6 Ways to Get A Cheap Divorce In Texas

There are many creative ways to reduce the cost of a divorce in the state of Texas. However, there are some requirements that you and your spouse must meet. Under Texas law, either you or your spouse must have resided in the state of Texas for at least six months before filing for divorce. One of the requirements is you must have lived in the United States for at least 90 days before the filing.

Like most states, Texas allows you to separate from your spouse solely on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. In other words, you and your spouse's inability to resolve conflicts is a sufficient cause to grant a divorce.

Listed below are six ways to get a cheap divorce in the state of Texas, explained in detail.

Uncontested Divorce

One way to apply for a divorce is uncontested. In the state of Texas, an uncontested separation is an easy and inexpensive way for people to separate without an attorney. An "Uncontested Divorce" is when both spouses have a mutual agreement about all of the justifications for their divorce, and the equitable division of their joint marital property, such as assets and debts, and the payment or waiver of spousal support. Also, if there are minor children of their marriage, they must both agree on the terms of the custody, visitation, and child support. When both spouses agree to all of the terms of their divorce, and both of them sign the divorce papers, this also referred to as an "amicable divorce" - amicable meaning friendly. These services can cost between $100 to $500.

Do-It-Yourself

Do-It-Yourself, is another inexpensive way to end a marriage because you are saving a lot of money on legal fees by not hiring an attorney. The process is also very simple. All you need to do is go to your local family court, fill out a petition for divorce and notify your spouse - with a court officer to serve the divorce documents, or without a third party. Since there is no help from outside professionals, you and your spouse will need to have a joint trust and agreement on the divorce proceedings. If your spouse agrees to sign the divorce forms, you are required to wait 60 days before the court can intervene. Afterward, you file the arrangements with the court, and the judge will make a decision. The cost of such services is very similar to uncontested divorce - $300 to $500.

Court Fee Waivers

The first two options are fast and easy, but they do involve processing fees. Because many people may not be able to afford these fees, they may be eligible for fee waivers. The state of Texas has indigent separation and fee waiver procedures that allow people to file for divorce and ask the court to waive all of the court fees associated with the process. This procedure is specifically designed to help people with limited finances end their marriages. Of course, you will have to give such documents as pay stubs, public assistance, and unemployment compensation to prove that you are financially needy.

Online Divorce

In the world of modern-day technology, it should come as no shock that people can complete divorces online. Filing in Texas can be difficult, but using online services can make things much more convenient to complete. Many web divorce sites can help you by providing step by step instructions, which you answer to make the process simple and easy to fill out your divorce papers. Filing for divorce over the internet will save you a lot of time and keep you from paying thousands of dollars in legal fees.

Such sites give you 100% online divorce forms, preparation services that allow people who are thinking about filing a no-fault uncontested in Texas, to complete their divorce papers without an Attorney.  For simple cases with or without children under 18, the process can be done in a matter of minutes. If there are any minor children involved, enter all of the information into the questionnaire online.

By using web services sites, the customer's divorce forms are instantly created online. This saves them the time of having to travel to an Attorney's office to provide information and review documents and also eliminates having to waste time waiting for the paperwork to be mailed to them from an Attorney's office for their review. Also, if any changes need to be made, the customer can immediately make the change online, and the application forms will be immediately updated. Most web divorce services can range from $100 to $160.

If someone is thinking of filing a simple no-fault uncontested divorce in Texas, and they are willing or able to pay an Attorney's legal fees, then completing the divorce online is a much cheaper and simpler option.

You can find more information about getting a divorce online by following the link. 

Divorce By Mediation

It's a common misunderstanding that in the process of a divorce, legal counsel is required. However, there are no such statutes that require you to involve attorneys at any time in the proceedings. Granted, it would be wise to have a knowledgable and neutral third party to oversee and assist in these proceedings; it does not necessarily have to be an attorney.  

Divorce by mediation is a non-adversarial, alternative dispute resolution process led by a caring and impartial professional mediator that helps couples respectfully resolve their issues of divorce, without the oversight of court officials. In the mediation process, both spouses work with only one mediator.

The divorce arbitrator does not take sides or give legal advice to either party and therefore is less expensive than an attorney. Instead, what the mediator does is help both spouses communicate, negotiate directly, and resolve all issues that pertain to their divorce. Couples have the opportunity to voice their concerns, be heard, and have direct input into the terms of their settlement agreement. Although mediation services are more expensive - $2,000 -$3,000 - they are a lot less expensive than attorneys which can range from $11,000 - $21,000.

Legal Aid

In addition to document fee waivers, there is also legal aid. This program provides poor and needy people with legal assistance for little to no money. Texas has various legal aid societies and volunteer lawyer programs to assist such people. You will get the best of both worlds: the legal expertise of an attorney and their free services. Of course, you will have to provide proof that you qualify for these services. As mentioned in the fee waiver option above, you will need to provide such documents as pay stubs, public assistance, and unemployment compensation documents.

Bear in mind, free legal services may not be as good as paid legal services, but it is better to have some legal advice than to have none at all.

In conclusion, divorce proceedings can be stressful and exhausting, mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Many people can not afford the assistance of professionals, and they feel trapped. However, as indicated above, there are many low-cost divorce options in the state of Texas. Each of these services has something unique to offer people.

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