Divorce Lawyer in Dallas, TX — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Dallas, Texas can have a significant impact on your financial stability, parenting arrangements, and peace of mind during the divorce process. Whether you’re facing contested custody, complex finances, or pursuing a simple uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about divorcing in Dallas — including court procedures, attorney costs, residency requirements, and more affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Dallas?

You may need a Dallas divorce lawyer if your case includes:

• Custody, visitation, or decision-making disputes

• A spouse who refuses to communicate or negotiate

• Real estate, retirement accounts, stock compensation, or major investments

• Business ownership, self-employment, or complex income

• Disagreements over spousal support (alimony)

• Domestic violence or need for a protective order

• Suspected hidden assets, cryptocurrency, or cash income

• A case expected to require mediation, hearings, or trial

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Parenting schedules & custody

• Child support & spousal maintenance

• Division of all assets & debts

• Retirement & pension distribution

• What happens to the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Dallas divorce documents for far less than a traditional attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Dallas, TX

Dallas divorces are filed in the Dallas County District Clerk’s Office and handled by the Family District Courts.

Primary Filing Location

George L. Allen, Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 653-7307

The Dallas Family Courts oversee:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & visitation

• Child support & alimony

• Protective orders for family violence

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

Texas supports statewide e-filing for all family law cases through eFileTexas.gov.

Texas Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Dallas if:

• One spouse has lived in Texas for at least 6 months, AND

• Has lived in Dallas County for at least 90 days

Texas is a no-fault divorce state, allowing divorce based on “insupportability” (irretrievable breakdown). Fault grounds also exist but are less common.

How Divorce Works in Dallas, TX

Here is the typical divorce process in Dallas County:

1. File the Original Petition for Divorce

This initiates your case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be completed through:

• Sheriff or constable

• Private process server

• Acceptance or waiver of service

3. Mandatory Waiting Period

Texas requires a 60-day waiting period before a divorce may be finalized (exceptions exist for family violence).

4. Financial Disclosure Requirements

Texas requires full disclosure of:

• Income

• Tax returns

• Bank accounts

• Real estate & mortgages

• Retirement & investment accounts

• Credit card balances & loans

• All marital debts

Texas is a community property state, generally dividing marital assets 50/50 unless a different split is deemed “just and right.”

5. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Dallas County may require:

• Parenting classes

• A detailed parenting plan

• Mediation before trial

• Custody evaluations for high-conflict cases

6. Mediation, Settlement, or Trial

Most Dallas divorces settle through mediation.
Contested cases may involve:

• Temporary orders hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Psychological or custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

7. Final Decree of Divorce

A judge signs the Final Decree, officially dissolving the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Dallas, TX?

Dallas attorney fees vary widely based on complexity.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $275–$500

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,000–$6,500

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$30,000+

• High-asset cases: $40,000–$100,000+

Custody litigation and business valuation significantly increase costs.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Dallas, TX

Here are respected Dallas divorce lawyers from your directory:

1. O’Neil Wysocki Family Law

https://www.oneilattorneys.com

2. Goranson Bain Ausley

https://www.gbfamilylaw.com

3. The Wright Firm, LLP

https://www.thewrightlawyers.com

These firms specialize in high-conflict custody, complex asset division, mediation, and trial litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Dallas divorce is uncontested, you may not need a lawyer.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all Texas divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file your documents with the Dallas County District Clerk.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports your entire case from start to finish.

These affordable services are ideal for low-conflict couples.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Dallas divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence is involved

• Your spouse refuses to participate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money

• Litigation is expected

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Dallas Couples

• Texas-specific divorce forms

• Flat-fee, transparent pricing

• Court filing services available

• Experienced specialists

• Faster & more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Dallas families complete their divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Dallas Divorce Today

Whether you choose a lawyer or an online divorce solution, taking the first step is what matters most. Divorce.com provides an efficient, affordable, and supportive path for Dallas couples.