Filing for Divorce Without a Lawyer
Filing for divorce without a lawyer, known as “pro se” representation, is a viable option in Texas if you have a straightforward case, such as an uncontested divorce.
To file for uncontested divorce in Denton County, you may:
- Find and fill out forms relevant to your case.
- Bring your paperwork to a divorce court.
- Pay the filing fee and take the copies of the documents.
- Give a copy of the paperwork you filed to your spouse.
- Ask that your spouse signs the Answer or Waiver and a Decree.
- Get a hearing date after a state-mandated 60-day waiting period.
- Take the final paperwork with you to the court and attend the hearing.
- File the Decree with a clerk after the judge signs it.
If you have children who received Medicaid or TANF, you will also have to mail the copy of the Petition you filed to the Child Support Division of the Office of Attorney General. You will have to prove you did it when finalizing your case, so request a return receipt when mailing the form.
Professional Options in Denton County Texas
If you can’t afford or do not want full representation, limited scope service or “unbundled legal services” may be an affordable alternative to traditional representation. Unbundled legal services may be ideal for non-contested or no-fault divorce where both parties are in agreement with the process and terms of the divorce but need limited professional assistance to complete the divorce. Usual costs for Limited Services typically start from $1,250 as a Flat Rate. Additional services may be added as a la carte or as needed base.
Average fees may range from $1,250 to $2,500 depending on the type of case.
- Significantly Less Up-Front Costs / Flat Rate
- You’re in Control
Full Scope Legal Representation is what people think of when they think of the traditional attorney-client relationship. Meaning from start-to-finish, your attorney provides legal services on all aspects of your case. Usual costs for Full Representation typically start at $5,000 for retainer of services and can usually go up in price depending on the complexity of the case.
Average fees may range from $5,000 to $12,500 depending on the type of case.
- Higher Up-Front Costs and on-Going Costs
- Less Personal Control of Case
Securing a lawyer is necessary if you’re filing for divorce on fault grounds, like adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. The same applies to a no-fault divorce, where you and your spouse may not hold each other responsible for the marriage’s end but disagree on asset division and child custody arrangements.
Need Help With Your Uncontested Divorce in Denton County?
Since 2018, Ready Divorce Service has successfully assisted many clients over the years in finalizing their divorce.
We take pride in our hands-on approach, offering personalized support throughout the journey of your divorce. From the initial consultation to the finalization of the decree, our team is committed to demystifying the process.
Contact Us at: (940) 777-0068
Uncontested Divorce is Often the Best Outcome
An uncontested divorce in Denton County is often the best option for you. When you have minor children, it is always in everyone’s best interest to resolve the divorce amicably and without the need for a hearing. You always need to go through the court process, but an uncontested divorce can allow you minimal interaction with the legal system.
Spouses Must Be in Agreement
You cannot file for an uncontested divorce unless both spouses agree on the reason. In some cases, one spouse may wish to file for a divorce using grounds that blame the other spouse for the breakup of the marriage. For example, one spouse may be accusing the other of adultery.
When the two spouses are filing for an uncontested divorce, they are agreeing that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The most common ground for an uncontested divorce is that the marriage has become “insupportable.” There are no allegations of fault or that one of the spouses has done something wrong. Fault may matter when there is a dispute over custody or spousal support. But because Texas is a community property state, fault does not come into play with regard to the distribution of assets.
Steps in Flat-Fee Divorce
A flat-fee divorce is a type of divorce in which you are charged a fixed fee for services. This can be a good option for couples who want a predictable and affordable divorce process.
Here are the steps involved in a flat-fee divorce:
- Schedule a consultation. Meet to discuss your case and get answers to any questions you have about the process.
- File your divorce petition. Preparing and file the Petition for Divorce and establish a case number with the courts.
- Negotiate the terms of your divorce. During the 60-day waiting period, negotiate the terms of your divorce with your spouse.
- Prepare the Agreed Decree of Divorce. Once you and your spouse have reached an agreement, preparation of the Agreed Decree of Divorce is next. This document outlines all of the terms of your divorce, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division.
- Finalize your divorce in court. Once you and your spouse have signed the Agreed Decree of Divorce, submit to the courts and arrange to appear in court to finalize your divorce.
The entire process typically takes between 60 and 120 days, but this can vary depending on your circumstances. Benefits of a flat-fee divorce include:
- Predictable cost: You know exactly how much your divorce will cost upfront.
- Affordable: Flat-fee divorces are often less expensive than traditional divorces.
- Efficient: Flat-fee divorces are typically faster than traditional divorces, as you and your lawyer are incentivized to reach an agreement as quickly as possible.
If you are considering a flat-fee divorce, be sure to discuss your options with someone experienced in your divorce matters. They can help you determine if a flat-fee divorce is right for you and can guide you through the process
Divorce Courts in Denton County Texas
Deciding where to file for divorce in Denton County, you need to understand that not all courts review marriage dissolution cases. Therefore, it would be necessary to find a family law courthouse and submit your paperwork there. Here is a divorce court in Denton County that you may bring your case to:
Court Name: 16th District Court · 158th District Court · 211th District Court · 362nd District Court · 367th District Court · 393rd District Court · 431st District Court · 442nd District Court · 462nd District Court · 467th District Court · 481st District Court
Clerk Name: Sherri Adelstein
Court Address: 1450 E McKinney St. Denton, Texas 76202
Phone: (940) 349-2200
Clerk Hours: 8am-5pm
Denton County Divorce Filing Fees
The Denton County clerk filing fees are around $350 to $400. There might be other court fees, such as those for making copies or serving your spouse, if you need it.
As the rates are susceptible to change and vary across the state and counties, it might be worth knowing the exact sum before bringing your case to court.
To inquire about the fees, contact the clerk of the district court where you plan to file. You may also want to ask about the means of payment they accept and whether their work hours remain the same.
If you cannot afford to pay the fees, you may request relief from court by filing a Statement form. The judge will review it to decide whether your financial situation is dire enough to grant relief.
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