Meet Texas residency requirements: one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least 6 months and in the county where you file for at least 90 days
Choose the correct court in the county where you file
Prepare an Original Petition for Divorce
File the petition with the district clerk
Pay the filing fee or request a fee waiver if eligible
Have your spouse formally served with the divorce papers, unless they sign a waiver of service
Wait out Texas’s mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed
Exchange required information and complete any temporary orders, disclosures, or discovery if needed
Reach an agreement on property, debts, child custody, child support, and spousal support if possible
If you have children, complete any required parenting class and submit a parenting plan if required
Attend any required mediation, hearings, or court appearances
Prepare and file the Final Decree of Divorce
Have the judge sign the final decree
File the signed final decree and any other required documents with the clerk
Follow the decree for property division, support payments, custody arrangements, and name changes if applicable