FAMILY LAW CASES - INFORMATION AND FEES
The Uncontested Case - If you need this, we can provide it - Click Here.
The Mediated Case - When a marriage requires a separation and termination, because of insupportability, tensions can often be resolved without trial - especially when children are involved. This is done by: first, knowing your rights, then secondly, using many of the tactics of resolution without trial - conferences, mediation, etc Click Here
The Litigated Case - While much of the law regarding divorces designates and limits the final disposition of the case - when your position regarding property, and the need to determine the best interest of the children requires, representation in litigation is available. Click Here.
Many couples have agreed to dissolve their marriage, have separated, have little property or debts, will or have agreed to divide what they have* , and have an adequate and mature resolution of custody, support, and visitation for any children. These people need and DESERVE a reasonable, low cost divorce proceeding.
Type |
Filing Fee |
Attorney's Fee |
Total |
Divorce, no children, no property, with waiver. |
$248 |
$305 |
$553 |
Divorce, order for custody, child support, visitation, with
waiver |
$299 |
$705 |
|
Divorce, moderate property division
agreement, with waiver |
$248 |
$825 |
$1073 |
Divorce, order for custody, child support, visitation,
moderate property division agreement, with waiver |
$299 |
995 |
$1294 |
Location of Spouse Unknown |
|
|
|
No Children & No Property If this is the case, a service by
publication by courthouse door may be required, the additional paperwork and filing fees
are minimal. |
$248 + $33 |
$ |
$949 |
Modification |
|
|
|
Modification of previous order for child support, visitation, or conservatorship |
$71.00 plus private process server fee (approx.
$95.) |
|
|
Process Service - we use a private process server in most circumstances, this is an independent contractor |
Process Server fee varies - usually $60 to $180 |
$120 |
$180-$300 estimated |
Payment Plans (Uncontested Divorce)
Initial retainer can be as low as half of the total uncontested cost. The procedure takes at least 60 days (according to state statute), so contact us about payment arrangements that fit your budget. For the divorce with waiver, no children, no property, please pay $400, since most of that goes to the Court's filing fee.
* In the case where the parties reside together (have not separated), the full "uncontested" amount must be paid in advance.
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Property: Moderate property property includes personal property division, motor vehicle transfers, separate properties, properties subject to a pre- or post-nuptual agreement, and real estate division and documentation (however, county clerk recording fees are additional). Substantial property estates includes retirement funds, a business, etc., there are procedures that need to be taken to accomplish a property settlement in those cases even when it is "agreed". Substantial marital property estates can be separated, by agreement, for the same cost as a "mediated case". Of course, a disputed division would be "litigated".
Cases that are not uncontested: Texas Law provides many rules and limitations for the management of children and the disposition of property. These guidelines tend to delineate what can and should happen regarding children and/or property. Alternative Dispute Resolution (mediation) can also reduce total attorney's fees. Therefore, while the mediated and litigated cases are more expensive than the uncontested case, they can still be resolved at a moderate price.
Mediated case, in Bexar County, Texas generally runs from $1350 to $1950, plus filing fees and costs.
Litigated case, in Bexar County, Texas, generally run from $3200 and up, and up.
Retainers on contested cases - the office requires $1100 to $1750 as retainer on these cases, based on an estimate of the filing fees and work to be done during the first three or four weeks, and leaving a portion in reserve as security for the client putting in additional funds as work is done.
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Please Note - All filing fees are subject to change. The stated fees are subject to change from time to time (as allowed by law and rules). Please print and date this page, and bring it to your first appointment. Today's Date _05/13/2010. Date last edited: 04/13/2010.