Texas Divorce Filing Fees by County (2026) — What It Costs to File
One of the first questions people have when considering a DIY divorce is: how much does it actually cost to file? The answer depends on which county you're filing in — and in Texas, fees vary more than you'd expect.
This page covers current filing fees for the most populated Texas counties, plus everything else you might need to pay for along the way.
Note: Court fees change periodically. Always verify the current fee with your county's District Clerk office before you go. Phone numbers and websites are included below.
Texas Divorce Filing Fees by County
North Texas
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | District Clerk Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Denton County | $300–$350 | dentoncounty.gov/districtclerk — (940) 349-2200 |
| Dallas County | $350–$400 | dallascounty.org/districtclerk — (214) 653-7131 |
| Tarrant County | $300–$350 | tarrantcounty.com/districtclerk — (817) 884-1240 |
| Collin County | $300–$350 | collincountytx.gov/district_clerk — (972) 548-4320 |
| Wise County | $250–$300 | wisecountytx.gov — (940) 627-5535 |
| Cooke County | $250–$300 | (940) 668-5411 |
Central Texas
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | District Clerk Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Travis County | $350–$400 | traviscountytx.gov/district-clerk — (512) 854-9457 |
| Williamson County | $300–$350 | wilco.org/districtclerk — (512) 943-1212 |
| Hays County | $300–$350 | hayscountytx.com — (512) 393-7660 |
| Bell County | $250–$300 | bellcountytx.com — (254) 933-5197 |
Houston Area
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | District Clerk Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Harris County | $350–$425 | hcdistrictclerk.com — (713) 755-5711 |
| Fort Bend County | $300–$375 | fortbendcountytx.gov — (281) 341-4509 |
| Montgomery County | $300–$350 | mctx.org/district_clerk — (936) 539-7855 |
| Brazoria County | $275–$325 | brazoriacountytx.gov — (979) 849-5711 |
San Antonio Area
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | District Clerk Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Bexar County | $300–$375 | bexar.org/districtclerk — (210) 335-2113 |
| Comal County | $275–$325 | co.comal.tx.us — (830) 221-1200 |
| Guadalupe County | $275–$325 | co.guadalupe.tx.us — (830) 303-8864 |
Other Major Counties
| County | Estimated Filing Fee | District Clerk Contact |
|---|---|---|
| El Paso County | $275–$350 | epcounty.com/districtclerk — (915) 546-2021 |
| Lubbock County | $250–$300 | lubbockcounty.gov — (806) 775-1610 |
| Nueces County | $250–$300 | nuecesco.com — (361) 888-0580 |
| Jefferson County | $250–$300 | co.jefferson.tx.us — (409) 835-8580 |
What the Filing Fee Covers
Your filing fee opens your divorce case with the District Clerk. It covers:
- Assigning your case a docket number
- Filing and storing your Original Petition for Divorce
- Basic administrative processing
It does not cover:
- Serving your spouse (if needed)
- Certified copies of your Final Decree
- Any subsequent filings (motions, amended orders, etc.)
Other Costs to Budget For
Beyond the filing fee, here's what else you might pay:
Service of Process
If your spouse won't sign a voluntary Waiver of Service, you'll need to formally serve them. Options:
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| County constable or sheriff | $75–$150 |
| Private process server | $75–$200 |
| Certified mail (some counties allow) | $15–$25 |
| Service by publication (spouse can't be found) | $200–$400 (includes newspaper fees) |
Certified Copies of the Final Decree
You'll need certified copies to update your name and records after the divorce. Most counties charge $1–$5 per page, and a decree is typically 10–30 pages depending on complexity.
Budget $25–$75 for a few certified copies. Get at least three — one for your records, one for name change purposes, and one spare.
Parenting Class (If You Have Children)
Some counties require a parenting class before finalizing a divorce with minor children. Classes typically cost $20–$50 and are available online.
Online Document Preparation Service (Optional)
If you use a service like Hello Divorce, Online Divorce, or 3StepDivorce to prepare your forms, budget an additional $139–$500 depending on which service you choose.
Attorney Review (Optional but Recommended)
Even in a DIY divorce, having a family law attorney review your Final Decree before you sign it is worth the cost. Many attorneys offer flat-fee document review for $150–$400. Some counties actually require an attorney's signature on the decree before the judge will accept it — check with your District Clerk.
Can I Get the Filing Fee Waived?
Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, Texas allows you to file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (formerly called a pauper's affidavit). If the court approves it, your filing fee and some other court costs may be waived or deferred.
Ask the District Clerk for this form when you arrive. Eligibility is generally based on income and whether you receive public assistance.
Total Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Agreed DIY divorce, no children, no property | $325–$450 |
| Agreed DIY divorce, no children, with property | $375–$600 |
| Agreed DIY divorce, with children | $375–$650 |
| Default DIY divorce (spouse served) | $450–$750 |
| DIY divorce using online document service | $550–$1,100 |
| Simple uncontested divorce with attorney | $1,500–$3,500 |
| Contested divorce with attorney | $5,000–$30,000+ |
The savings from going DIY on a simple uncontested divorce are real — typically $1,000–$3,000 compared to hiring an attorney.
How to Pay
Payment methods vary by county. Most counties accept:
- Credit or debit card
- Cash
- Money order or cashier's check
Personal checks are accepted in some counties but not all. Call ahead or check the District Clerk's website to confirm before you go.
If you're e-filing through eFileTexas.gov, you'll pay online by card at the time of submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my filing fee back if I change my mind? No. Filing fees are non-refundable once your petition has been filed.
Does it cost more to file if we have children? In most counties the filing fee is the same regardless of whether children are involved. However, you'll have more forms to file and potentially additional requirements like parenting classes.
Is the filing fee the same for contested and uncontested divorces? Generally yes — the initial filing fee is the same. Contested divorces cost more because of additional hearings, motions, and attorney fees, not because of higher base filing fees.
What if I filed in the wrong county? Your case will likely be dismissed and you'll need to refile in the correct county, paying the filing fee again. Double-check residency requirements before filing.
Do I pay the filing fee again when I file the Final Decree? No. The initial filing fee opens the case and covers the entire proceeding. You don't pay again to file subsequent documents unless you're filing a new action (like a modification after the divorce is final).
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Filing fees change periodically. Always verify current fees directly with your county's District Clerk before filing.