Texas Divorce Forms — Complete Guide (2026)

One of the most confusing parts of filing for divorce in Texas without a lawyer is figuring out which forms you actually need. Texas has very few official statewide divorce forms — which means you'll find a lot of different versions online, and it's not always clear which ones are right for your situation.

This page cuts through the confusion. Here's exactly which forms you need, where to get them, and how they fit together.

Disclaimer: This is general legal information, not legal advice. Form requirements can vary by county. Always confirm requirements with your county's District Clerk before filing.

The Short Answer: Use TexasLawHelp.org

Before diving into individual forms, here's the most important thing to know: TexasLawHelp.org is the best free source for Texas divorce forms. The site is maintained by legal aid organizations and updated regularly. Their form kits include every form you need plus plain-English instructions — all free.

The Texas Supreme Court has officially approved forms for agreed uncontested divorces. For other situations, TexasLawHelp.org provides well-tested form templates.

eFileTexas.gov also has an interactive interview that generates completed forms based on your answers — useful if you prefer a guided approach.

Which Form Kit Do You Need?

Your situation determines which forms you need. Start here:

Forms Breakdown — No Children

Starting the Case

Original Petition for Divorce This is the document that officially begins your divorce. You file this at the courthouse to open your case.

What it includes:

• Your name (petitioner) and spouse's name (respondent)
• Confirmation of Texas residency requirements
• Date of marriage
• Grounds for divorce (most people use "insupportability" — Texas no-fault)
• What you're asking the judge to order (property division, name change, etc.)

There are two versions:

• Set A — opposite-sex marriages
• Set D — same-sex marriages

Serving Your Spouse

Waiver of Service Your spouse signs this to confirm they've received the petition and agree to waive formal service by a process server. This is the easiest option in an agreed divorce — no sheriff, no process server, no cost.

Important: Your spouse cannot sign this until after you have filed your petition. The form must reference your case number.

Respondent's Original Answer (alternative to Waiver) Instead of a Waiver of Service, your spouse can file a formal answer with the court. This is less common in agreed divorces but accomplishes the same goal.

Finalizing the Divorce

Final Decree of Divorce This is the most important document. It is the legally binding court order that ends your marriage and spells out all the terms. The judge signs this at your final hearing.

What it covers:

• Division of all community property (real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, personal property)
• Assignment of all community debt
• Name change (if requested)
• Any other orders specific to your situation

Fill this out completely before your hearing — leave only the judge's signature line blank.

Order Restoring Name Used Before Marriage (if applicable) A separate short form if either spouse wants their pre-marriage name restored. Can also be included directly in the Final Decree.

Forms Breakdown — With Children

All of the above forms apply, plus:

Information on Suit Affecting the Parent-Child Relationship (SAPCR) Required in every Texas divorce involving minor children. Provides the court with basic information about your children: names, birthdates, current address, schools attended, and any existing court orders.

This form is filed at the same time as your Original Petition.

Final Decree of Divorce (With Children version) Longer and more detailed than the no-children version. Includes:

• All property and debt division (same as above)
• Conservatorship designation (Joint Managing Conservatorship is standard)
• Primary residence designation
• Geographic restriction on primary residence (usually county + contiguous counties)
• Possession and access schedule (Standard Possession Order or custom schedule)
• Child support amount
• Medical support (health insurance for children)
• How uninsured medical expenses are split

Order for Child Support / Child Support Review Order Formalizes the child support obligation. May be a standalone document or incorporated into the Final Decree depending on your county's requirements.

Order/Writ of Income Withholding Also called a wage garnishment order. This goes to the paying parent's employer and directs them to withhold child support from each paycheck and send it to the Texas Child Support Disbursement Unit.

This form is required in virtually all Texas child support orders. Even if you trust your spouse to pay voluntarily, courts require it.

Medical Support Order Specifies which parent carries health insurance for the children and how uninsured medical, dental, and vision expenses are divided. Often incorporated into the Final Decree.

Forms for Default Divorce (Spouse Won't Respond)

If your spouse was properly served and didn't respond within the deadline:

Motion for Default / Request for Default Judgment Asks the court to proceed without your spouse's participation. Filed after the response deadline has passed (typically 20+ days after service).

Affidavit of Service / Return of Service Proof that your spouse was properly served. Provided by the constable, sheriff, or process server who delivered the papers.

Final Decree of Divorce Same form as an agreed divorce — you fill it out with the terms you're requesting, and the judge decides whether to approve it.

Where to Get Texas Divorce Forms

Free Sources

TexasLawHelp.org — Best overall source

• Complete form kits with instructions
• Separate kits for every situation
• Forms updated regularly
• Free, no account required

eFileTexas.gov — Interactive interview

• Answer questions and it generates your completed forms
• Good if you prefer a guided approach
• Works for most standard situations

Your County District Clerk's Website

• Some counties post their own preferred versions of forms
• Worth checking to confirm your county doesn't have specific local requirements
• Denton County: dentoncounty.gov
• Dallas County: dallascounty.org
• Tarrant County: tarrantcounty.com
• Collin County: collincountytx.gov

Texas State Law Library — guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce

• Research guide with links to forms and resources
• Updated regularly

Paid Sources (If You Want Help Completing Forms)

Hello Divorce — hellodivorcetx.com Flat fee starting at $400. Guides you through forms with software, includes a forms specialist.

Online Divorce — onlinedivorce.com Starting at $139. Generates completed Texas divorce forms based on your answers.

3StepDivorce — 3stepdivorce.com Flat fee service specifically for uncontested divorces. Clean and straightforward.

LegalZoom — legalzoom.com $200–$500. Well-known brand, includes document review options.

Tips for Filling Out Forms Correctly

Use blue or black ink if filling out by hand. Do not use pencil.

Don't leave blanks. Write "N/A" or "None" if something doesn't apply to your situation. A blank field can get your forms rejected.

Be specific about property. Don't write "the truck" — write "2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, VIN [number]." Vague property descriptions cause problems later.

Double-check names. Use full legal names as they appear on your marriage certificate and ID. Middle names and suffixes matter.

Don't sign before filing. Your Original Petition for Divorce should be signed in front of the clerk when you file, not before.

Make copies. Before filing anything, make at least three copies of every document — one for your records, one for your spouse, and one working copy.

Check local rules. Some counties have specific formatting requirements (font size, margins, paper type). Ask your District Clerk if you're unsure.

What Happens If You Use the Wrong Form?

Using the wrong form version won't necessarily derail your case, but it can cause delays. The District Clerk may reject documents that don't meet local requirements. Common issues:

• Using the children version when you have no children (or vice versa)
• Using outdated forms (check the revision date on any form you download)
• Missing the SAPCR form in a case with children
• Missing the Income Withholding Order in a case with child support

If your forms are rejected, you can correct and refile them — it just adds time to your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there official Texas divorce forms I can just download and fill out? Yes — the Texas Supreme Court has approved official forms for agreed uncontested divorces without real property or minor children. For other situations, TexasLawHelp.org provides well-established form templates used by courts statewide.

Do I need to notarize any forms? Some forms require notarization — most notably the Waiver of Service. Your spouse will need to sign the Waiver in front of a notary. Many banks, UPS Stores, and courthouses offer notary services, often for free or a small fee.

Can I handwrite my forms or do they need to be typed? Most courts prefer typed forms, but neatly handwritten forms in blue or black ink are generally accepted. If using a form with fillable PDF fields, typing is easier and looks more professional.

What if I can't find a form for my specific situation? Call your county's District Clerk office — they deal with this question regularly and can point you to the right resource. You can also contact TexasLawHelp.org directly.

Do I file all the forms at once? No. Forms are filed in stages. You file the petition at the start. The Final Decree and supporting orders are filed at the end when the judge signs them. The Income Withholding Order goes to the employer after the divorce is final.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Form requirements can change. Always verify with TexasLawHelp.org and your county District Clerk for the most current versions.