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. Initial retainer can be as low as $375, with total fees being:
Type |
Filing Fee |
Attorney's Fee |
Total |
Divorce, no children, no property, with waiver. |
$234.00 |
$290.00 |
$524.00 |
Divorce, order for custody, child support, visitation, with
waiver |
$285.00 |
$540.00 |
$825.00 |
Divorce, minor property division
agreement, with waiver |
$234.00 |
$790.00 |
$1024.00 |
Divorce, order for custody, child support, visitation, minor
property division agreement, with waiver |
$285.00 |
$890.00 |
$1175.00 |
Location of Spouse Unknown |
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|
|
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. |
$234.00 + $33.00 |
$485.00 |
$760.00 |
Modification |
|
|
|
Modification of previous order for child support, visitation, or conservatorship |
$71.00 plus private process server fee (approx.
$85.) |
|
|
Process Service - we use a private process server in most circumstances, this is an independent contractor |
Process Server fee varies - usually $60 to $90 |
$120 |
$180-$210 estimated |
Payment Plans (Uncontested Divorce)
The divorce process, by Texas law, takes at least sixty days. Therefore, we can open your case and file your petition for an initial retainer of
· (Without children) $375.00 with the balance paid 30 days after filing.
· (With children) $475.00 with the balance paid within 30 days after filing.
* In the case where the parties reside together, the full "uncontested" amount must be paid in advance.
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Property: When the spouses own retirement
funds, real estate, separate properties, properties subject to a pre- or post-nuptual
agreement, a business, etc., there are procedures that need to be taken to accomplish a
property settlement, even when it is "agreed".
Moderate 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 $700 to $1650, plus filing fees and costs.
Litigated case, in Bexar County, Texas, generally run from $2400 and up, and up.
Retainers on contested cases - the office requires $500 to $1500 as retainer on these cases, based on an estimate of 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.