won't Mention

Time away from work: Court appearances, meetings, and document gathering cost you income.

Emotional toll pricing: Stressed clients make rushed decisions, agreeing to unfavorable terms just to end the process.

Post-divorce modifications: Poorly drafted agreements lead to expensive changes later.

Tax implications: Wrong property division strategies can trigger thousands in unnecessary taxes.

The attorneys who work with Marble help you avoid these pitfalls. With over 2,300 five-star reviews, our approach prioritizes getting you the right outcome, not maximizing billable hours.

Ways to Control Your Divorce Costs

Choose the Right Payment Model

Avoid the anxiety of hourly billing. Marble's pay-per-step pricing means:

Know costs upfront for each phase
Payment plans available
No retainer required
Pay only for services you need

Minimize Conflict

Every disagreement adds cost. Focus on:

Prioritizing important issues
Compromising on smaller matters
Using mediation over litigation
Keeping communication businesslike

Get Organized Early

Provide complete financial documentation upfront:

Tax returns (3 years)
Bank statements (12 months)
Credit card statements
Property deeds and titles
Retirement account statements

Consider Mediation First

Mediation costs $1,000-$3,000 total but can save tens of thousands versus trial. About 80% of cases settle in mediation when both parties participate in good faith.

Take Control of Your Divorce Costs Today

Stop worrying about surprise bills and start planning your future. The experienced attorneys who work with Marble have handled thousands of Texas divorces efficiently and transparently.

What makes us different:

Fixed, transparent pricing — no hourly billing anxiety
Payment plans to fit your budget
Technology that reduces administrative costs
Local expertise that avoids costly mistakes

Ready to understand your costs? Start with a free 15-minute call to discuss your situation. Our team will explain the process and connect you with an attorney who can provide specific pricing for your case.

Join 75,000+ clients who've discovered divorce doesn't have to drain your savings.