6 Factors Driving Divorce Cost In Texas

If you are considering a divorce, one of the many questions going through your mind may be, “How much does a divorce cost?”

The truth is that the answer will vary depending on a number of factors. For instance, if you and your spouse share children and assets, you are already looking at a price tag above the bare minimum. It’s important to realize there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the divorce cost or the process. 

How Much Should Your Divorce Cost?

It’s impossible to say how much your divorce will cost. But there are several factors that will give you a better idea. For instance, if you and your soon-to-be-ex are on the same page and dedicated to compromise, you may be looking at a quick and less costly process. 

But that doesn’t mean you should assume everything will be smooth sailing. Prepare yourself with an experienced divorce attorney to ensure you get the best possible outcome in your divorce.

1. Filing Fee

Once you’ve made the decision to end your marriage, the first step is to file for divorce. In Texas, the filing fee is between $250 – $300. 

However, it’s not advisable to file for divorce without consulting a divorce attorney first. Even if you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse seem to be on the same page, things can quickly change once a divorce is in progress.

The best chance you have at a smooth divorce process without extra stress is to properly prepare. This is especially true if you and your spouse disagree on issues regarding community property, child custody, child support, alimony, or if your spouse has their own attorney.

When you choose to speak to an attorney, be wary of free consultations. This is because you’ll find yourself receiving a sales pitch and not gaining the advice that you’re hoping for.

2. Child Custody

Divorces that involve children will most certainly cost more than those that don’t. And that’s for a good reason because your children’s welfare is the most important aspect of your divorce.

The two main reasons a divorce with children are more expensive are:

• Addressing child support
• Agreeing on a custody arrangement and parenting plan

When couples don’t agree on the components of child custody, the court will step in and make the decisions. However, court involvement in the decision-making process will definitely increase the cost of your divorce. 

If you have children, you owe it to them and yourself to make sure their well being is a top priority. To make sure decisions in the divorce reflect your children’s best interest, you need a divorce attorney experienced in family law and child custody. 

Getting divorced in Texas? Hire the legal team with experience in family law. Contact the Daniels Law Firm before you file. 

3. Cooperation From Parties

Your best bet in keeping your divorce cost low is to have full cooperation from you and your spouse. However, we know you can’t control your soon-to-be ex-spouse and their choices to cooperate and compromise. 

While you can lead by example, it can be difficult if you’re the only one focused on cooperating with the process. However, it is important to set aside emotions and feelings to get through your divorce quickly and for less money.

Whether or not you predict you and your spouse will be cooperative throughout your divorce, you are better off preparing for that not to be the case.

If you go in on a wish and a prayer, you’ll be blindsided when things don’t go as you’ve hoped. The Daniels Law Firm can help you get through your divorce with less stress and turmoil.

4. Contested Or Uncontested

A major factor in the cost and timeframe is whether your divorce is contested or uncontested. 

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree on all, or most, factors. And this typically means a much faster and less costly divorce. 

Some of the items that will determine whether a divorce is contested include:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Alimony
• Division of assets

While there may be a few issues you need help solving, if you two are mostly on the same page, you may have an uncontested divorce. However, a contested divorce will mean a lengthier process with a higher cost for both parties. 

Alimony is usually the most contested issue Texas divorces encounter. Whether you or your spouse request alimony, reaching an agreement is critical if the goal is to keep the cost down. However, that doesn’t mean you should agree to something you don’t truly believe is right. Don’t let the pressure to have a quick and cost-effective divorce be what drives your decisions.

Rather than being caught off guard by a contested divorce, contact a divorce attorney before filing. This will give you the tools, support, and resources you will need when issues arise. 

Ready to file for divorce? Contact the Daniels Law Firm for a smooth process. 

5. The Actual Divorce Process

The actual process will be the most costly aspect of your divorce. Speaking with an attorney and filing for divorce are just the first steps. Then you’ll need to start the official process. Texas divorces typically include one of these three processes:

• Mediation
• Litigation
• Collaborative divorce

Depending on the level of cooperation of both parties and their ability to agree on several different factors will determine the appropriate process. If compromise is not attainable, lengthy divorce litigation will drive up the divorce cost greatly. 

6. Legal Fees & Expenses

In addition to the filing fee, there will be several other legal fees and expenses. This includes attorney fees for both parties, any involvement from the court, and more. 

While putting your divorce behind you and moving on with your life is likely your goal, you should know that there will be several steps before it is final.

However, an experienced divorce attorney will help you to minimize the cost of your overall divorce. And if child custody, alimony, or division of assets are issues in your divorce, you need an attorney specifically experienced in those areas, too.

The Daniels Law Firm Can Help You Prepare To Keep Divorce Cost Low

There is a lot to think about when considering a divorce. Whether or not you have children or community property, emotions can get high, and promises of compromise can wither. Prepare yourself for a stress-free divorce by contacting the Daniels Law Firm before you file. Book a consultation today to get started.