How Can I File for Divorce in Tarrant County, Texas? 

 Posted on July 08, 2022 in Divorce

Making the decision to get a divorce is one of the hardest things you may ever do. Even if you have not made up your mind yet and are still wondering whether divorce is right for you, it is wise to be prepared so you know what to expect in case you decide to move forward. Filing for divorce in Texas is fairly straightforward; actually negotiating the terms of a divorce can be substantially more difficult. In this blog, we will discuss how to file for divorce in Texas and discuss the benefits of having an attorney to help guide you through the divorce process. 

Where Do I File For Divorce in Texas? 

Once you decide you are ready to move forward with the process, you need to fill out the Original Petition for Divorce. You are the petitioner, and your spouse is the respondent. If you need help paying for your divorce, fill out the Affidavit of Indigency as well. Take these forms, as well as a Civil Case Information Sheet, to your local courthouse and turn them in to the clerk. The fee for filing for divorce with children in Tarrant Count is $401. 

Whether you file for a contested or uncontested divorce depends on whether you and your spouse can agree on how to handle mandatory issues without help from the court. These include: 

• Child support

• Child custody 

• Spousal support (alimony)

• Property division

• Debt division

If you and your spouse can reach an agreement and file for an uncontested divorce, your divorce will generally go much faster and be far easier than a contested divorce. A mediator can help you negotiate a fair divorce settlement. Not all divorces are suitable for an uncontested divorce, however, so be sure to speak with a divorce attorney before agreeing to a divorce settlement.

Do I Need an Attorney to File for Divorce? 

While you do not need an attorney to represent you during divorce, most people ultimately decide to hire legal representation. Common reasons for hiring a divorce attorney include: 

• Having a spouse who has hired a divorce attorney 

• Abuse, neglect, or domestic violence 

• A complex debt or asset scenario

• Minor children and disagreements over custody

• Bankruptcy 

• Same-sex marriage involving issues of parentage 

Whether you hire an attorney is ultimately up to you. However, having an attorney can help save you time and money by ensuring a fair divorce agreement and avoiding expensive and time-consuming mistakes. 

Call a Tarrant County Divorce Attorney Today

The experienced Hurst, TX divorce attorneys with Daniel R. Bacalis, P.C. are ready to help you get your divorce started. To start preparing for divorce and receiving guidance throughout the divorce process, call us now at 817-498-4105. We offer free consultations so you can learn more about how we would handle your divorce and the strategy we would use to ensure a favorable outcome. Call us today. 

Source: 

https://guides.sll.texas.gov/divorce

https://www.tarrantcounty.com/content/dam/main/district-clerk/Family_Filing_Fees.pdf