How to File for Divorce in Texas Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide for Women)
Published:
June 30, 2025
Author: Hola Divorce Texas
You May Not Need a Lawyer. But You Definitely Need a Plan.
Filing for divorce in Texas can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re doing it alone. But here’s the truth: if your case is uncontested (no big custody disputes, no big property fights), you can file without an attorney. You just need the right documents, a clear path forward, and the confidence to follow through.
This guide walks you through the exact steps — no fluff, no legal jargon.
Step 1: Gather Your Forms
You’ll need:
Original Petition for Divorce
Civil Case Information Sheet
Waiver of Service or Citation Request
Final Decree of Divorce (blank for now)
Depending if your divorce is agreed or default you’ll need a Certificate of Last Known Address and Non-Military Affidavit
Bonus: In some counties, you’ll also need Standing Orders. (Check your court’s website.)
Step 2: File the Petition
Go to eFileTexas.gov or your local district court to file your Original Petition for Divorce.
Pay the filing fee (typically $300–$350).
You can request a fee waiver if you qualify based on income.
Step 3: Serve (or Notify) Your Spouse
If your spouse agrees to cooperate, have them sign a Waiver of Service.
If not, you’ll need to serve them through a constable or private process server.
If you can’t locate your spouse, additional legal steps like service by publication may apply.
Step 4: Wait 60 Days
Texas law requires a 60-day cooling-off period after you file. Mark your calendar.
Step 5: Final Documents + Hearing
Fill out your Final Decree of Divorce.
Complete any required hearing request forms.
Schedule your court date — each county does this differently, so call your local clerk’s office.
Bring your completed forms, dress respectfully, and be ready to tell the judge briefly why you’re asking for the divorce.
You Did It — For Real
Now you’ve got the full picture of what it takes to file for divorce on your own in Texas. If you follow the steps above, you can do it — and we’ve seen hundreds of women just like you walk themselves all the way to freedom.
But if you’re thinking,
“I want to do it myself… just not totally alone,”
you’re not wrong for that.
If at any point this process feels like too much — or you just want a legal professional to make sure it’s done correctly — we’re here.
Need Support? We’ve Got You.
Our Done-For-You Divorce Service helps women in Texas file and finalize their divorce from start to finish — without the stress, confusion, or delays. We take care of:
Drafting all the required legal documents
Filing your paperwork
Helping coordinate service of process
Guiding you through the final hearing
You don’t have to do this alone.
📌 Legal Disclaimer:
Disclaimer: Hola Divorce Texas is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. The information in this blog is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal counsel. We are not attorneys — and honestly, we have no desire to be lawyers. If you need personalized legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney in your area.
