Can I get a divorce without a lawyer in Arlington, TX?

Yes. Texas allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer. In Arlington, you can complete an uncontested divorce by filing the required Texas family law forms with the Tarrant County District Clerk, serving your spouse, and submitting a Final Decree of Divorce.

What forms do I need to file for divorce in Arlington without a lawyer?

Common forms include the Original Petition for Divorce, Civil Case Information Sheet, Waiver of Service or Return of Service, Final Decree of Divorce, and forms related to property and children if applicable. Tarrant County may require additional local documents.

Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in Arlington?

No. If both spouses agree on all major issues such as property division, custody, parenting time, and support, you can complete an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney. For complex or contested cases, a lawyer may still be helpful.

"The Most Trusted

Name in Online Divorce"

Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Start your divorce

See if this is right for me

"The Most Trusted

Name in Online Divorce"

Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer an online guided path through divorce that helps couples avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Start your divorce

See if this is right for me

Written By:

Liz Pharo

CEO and Founder, Divorce.com

Arlington DIY Divorce

Q: How much does it cost to divorce without a lawyer in Arlington?

The divorce filing fee in Tarrant County is typically around $300 to $350. Additional costs may include service of process, copies, and optional document-preparation services. DIY divorce is significantly more affordable than hiring an attorney.

Q: How long does an uncontested divorce take in Arlington, TX?

Texas requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date your petition is filed. Most uncontested divorces in Arlington take 2 to 4 months, depending on court schedules and whether all forms are completed correctly.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington, TX (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Arlington is absolutely possible — and for many Texas couples, it’s the simplest and most affordable way to end a marriage. Texas allows spouses to represent themselves in divorce cases (“pro se divorce”), and the Tarrant County courts provide a clear process for completing an uncontested divorce without an attorney.

This guide covers every step of how to divorce without a lawyer in Arlington, including required Texas forms, local Tarrant County rules, costs, timelines, and when legal help may still be beneficial.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington, TX?

Yes. Texas does not require you to hire an attorney to file for divorce.

A DIY divorce works best when:

Your divorce is uncontested
You and your spouse agree on property division, custody, and support
You want a fast, affordable process
Your financial situation is not overly complex
You and your spouse are communicating clearly

You can involve an attorney later if something becomes contested, but most Arlington couples complete an uncontested divorce entirely on their own.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington — Step by Step

1. Meet Texas Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arlington, you or your spouse must have lived:

In Texas for at least 6 months, and
In Tarrant County for at least 90 days

If both conditions are met, you can file your Petition with the Tarrant County District Clerk.

2. Choose the Right Divorce Forms for Your Situation

Texas divorce forms depend on whether:

You have minor children
You own property
You and your spouse agree on all terms
Your case involves domestic violence or safety concerns

Typical Texas Uncontested Divorce Forms

Original Petition for Divorce
Civil Case Information Sheet
Waiver of Service OR Return of Service
Final Decree of Divorce
Income Withholding for Support Order (if children)
Standard Possession Order (if children)
Notice of Change of Address
Exhibit for property division (if needed)
Vital Statistics Form

Tarrant County May Require

Local standing orders
Parenting guidelines documentation
Additional child-related forms
Court-specific coversheets

Divorce.com automatically prepares the correct Texas + Tarrant County forms for your situation.

3. File Your Petition With the Tarrant County District Clerk

Tarrant County District Clerk — Family Law Division
200 E. Weatherford St.
Fort Worth, TX 76196
(Arlington cases are filed at the Tarrant County courthouse because Arlington doesn’t maintain its own district court.)

Filing Fee

Generally $300–$350
- Varies slightly depending on whether children are involved

A filing fee waiver is available if you qualify financially.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless They Sign a Waiver)

Texas requires that your spouse be officially served unless they voluntarily sign:

Waiver of Service Only
(Must be notarized or signed in front of a clerk)

If not signed, acceptable service methods include:

Sheriff or constable
Certified process servers
Certified mail with return receipt

After service, file the Return of Service with the court.

5. Complete Mandatory Waiting Period (60 Days)

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period before a judge can finalize your divorce.

Exceptions apply only in rare situations involving domestic violence.

6. Exchange Financial Information

Texas requires basic transparency between spouses.

You and your spouse should exchange:

Income documentation
Property and debt details
Retirement account information
Child-related financial information

This step ensures your final agreement is fair and complete.

7. Prepare Your Final Decree of Divorce

Your Final Decree must include:

Property division
Debt allocation
Parenting plan (if applicable)
Child support details
Medical support
Visitation schedule (Standard Possession Order unless you agree otherwise)
Spousal support, if any

The Decree must match your agreements exactly.

Divorce.com guides you through creating a fully compliant Texas Final Decree — one of the most complicated parts of the process.

8. Attend the Final Hearing

Even uncontested Arlington divorces require a brief court appearance.

Bring:

Your Final Decree of Divorce (2–3 copies)
Proof of residency
Waiver of Service or Return of Service
Child support documents (if applicable)
Parenting class certificate (if required by the judge)

You will give brief testimony confirming:

Residency
That your marriage cannot be reconciled
That your agreements are fair

If everything is correct, the judge signs your Final Decree, and your divorce becomes official.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Arlington?

Typical timeline:

60-day minimum (state law)
Most cases take 2–4 months
Longer if there are children or document errors

Tarrant County is one of the more efficient counties in Texas for uncontested cases when paperwork is correct.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington?

Typical costs:

$300–$350 filing fee
$0–$100 for service of process
$0 if preparing forms on your own
$499–$1999 using Divorce.com for forms + agreement

Attorney-led divorces in Tarrant County often cost $10,000–$20,000+, making DIY divorce far more affordable.

When You Should Still Consider Hiring a Lawyer

A DIY divorce may not be right when:

Domestic violence or abuse is present
Your spouse hides assets or income
You own a business or complex property
There are significant retirement or investment accounts
Custody or visitation is high-conflict
One spouse refuses to sign or participate

For most simple, cooperative divorces, no lawyer is needed.

Why Arlington Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps Texas couples:

Prepare Texas + Tarrant County forms
Create a complete Final Decree of Divorce
Avoid filing errors that delay cases
Understand each step clearly
Access optional legal support only if needed

It’s the fastest and most affordable way to complete a Texas divorce without a lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Arlington is absolutely achievable. With the right forms, clear agreements, and step-by-step guidance, you can confidently complete your Texas divorce at a fraction of the cost of hiring an attorney.

Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and finalize an uncontested divorce in Arlington from start to finish.

Real Answers. Real Support.

We're here to guide you through every step of divorce — whether you're just starting to explore your options or ready to take the next step. Our blog offers expert insights, practical tips, and real-life stories to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Read the blog

Featured Article
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
Divorce Process with Divorce.com
Read more

Real Answers. Real Support.

Read the blog

Featured Article
The Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
10 Things to Know Before Starting Your Divorce
Read more
Featured Article
Divorce Process with Divorce.com
Read more

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

$1,999

Get started

Upfront pricing at a fraction of the cost of traditional divorce

Divorce doesn’t have to cost as much as a car.

Traditional Divorce

$25-$30k

Divorce.com

$499

$1,999

Get started

Our Services

Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
Get started
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Get started
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Get started

Our Services

Paperwork Only
Basic access to divorce paperwork where you handle the rigorous filing process with the court.
Get started
POPULAR
We File For You
Our most popular package includes a dedicated case manager, automated court filing, spouse signature collection, and personalized documentation.
Get started
Fully Guided
Complete divorce support including mediation sessions, dedicated case management, court filing, and personalized documentation.
Get started

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Get started

The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.

Proudly featured in these publications

We've helped with

over 1 million divorces

We provide everything you need to get divorced — from conflict resolution to filing support and access to divorce experts — in one comprehensive, convenient online platform.

Get started

The team at divorce.com was responsive and helpful during a difficult process. I would highly recommend the site for uncomplicated, amicable divorces!!
Jen B.
I came across this online. So I checked on it. It was easy and affordable. I wish I would have found this years ago.
Brandy D.
I was able to read it easily. Thanks God for this service. I will recommend it to anyone who asks this is a very easy step to do. I love it please try it you won't be disappointed
Dianna R.
Great customer service. Questions were easy to answer and had descriptions to understand the questions.
Andelain R.

Proudly featured in these publications

Written By:

Liz Pharo

CEO and Founder, Divorce.com

Reviewed By:

Elizabeth Stewart

Co-CEO, Divorce.com

Why Divorce.com

Mission

Services

Resources

Online Divorce

Divorce Guides

States

Get Started

We offer a simple divorce online for uncontested or lightly contested divorces.

"The Most Trusted

Name in Online Divorce"

Exclusive

Online Divorce Partner

Best

Online Divorce Service

ADVISOR

We offer a guided path through divorce that helps avoid unnecessary conflict and costs.

Start your divorce

See if this is right for me

Written By:

Liz Pharo

CEO and Founder, Divorce.com

Reviewed By:

Elizabeth Stewart

Co-CEO, Divorce.com

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington, TX (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington, TX?

Yes. Texas does not require you to hire an attorney to file for divorce.

A DIY divorce works best when:

Your divorce is uncontested
You and your spouse agree on property division, custody, and support
You want a fast, affordable process
Your financial situation is not overly complex
You and your spouse are communicating clearly

You can involve an attorney later if something becomes contested, but most Arlington couples complete an uncontested divorce entirely on their own.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Arlington — Step by Step

1. Meet Texas Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Arlington, you or your spouse must have lived:

In Texas for at least 6 months, and
In Tarrant County for at least 90 days

If both conditions are met, you can file your Petition with the Tarrant County District Clerk.