When most people start the divorce process, one of the first questions they ask is: “How much is this going to cost me?”
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Divorce costs in Texas can range widely—from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars—depending on your unique situation. But the good news is, understanding what drives the cost can help you make smarter, budget-savvy decisions along the way.
How do we know this? At Ilarraza Law, we’ve seen it all. With more than 27 years of combined experience, a 100% focus on family law, and a team (led by an elite board-certified attorney) that is not afraid to go to court, we know how to handle complex cases with clarity and confidence.
Below, we break down the top 10 factors that can influence how much your divorce might cost in Texas.
1. Whether Your Divorce Is Contested or Uncontested
If you and your spouse can agree on all the major issues—like property division, custody, and support—you can have an uncontested divorce. That typically means a faster, less expensive process. But when there’s disagreement on even one major issue that can’t be resolved through negotiation or mediation, the divorce becomes contested, and costs can rise quickly.
Why? Because contested divorces often require court hearings, discovery (aka the exchange of information), and more attorney time. If your divorce goes to court, you can expect it to be much more expensive.
Going to trial means:
- More preparation
- Multiple court appearances
- Expert witnesses (sometimes)
- Potential appeals
That’s why it’s critical to work with a firm that isn’t afraid of the courtroom—but also knows how to keep you out of it when possible.
2. How Complicated Your Assets Are
Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during the marriage are split equitably. But that doesn’t always mean it’s simple. If you own multiple properties, have a family business, or there are retirement accounts or investments involved, dividing assets can become tricky—and costly.
Pro tip: Don’t try to hide or undervalue assets to save money. Courts don’t like that, and it usually backfires (it also ends up prolonging the discovery process, which we’ll explain below). Instead, if you do have a complex situation, prioritize negotiation or mediation instead, and talk to your attorney about other ways to protect your valuable assets from being depleted by divorce costs.
3. Whether There Are Child Custody or Support Issues
Custody battles are one of the biggest drivers of divorce costs. If both parents want primary custody or there are disagreements about visitation schedules or child support, the case becomes much more complex.
You may need:
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem appointments
- Parenting plan negotiations
All of these require time, and time equals money. If you have kids, your divorce may be more expensive, but again – going back to #1 – if you can work together with your co-parent to come up with an arrangement, you’ll spend less time and money fighting, and more time and money with/on your kids.
4. How Much Conflict Exists Between You and Your Spouse
Let’s be real: High-conflict divorces are more expensive. If every email turns into a fight or you’re constantly going back and forth over small issues, your legal bills will reflect that.
Attorneys can’t magically reduce conflict—but they can help you stay focused on the big picture. A good one (like us) knows when to fight and when to negotiate.
5. How Willing You Are to Exchange Information Openly
This is what lawyers call discovery, and it’s one of the biggest time (and money) drains in a divorce. If both parties are transparent and cooperative, discovery can be quick. But if someone withholds documents or refuses to share financial info, the other party’s attorney may need to issue subpoenas or file motions—each of which adds to your bill.
6. Who You Hire As Your Attorney
Not all divorce attorneys are created equal. Hiring a firm with a dedicated focus on family law and a strong reputation for results can save you thousands in the long run—even if their hourly rate is a bit higher.
Why? Because you’re getting seasoned legal strategy, efficient handling of your case, and fewer costly errors.
At Ilarraza Law, we don’t dabble in family law—it’s all we do. That means we’re prepared, thorough, and ready to protect your future from day one!
7. How Involved You Are In The Process
You might be surprised to hear this—but you can directly influence how much your divorce costs.
Here’s how to help:
- Be responsive to your attorney’s requests
- Stay organized with your documents
- Avoid unnecessary conflict with your ex
- Show up to meetings and hearings prepared
The more proactive and focused you are, the more efficiently your case can be resolved.
So… How Much Will Your Divorce Cost?
There’s no exact number we can give you without knowing the details of your case. But we can tell you this: the decisions you make early on (like who you hire and how you handle communication with your spouse) can make a massive difference.
At Ilarraza Law, we prepare for everything. We care deeply about getting you the best possible result, and we believe that kind of legal support is priceless! We also are confident that our representation can save you time and money than if you attempted to handle your case on your own or with a less experienced team.
Our highly skilled have over 27 years of combined experience, and we know the Texas family court system inside and out. Whether you’re facing a simple split or a high-stakes divorce with custody, business assets, or complex property division, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, working to keep your case cost-effective and give you the most value for your money.
Ready to Get Clear on Your Divorce Strategy?
Don’t leave your future to chance. Schedule a free case evaluation with Ilarraza Law today and let’s talk about what your divorce might really look like—and how we can help you come out the other side stronger.
