Getting divorced in Dallas doesn’t have to break the bank. While some contested cases can cost tens of thousands of dollars, many couples complete their divorce for a fraction of that when they agree on key issues. This guide explains the Dallas divorce filing fee, average attorney and mediation costs, and what influences the total price — from asset division to custody disputes. You’ll also learn how Divorce.com helps Texans file efficiently and affordably.

Average Divorce Costs in Dallas

Dallas Divorce Filing Fee

Filing a Petition for Divorce in Dallas County generally costs $295–$315.

• Add $75–$100 for service of process if you use the sheriff or a private process server.

• Respondents filing an Answer may owe around $60–$75.
  If you cannot afford the fee, you can apply for a Statement of Inability to Afford Court Costs through the clerk’s office.

Dallas Divorce Attorney Cost

The biggest variable in divorce cost is attorney billing.

• Typical Dallas divorce attorney cost: $275–$475 per hour.

• Retainers for contested cases often start around $3,500–$7,500.

• Complex trials, high-asset divisions, or custody disputes can push total legal bills well above $20,000.

Cost-saving tips

• Hire a lawyer for limited-scope representation (document prep, one hearing).

• Keep communications organized and concise to reduce hourly billing.

• Explore mediation before litigation to settle disputes faster.

Dallas Uncontested Divorce Cost

If both spouses agree on division of assets, debts, and parenting terms, an uncontested divorce is the fastest and least expensive option.

• Dallas uncontested divorce cost: usually $500–$2,000, plus the filing fee.

• Texas law requires a 60-day waiting period between filing and final judgment (unless domestic violence exceptions apply).

Divorce.com advantage: Step-by-step guidance with Texas-specific forms, flat-fee pricing, and optional attorney review to avoid costly errors.

Dallas Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation is widely used in North Texas to resolve disagreements outside of court.

• Private mediators charge about $200–$400 per hour.

• A half-day session averages $500–$900 per person.

• Full-day mediations range from $1,000–$1,800 per person.

Couples typically spend $2,500–$7,000 total for mediation — still far less than full litigation.
Many judges in Dallas County require mediation before trial, especially in cases involving children.

Dallas Contested Divorce Cost

When spouses can’t agree on child custody, support, or property division, a contested divorce is unavoidable.

• Dallas contested divorce cost: $15,000–$35,000+, depending on the number of hearings, attorney involvement, and expert witnesses.

• High-asset cases involving businesses or real estate can exceed $50,000.

The longer discovery and trial preparation take, the higher the total bill. Settling key issues early can save thousands.

Dallas Asset Division Cost

Texas is a community-property state, so all assets acquired during the marriage are presumed jointly owned. Determining what’s community vs. separate can add time and expense.

Typical Dallas asset division costs include:

• Property appraisals: $500–$1,500 each.

• Business valuations: $5,000–$10,000+.

• QDROs (retirement splits): $300–$600 per plan.

• Forensic accounting: $150–$300 per hour for complex cases.

Agreeing on values or using one neutral expert helps reduce overall costs.

Dallas Custody Dispute Cost

Disagreements over conservatorship or parenting time often add thousands in extra fees.

• Child custody evaluation: $2,500–$5,000+.

• Amicus attorney or guardian ad litem: $1,500–$4,000+.

• Parenting coordination or therapy: $1,000–$3,000+.

Because Texas courts emphasize co-parenting, judges often order mediation before proceeding to trial — saving families time and money.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Dallas

Typical Dallas Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in Dallas without a lawyer?
Yes. Texas allows self-representation. Divorce.com helps you generate and file your documents correctly.

What is the waiting period for divorce in Texas?
Texas law requires at least 60 days between filing and final decree (unless waived in limited cases).

Do both spouses pay filing fees?
Only the petitioner pays at filing; the respondent pays a smaller fee if submitting an Answer.

Is mediation required in Dallas?
Yes, most judges require mediation before trial, particularly for cases involving children.

How can I keep divorce costs lower?
Stay organized, cooperate on financial disclosures, and use online filing or flat-fee services instead of hourly billing when possible.

The Bottom Line

The average cost of divorce in Dallas depends on how much you and your spouse can agree on. Uncontested divorces can stay under $2,000, while contested cases may exceed $30,000. Choosing Divorce.com helps Dallas couples file quickly, clearly, and affordably — without unpredictable legal fees.

👉 Start your Dallas divorce online today at Divorce.com and move forward confidently.