How Much Does a Divorce Really Cost in Texas?
How much does a divorce cost in Texas? The simple answer is that it typically costs thousands. But divorce is rarely a simple matter, and there are multiple factors that can increase or decrease the total cost. Although we can’t give you an exact amount, this article lays out the relevant factors and what you can generally expect to pay in a divorce case.
You may think that hiring an attorney is an extra or additional expense in a divorce case. However, an experienced divorce attorney can save you a substantial amount of money in the long run, as well as saving you a tremendous amount of stress and uncertainty as you attempt to navigate the legal labyrinth alone. At The Larson Law Office, we give highly personalized, top-rated representation to divorcing spouses in Texas. Our attorneys stay with our clients through every twist and turn of their divorce and resolve family law disputes efficiently and effectively.
Costs to Get a Divorce
The cost of a divorce depends on factors such as:
- How litigious you and your spouse are
- How contentious your divorce is,
- Whether you reach agreements early in your case, and
- The amount of evidence necessary.
How much does a divorce cost in Texas? As you can see, there is no easy answer to this question. But read on as we go through a breakdown of the costs.
What Fees Must I Pay to Initiate a Divorce?
To start a divorce, you must file a petition with the court and have your complaint and summons served on your spouse. If there is mediation in your case, the mediator must also be paid.
Costs of Presenting Evidence in My Divorce Case
To prove your right to custody or a share of the marital property, you might need to present evidence such as:
- Witness testimony,
- Medical records,
- Financial statements,
- Business records, and
- Education records.
The outcome of a divorce case hinges on the strength of each party’s evidence and arguments. So, you may not want to spare expenses when proving your case.
How much are witness fees?
Texas law requires claimants in civil cases to pay their witnesses $10 per day. If the witness you need is an expert witness (e.g., an accountant or physician), you may have to pay hundreds or thousands of dollars per hour for their services.
Why Hire an Attorney?
A lot is at stake in a divorce. Consulting an attorney can help you avoid the following costly outcomes in a settlement or litigated decree:
- An order that grants the marital home or car to your spouse,
- An order against you for the payment of spousal support,
- An order requiring you to pay a larger portion of the marital debts,
- An order allowing your spouse to move your child far away, or
- An order granting a larger portion of the marital estate to your spouse.
A knowledgeable lawyer will know what outcome the law favors, and they know how to persuade the judge to put fair terms in your divorce order. If your spouse is uncooperative, a skilled divorce attorney can prevent them from unnecessarily drawing out proceedings.
The Larson Law Office Can Protect You In Your Divorce Case
When you have concerns about the cost of your impending divorce, one of the best moves you can make is hiring an attorney who understands your unique needs. We offer personalized service from our family lawyers at The Larson Law Office. Diana Larson and Erik Larson, stay in communication with our clients from start to finish. Erik and Diana also have decades of combined experience and top reviews from their clients.
Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.