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.