Texas DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step

Use this checklist to track your progress through the Texas divorce process. Print it out and check off each step as you complete it. Nothing falls through the cracks.

Disclaimer: This checklist covers the general Texas DIY divorce process. Requirements vary by county. Always confirm local requirements with your District Clerk.

Before You File

Confirm Eligibility

• At least one spouse has lived in Texas for the last 6 months
• At least one spouse has lived in the county where you plan to file for the last 90 days
• You have decided which county to file in
• You have confirmed your divorce is uncontested (both spouses agree on all terms) OR you understand you are proceeding with a default divorce

Gather Financial Documents

• Most recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
• Vehicle titles for all vehicles
• Bank account statements (last 3 months) for all accounts
• Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension) for all accounts
• Investment/brokerage account statements
• Recent pay stubs for both spouses (needed for child support calculation)
• List of all debts with balances (credit cards, loans, medical bills)
• Most recent tax return (federal and state)
• Life insurance policy information
• Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements

Make Key Decisions (Agreed Divorce)

• Decided who keeps the home (or agreed to sell)
• Agreed on how to divide vehicles
• Agreed on how to divide bank accounts
• Agreed on how to handle retirement accounts
• Agreed on who is responsible for each debt
• If children: agreed on conservatorship (who has primary residence)
• If children: agreed on possession and access schedule
• If children: calculated child support per Texas guidelines
• If children: agreed on health insurance for children
• Decided on name change (yes or no, for each spouse)

Get Your Forms

• Downloaded the correct form kit from TexasLawHelp.org
  • Divorce Without Children (no property)
  • Divorce Without Children (with property)
  • Divorce With Children
  • Default Divorce Without Children
  • Default Divorce With Children
• Read all instructions in the form kit before filling anything out

Filing

Complete Starting Forms

• Filled out Original Petition for Divorce (completely, no blanks)
• If children: filled out SAPCR Information form
• Made at least 3 copies of all documents
• Confirmed filing fee amount with District Clerk ($300–$400 depending on county)
• Confirmed payment method accepted by your county (cash, card, money order)

File at the Courthouse

• Filed Original Petition for Divorce at District Clerk's office
• Paid filing fee (or filed Statement of Inability to Afford Payment)
• Received file-stamped copies with case number
• Noted the exact filing date (this starts the 60-day clock)
• Noted response deadline (for default divorce planning)

Serving Your Spouse

Agreed Divorce

• Gave spouse a copy of the filed petition with case number
• Spouse signed Waiver of Service in front of a notary
• Received notarized Waiver of Service back
• Filed Waiver of Service with the District Clerk

Default Divorce (Spouse Won't Cooperate)

• Hired constable, sheriff, or licensed process server
• Provided server with spouse's last known address
• Service completed — received Return of Service (proof of delivery)
• Filed Return of Service with District Clerk
• Noted response deadline (20 days after service + following Monday for personal service)
• If spouse cannot be found:
  • Filed motion requesting service by publication
  • Court signed order authorizing publication
  • Notice published in qualified newspaper
  • Obtained proof of publication from newspaper

During the 60-Day Waiting Period

Complete Final Decree of Divorce

• Filled out Final Decree of Divorce completely (no blanks except judge's signature line)
• All property specifically identified with descriptions, VINs, account numbers as applicable
• All debts specifically assigned to a named spouse
• If children: conservatorship designation included
• If children: possession and access schedule included
• If children: child support amount calculated and included
• If children: medical support (health insurance) included
• If children: Income Withholding Order completed
• Name change included if requested
• Both spouses reviewed and approved the Final Decree
• Checked with District Clerk whether attorney review of Final Decree is required in your county

Children-Specific Steps

• Checked whether your county requires parenting class
• Completed parenting class (if required) — keep your certificate
• Completed Income Withholding Order form

Default Divorce Additional Steps

• Response deadline has passed with no filing from spouse
• Filed Motion for Default with District Clerk
• Attached Return of Service to Motion for Default

Scheduling the Final Hearing

• Confirmed 60 days have passed since filing date
• Contacted court coordinator or District Clerk to schedule final hearing
• Received hearing date and time
• Confirmed courtroom location

Preparing for the Final Hearing

Documents to Bring

• Completed Final Decree of Divorce (unsigned by judge)
• If children: Income Withholding Order
• If children: Medical Support Order (if separate from decree)
• If children: parenting class completion certificate
• If default divorce: filed Motion for Default
• If default divorce: Return of Service / Proof of Service
• Copy of filed Original Petition for Divorce
• Government-issued photo ID
• At least 3 copies of everything

Know What to Expect

• Reviewed what the judge will ask (see our Final Hearing guide)
• Prepared to confirm your name, address, and that you meet residency requirements
• Prepared to confirm terms of the decree are fair and agreed upon

At the Final Hearing

• Arrived on time with all documents
• Answered judge's questions clearly and honestly
• Judge signed the Final Decree of Divorce
• Received judge-signed copies

After the Divorce Is Final

File and Get Copies

• Filed signed Final Decree with District Clerk
• Obtained at least 3–5 certified copies of filed Final Decree
• If children: sent certified copy of Income Withholding Order to paying parent's employer

Property Transfers

• If one spouse keeping home: refinancing process started
• Leaving spouse signed Special Warranty Deed transferring home interest
• Deed notarized and filed with county clerk's office
• Vehicle titles transferred — new titles applied for at Texas DMV
• Bank accounts separated or closed as agreed
• Joint credit cards closed or transferred to individual accounts
• Retirement account division initiated (QDRO filed with plan administrator if applicable)

Name Change (If Applicable)

• Social Security card updated — visit local SSA office with certified decree
• Texas driver's license updated — visit Texas DPS location
• Passport updated (if needed)
• Bank accounts updated to new name
• Employer HR records updated
• Credit cards updated
• Utilities and subscriptions updated

Financial Housekeeping

• Updated beneficiaries on life insurance policies
• Updated beneficiaries on retirement accounts
• Updated or created a new will
• Updated health insurance (remove ex-spouse, adjust children's coverage)
• Filed new W-4 with employer reflecting single status
• Set up individual health insurance if previously covered under spouse's plan
• Checked credit report for any joint accounts that need to be addressed

Quick Reference — Key Numbers

Free Texas Divorce Resources

• TexasLawHelp.org — Free form kits and instructions
• eFileTexas.gov — Online filing and interactive form builder
• Texas State Law Library — guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce
• Texas AG Child Support — oag.texas.gov/child-support
• Texas DPS (driver's license) — dps.texas.gov
• Social Security Administration — ssa.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Requirements vary by county. Always verify with your District Clerk.