Find out if you and your circumstances are eligible for our easy divorce process.
2
Complete the questionnaire
Our questionnaire guides you through filling out divorce paperwork.
3
Review your forms
Review your personalized legal documents before final submission.
4
File for divorce
Take the final step towards your new beginning with detailed filing instructions.
Over 500,000 people have used OnlineDivorce
For over 24 years, we’ve empowered individuals to get quick and stress-free divorces while saving money in the process.
I started my divorce on my own, spending loads of money on lawyer visits in the beginning.
So I decided to google for other ways and using this site was so much more simple!
Wesley H.Missouri
I had a very successful business at the time. So, making sure I had the right forms was
very very important during my divorce. I was so surprised at how easy and smooth this process was.
James V.Texas
After years of a tumultuous marriage, I finally decided that I needed to reclaim my life.
I was looking for how to go about it and came across this site and they simplified and made
the process of divorce easy for me. I never thought it would’ve been possible.
Chloe J.Florida
Stress-free and easy! I was initially gonna hire a lawyer but I found online divorce the
next best option. No muss, no fuss divorce. No big legal words that I’d have to have read
10 times to understand!
Will S.Colorado
California is expensive and divorce can be even more expensive in the end but I can say
that this site payed everything out for me to follow, from child support to alimony.
My ex agreed to go this way as well so it was a much less expensive option for us.
Marco P.California
Because of the whole dissolution of the marriage, I was struggling with two children and
just in limbo with my husband at the time because of child support and alimony. I was a
stay-at-home mom for 10 years. I just want to say that this site helped me sort it out.
Thank you.
Tamara B.Nevada
I live in upstate NY and unfortunately one day I found myself in a situation for divorce.
I was all out of whack, needed answers to take action. Enough was enough so I did it on this
site. Everything was clear to understand, all forms and what to put in which box.
Theresa S.New York
Onlinedivorce.com is the bomb! I mean, using it was so easy to follow. So, if you find
yourself in this situation do your divorce here if possible. Documents for all stages,
alimony, child support and all!
Livy B.Illinois
It's less expensive
Contested divorces can cost on average $11,000 in lawyer fees. OnlineDivorce is fast, affordable, and simple.
$199Limited Time Offer
An easy and quick method to prepare for uncontested divorce online and get high-quality divorce papers
A complete packet of divorce documents at a low cost
Fast preparation of all court forms within 2 business days
Thorough instructions explaining how to start a divorce
Convenient to use from any device at any time
Responsive customer email, chat, and phone support
Divorce with a Lawyer
>$11,000On average
Divorce with a lawyer can be adversarial, lengthy, inconvenient and
costly
Litigated divorces are extremely expensive - $11,000 on average
They take longer to get finalized - up to a few years
Little or no control over the divorce outcome
Litigation ignites more conflicts between the parties
Prolonged court trials negatively affect children
Support for all types of divorces
Every divorce is different, but with Onlinedivorce you
can personalize your assistance for every aspect of your online divorce.
Divorce with Kids
Attorney Network
All 50 States & Canada
Filing Service
Online Divorce in Texas
Please note--OnlineDivorce.com is not an appropriate substitute for the advice of a lawyer.
For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of Texas, online divorce is an easy, affordable, and fast solution. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case.
The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy for you. We help prepare all of the necessary divorce forms and provide detailed written instructions on filing your divorce in Texas.
Our divorce documents preparation service can be a perfect solution for those who want to have their divorce papers completed quickly and without stress. Even though Texas has unique divorce forms and filing requirements, our online system can provide you with exactly what you need and provide instructions on how to file. We have helped thousands of people prepare their divorce documents to file for divorce online in Texas.
If you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce and want an amicable dissolution to your marriage, why should the process get drawn out, and why should you spend money on lawyers? Online divorce is often cheaper, quicker, and easier.
Online divorce can be a perfect option if you want to save money or hope to have your divorce finalized quickly to get on with your life. Preparing documents for divorce online in Texas is fast becoming very popular because you can complete the documents in the comfort of your home.
Even if you think your case is too complex because you have children, own your own home, or have other assets, you may still be able to prepare your documents online. Just start with our simple questionnaire, and we’ll provide you instructions for each step of the way.
The process at OnlineDivorce.com is 100% secure. We protect your information, and nothing is filed until you submit the divorce papers to the courthouse yourself. Filing for divorce in Texas with the Onlinedivorce.com system can be a simple solution to a difficult situation.
Filing:
Please NOTE, OnlineDivorce.com does not offer services in Medina County. Please contact our customer support department to learn your options for filing in this country.
When you use OnlineDivorce.com, we help you fill out your divorce paperwork using a simple online questionnaire. You can fill it out alone or with the assistance of your spouse. Then, after getting the other spouse’s signature, the divorce forms may be filed at the local court.
In Texas, you will typically file with the courthouse in the county in which you currently reside. If a petitioner is not currently a resident but a defendant is, divorce is typically filed in the county where the defendant resides.
The actual filing process is explained in our detailed court-filing instructions that we provide, along with your completed divorce forms. You can also obtain assistance from your local courthouse by calling or stopping by.
After the initial filing, you may need to follow up if there are any issues with your documents. When you use OnlineDivorce.com, we allow you to make small adjustments to your forms as requested by the court at no additional charge. Our goal is to help you obtain your divorce with as little hassle and stress as possible using our online divorce documents preparation service.
Residency:
Please NOTE, OnlineDivorce.com does not offer online divorce services in Medina County. Please contact our customer service department to learn your options.
Every state has specific requirements where divorcing couples must establish residency before filing for divorce. Texas is no exception.
At least one of the spouses (either the husband or wife or both) must have lived in the state of Texas for at least six months before filing for divorce. In addition, the spouse who files the divorce (the petitioner) or the non-filing spouse (the respondent) must have been a resident of the county where the divorce will be filed for at least ninety days before filing.
There are many ways to prove that residency has been established. The easiest way is if one or both spouses have a valid and current Texas driver’s license, ID card, or voter’s registration card issued at least six months before filing for divorce. If this is not the case, it may be possible to establish residency by having someone who knows you or your spouse testify that you have lived in the state for at least six months.
Valid grounds to get divorce in Texas
Grounds for an online divorce using OnlineDivorce.com are the same as they would be for any divorce within the State of Texas. Grounds are merely the reason for divorce, and the state must approve them.
In Texas, you can file a no-fault divorce. This means that the spouses can allege that the marriage is insupportable. In this case, a couple will obtain a divorce without stating additional grounds.
Some of the fault-based grounds for divorce in Texas include adultery, cruelty, a conviction of a felony, living apart for three years, confinement in a mental hospital, and abandonment. Remember, it is not necessary to claim one of these reasons for filing. In fact, by filing a fault-based divorce, there becomes a need to prove the grounds, and in many cases, this can make the divorce much more complicated and may drag it out much longer than would otherwise be necessary.
Divorce in Texas
Custody of the child in Texas
Joint or sole managing conservatorship (better known as custody) is decided according to what is in the best interests of the child. The genders of the parents are not a factor for consideration in making these decisions. The wishes of the child may be considered when applicable. The factors to be considered when deviating from standard custody and visitation arrangements are as follows:
The age, circumstances, needs, and best interests of the child;
The circumstances of the parents;
Evidence of any spouse or child abuse; and
Any other relevant factor.
Some of the factors specified in the statute that must be considered in decisions regarding joint custody are:
Physical, emotional, and psychological needs of the child;
The ability of the parents to give priority to the overall welfare of the children and reach decisions in their best interests;
Whether both parents can encourage and accept positive relationships between the child and the other parent;
Whether both parents actively participated in child care before the filing of the suit;
The geographical proximity of the parents’ homes;
If the child is 12 years old or older and sufficiently mature, the preference of the child; and
Any other relevant factor.
The court will not usually award joint managing conservatorship if there is credible evidence of spousal or child abuse or neglect. Parents can file a written agreement with the court discussing joint managing conservatorship. The court awards joint managing conservatorship based on such an agreement between parents if the agreement:
Establishes the residence of the child;
States rights and duties of both parents regarding the child’s current and future care, support, and education;
Includes provisions minimizing disruption of the child’s daily routine, school, and ability to associate with friends;
Was agreed to voluntarily and knowingly; and
Is in the best interests of the child.
Additionally, there are standard terms regarding a court order in a child’s conservatorship set out in the statute, which is presumed to be the bare minimum allowed time that the parent not awarded the primary physical custody of the child is to have the child. [Texas Codes Annotated; Family Code, Chapter 153, Sections 153.004 to 153.434]
Divorce in Texas
Rules for child support in Texas
The state of Texas standard child support guidelines apply in almost all cases. Both spouses’ income and many of the child-related expenses are considered when calculating child support obligations.
In Texas, child support obligations will continue until the child reaches eighteen and may extend through the completion of secondary school. Child support is usually paid by wage assignment.
Either parent may be required to make periodic or lump-sum child support payments. Official child support guidelines are set out in the statute, and these will be presumed to be reasonable and in the child’s best interests. The factors for consideration include:
The age and needs of the child;
The amount of possession and access to the child;
The ability of the parents to contribute to the support of the child;
Any financial resources available for the support of the child;
The net resources of the parent to pay support, including the earning potential of the parent to pay support if the actual income of that parent is significantly less than what that parent could earn, if intentionally unemployed or underemployed;
Any childcare expenses necessary for the employment of either parent;
Whether a parent has custody of another child and any child support expenses being paid or received for the care of another child;
The amount of alimony being currently paid or received;
Any wage or salary deductions of the parents;
Any educational or health care needs of the child, including college expenses;
Any benefits a parent receives from an employer;
Any debts or obligations of a parent;
Any special or extraordinary educational, health care, or other expenses of the parents or the child;
The cost of traveling to visit the child;
Any provisions for health care or insurance;
Any positive or negative cash flow from any assets, including a business or investments;
Whether either parent has a car or housing furnished by an employer or other person or business; and
Any other relevant factor.
The court can order health insurance coverage to be provided for the children. Additionally, the court can order income withholding to secure the payment of any child support owed. [Texas Codes Annotated; Family Code, Chapter 154, Sections 154.001 to 154.309]
Divorce in Texas
Property division in Texas
When a couple decides to divorce in Texas, they must agree to split their property in a fair and agreeable manner. When the couple agrees upon the split themselves, the court will usually go along with anything decided, assuming it is fair and in the best interests of any children involved in the divorce.
Texas is known as what is called a “community property” state. The spouse’s separate property, which consists of:
Any property a spouse owned prior to the marriage;
Any property a spouse acquired during the marriage by gift or inheritance; and
Any recovery a spouse received for personal injuries during the marriage will be retained by the spouse who owns it.
The property, which is determined to be community property, consisting of all other property acquired by either spouse during the marriage, will be divided equitably unless the court finds that this would be unjust.
Also, the court may split property acquired by either spouse while residing outside the state, which would have been deemed community property if they had obtained it while residing in Texas.
The only factors for consideration specified in this statute are regarding the rights of each spouse and any children. All property possessed by either spouse during the marriage will be presumed to be community property unless shown otherwise. A court will determine the rights of the spouses with regards to any pension or retirement plan and rights dealing with any insurance policy. [Texas Codes Annotated; Family Code, Sections 3.001, 3.002, 7.001 to 7.006]
Divorce in Texas
Rules for spousal support in Texas
Spousal support, also known as maintenance in Texas, is sometimes ordered by the court to help one spouse live in a manner established during the marriage after the divorce. The couple can agree upon the financial assistance together before filing or wait for the court to award it in a contested case. The court may award temporary spousal maintenance or post-divorce maintenance to either of the spouses in either lump-sum payments or periodic payments.
In Texas, either spouse can be ordered to pay an equitable amount of maintenance to the other. The following factors, among others, are to be considered:
Each spouse’s financial resources and the ability to provide for their needs independently;
The recipient’s earning capacity, their education and employment skills, and the time needed to acquire training to earn sufficient income;
The ability of the paying spouse to meet personal needs while providing support to the other party;
The duration of the marriage;
Any history of family violence;
Either spouse’s acts that affected the marital property;
The property that each spouse brought to the marriage;
If one spouse’s earning capacity or education was greatly enhanced by the other’s efforts;
and
Whether the spouse has custody of the child or children;
Any other relevant factors.
The monthly maintenance amount can be no more than the lower of $5,000.00 or 20% of the paying spouse’s monthly gross income. [Texas Codes Annotated; Family Code, Chapter 8, Sections 8.001 to 8.055]
Divorce in Texas
Mediation support in Texas
The State of Texas serves to promote amicable and non-judicial settlements of child support and domestic issues. Upon written agreement of the spouses or the court’s decision, the court can refer the divorcees to mediation.
A mediated settlement of the case is 100% binding if it is signed by the spouses and provides that the agreement is not subject to being revoked. Additionally, upon request, the court may order both spouses to consult marriage counseling. If the counselor’s report indicates the expectation of reconciliation, the court may order further counseling for up to 60 more days. Upon every divorce filing, the court clerk is required to furnish a statement regarding the availability of marital counseling services. [Texas Codes Annotated; Family Code, Sections 153.010, 6.505, and 6.602]
For those seeking to prepare their divorce papers using OnlineDivorce.com, utilizing divorce mediation can be a great tool to smooth out disagreements and prevent the case from going to court. It can be the simplest way to assure a fast, easy and affordable online divorce.
Divorce in Texas
Divorce Forms in Texas
Texas forms produced by OnlineDivorce.com are court-approved divorce forms. We have automated filling out paperwork to simplify matters and avoid any difficulties that may occur with filling out paperwork alone.
By utilizing OnlineDivorce.com, you can simplify preparing divorce documents and help both parties move forward with their lives.
Divorce in Texas
Filing fees for divorce in Texas
When you file your divorce papers, the court will charge filing fees that may vary by county. These costs are in addition to the cost of using OnlineDivorce.com. Please check with your local courthouse to determine the exact amount.
How long it will take
Using the OnlineDivorce.com service usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours or more, depending on the complexity of your case. Start by filling out the questionnaire. You can do it in one sitting or save your progress and complete it at a later date. Whatever is most convenient for you.
Once you’ve received the completed documents, you will need to file them and get your spouse’s signature. You’ll receive more information regarding the finalization of the divorce case once the paperwork has been completed and submitted to the courts.
Divorce in Texas
Here is how OnlineDivorce.com makes completing divorce papers easier:
We provide the full divorce packet required by the local court - clients do not need to drive to their local courthouse to get the blank forms or search for the right divorce forms online. In rare cases, local county forms can vary in color, paper material, size, or bar code, so they may need to be obtained directly from the county clerk's office.
We complete the necessary forms for clients based on their answers given in a simple guided online interview - clients do not need to understand family law or read through complicated instructions to figure out how to fill out the forms themselves.
We give detailed, easy to follow step-by-step instructions for filing a divorce with the court - so the client knows exactly what to do to get his/her divorce finalized.
We provide unlimited technical support - if a client needs assistance through the online process, he/she can always reach out to us via phone, email, or live chat, and we'll do our best to help.
We save our clients time and money - if divorcing spouses agree regarding the terms of their divorce, they typically don’t have to pay thousands to a lawyer to handle their divorce forms and don't need to spend hours trying to do it all by themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Texas laws allow people to represent themselves in the state courts, and divorce is no exception. Both parties in dissolution proceedings are eligible to proceed and promote their interests without a lawyer.
The filing requirements and the divorce procedure rules do not differ for the spouses who resort to legal assistance and those who arrange a do-it-yourself divorce. However, arranging a divorce on your own implies the litigant is fully responsible for the paperwork preparation and consequences of the trial.
Therefore, law experts typically do not recommend filing for divorce by yourself when the divorce is contested or if the spouses have valuable assets, minor children, or other controversial issues, making a divorce case more complicated and unpredictable.
An alternative option for those who want to settle their disputes out-of-court but still need some help is a limited-scope representation, such as divorce mediation, counseling, online divorce services, etc.
As long as Texas residency requirements are met, the couple is eligible to file for divorce with a local court. The plaintiff (the party who initiates the case) shall collect the initial divorce paperwork and fill out a divorce petition.
The forms should be filed with the District Clerk's office in the county of either spouse's current residence. At the moment of filing, the plaintiff has to pay the court filing fee to officially start the case.
They should then make copies of divorce papers and deliver them to the second spouse, following the rules of civil procedure. The second spouse (defendant) can be served with divorce documents by a licensed process server, a local sheriff, certified mail, etc. In brief, the procedure for serving can vary, but the plaintiff cannot hand the papers personally to the defendant.
An uncontested divorce is generally considered more affordable than a contested procedure, which is usually associated with high attorney fees per hour.
However, as each divorce case’s circumstances are different, the total costs required to terminate the marriage (even peacefully and without a lawyer) may vary significantly.
For example, some spouses would like to seek a lawyer's help for their uncontested case, while some resort to online legal aid, mediation services, OnlineDivorce.com help, etc. Other additional costs may include process server fees, parenting classes, and any other service fees that may be required.
Only the filing fee charged at the moment of filing a petition is the same for all Texas couples. In Texas, the court filing fee is approximately $300 and can vary slightly from county to county.
For Texas District Courts to have jurisdiction over the divorce case, the spouses must meet the state's residency requirements.
Thus, under the Texas Family Code, at least one of the spouses must have lived in the state for the prior six-month period.
Besides this, the plaintiff has to apply for divorce in the county where either party has been living for at least the previous ninety days before filing the Petition for Divorce.
In Texas, a defendant in a divorce case served with the copies of divorce papers has very little time to respond.
As a defendant, you should file an answer with the court within twenty days after receiving the copies of the documents.
If a defendant fails to respond before this deadline, the plaintiff can finish the divorce without further notice, asking the court for default judgment.
Filing for divorce for free in Texas is available only for those plaintiffs who are eligible to proceed without paying court fees due to financial hardship.
If a plaintiff cannot afford to pay a court filing fee, which is about $300 in Texas, he or she may request a waiver by completing and submitting an Affidavit of Inability to Pay Court Costs to the court.
In all other cases, an uncontested dissolution of marriage can be much cheaper than people typically tend to think, but it still is not free due to mandatory court costs.
In Texas, the primary divorce forms required to be filed in an uncontested divorce are:
Original Petition for Divorce
Citation (Summons)
Waiver of Service
Final Decree of Divorce
Notice of Final Decree
Other divorce forms and worksheets which may be needed in some instances include but are not limited to:
Child Support Order
Military Affidavit
Orders Re Property and Debts
Power of Attorney to Transfer Motor Vehicle
Affidavit of Inability to Pay
Child support case
Sample Documents by State
Please note that your final forms, documents and
filings may be different depending on your state.
Coming soon! If you want to have a look at sample forms for your state and
you cannot find them here, please just give us a call or send us an email.
You are Qualified
You qualify to use OnlineDivorce.com to start your divorce online.
Please note that although you are currently not in agreement with your spouse regarding your divorce,
you will need to agree before you get your divorce paperwork. Our guided process is designed
to walk you through all the important issues in a divorce so you can come to terms.
To begin the process to complete your official divorce forms online, please press the “Continue”
button below.
