Uncontested Divorce — Flat Fee Starting at $1,495

When you and your spouse agree on the major terms, an uncontested divorce is often the fastest, most affordable, and least stressful path forward. The Talley Law Firm helps clients across the Houston area prepare, file, and finalize agreed divorces with clear steps, steady communication, and disciplined follow-through.

Is Your Divorce “Uncontested”?

An uncontested (agreed) divorce means you and your spouse can reach agreement on the key issues and are prepared to sign final paperwork. You may be a good fit for an uncontested divorce if:

• You and your spouse agree the marriage should end
• You can agree on property and debt division (at least in principle)
• If children are involved, you can agree on a workable parenting schedule and support framework
• You want a clear process and controlled legal fees
• You’re not looking for a drawn-out fight—just a fair, enforceable result

If there’s active conflict over custody, support, or property—or if you suspect hidden income or assets—your case may be better handled as a contested matter. We’ll sort that out quickly during your consultation.

Why Choose an Uncontested Divorce?

Financial Benefits

Contested divorces in Texas frequently exceed $10,000 per spouse—and that’s often before trial. An uncontested divorce with flat-fee representation lets you know your costs upfront, preserve marital assets for your family’s future rather than legal fees, and avoid the unpredictable billing of hourly litigation.

Better for Children

Research consistently shows that parental conflict—not divorce itself—causes the most harm to children. When parents can agree on custody, visitation, and support without courtroom battles, children benefit from reduced stress and anxiety during the transition, parents who model cooperation and problem-solving, faster resolution so the family can establish new routines, and resources preserved for the children’s needs rather than attorney fees.

Faster Resolution

Texas requires a 60-day waiting period for most divorces. An uncontested divorce can often be finalized shortly after that period ends. Contested cases, by contrast, can drag on for 12 to 18 months or longer.

Flat-Fee Divorce Packages

We offer three clear packages with transparent pricing. No hourly billing surprises. Choose the package that fits your situation.

*Court filing fees noted above do not include service of process costs (which can be avoided if your spouse signs a Waiver of Citation) or real property recording fees. Additional real estate properties, multiple retirement accounts, stock options, and private business transfers are quoted separately.

How the Process Works

Our uncontested divorce process is designed to be straightforward and efficient:

1. Free Initial Consultation: We confirm whether your case qualifies for an uncontested approach, answer your questions, and outline your options.
2. Information Gathering: You provide key facts and documents about property, debts, children, and income. We make this step as simple as possible.
3. Document Drafting: We prepare all required paperwork—petition, decree, and any custody or property documents—tailored to your specific situation.
4. Review and Signatures: You and your spouse review the documents, and we coordinate signatures and notarization.
5. Filing and Finalization: We file with the court, handle the prove-up hearing or submission, and guide you through final steps after the decree is signed.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Texas?

Texas has a mandatory 60-day waiting period for most divorces. That means the earliest a divorce can be finalized is typically 61 days after filing. Most uncontested divorces are completed within 60 to 90 days, depending on your county’s court scheduling and how quickly both parties provide information and sign documents.

By contrast, contested divorces in Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria Counties often take 12 to 18 months—or longer if the case goes to trial.

Uncontested Divorce FAQs

Do we both need lawyers?

In an uncontested divorce, typically one attorney represents one spouse. The other spouse may choose to remain unrepresented and simply review and sign the agreed documents. This is common and ethical when both parties genuinely agree on terms. We’ll discuss the cleanest way to handle this during your consultation.

Will I have to go to court?

Many uncontested divorces can be finalized with minimal or no court appearance. Some counties allow “prove-up by affidavit,” meaning documents can be submitted without either party appearing. Requirements vary by county and judge. We’ll walk you through what to expect in Harris, Galveston, or Brazoria County and keep the process as efficient as possible.

What are the court filing fees in my county?

Court filing fees in Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria Counties typically range from $300 to $400, depending on whether children are involved. If your spouse does not sign a Waiver of Citation, additional service of process fees may apply. Filing fees are paid directly to the court and are separate from our flat attorney fee. We’ll confirm the exact amount for your county before you begin.

Can you handle uncontested divorces with children?

Yes. Our Family Decree and Full Settlement Decree packages are specifically designed for parents who agree on custody, visitation, and support. We’ll help you create a parenting plan that works in real life—whether you need a Standard Possession Order or a custom schedule for rotating shifts, travel, or other unique circumstances.

What if we agree now but conflict starts later?

If issues become disputed during the process, the case may need to shift to a contested track. If that happens, we’ll discuss your options and provide a clear estimate for moving forward on an hourly basis. Work already completed on your uncontested case will be accounted for in determining next steps, and you won’t be starting from scratch.

How are retirement accounts divided in a divorce?

The method depends on the type of account. ERISA-qualified employer plans—such as 401(k)s, pensions, and 403(b)s—require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide the account without tax penalties. IRAs, on the other hand, are not subject to ERISA and do not require a QDRO; they can be divided through a trustee-to-trustee transfer with a copy of the divorce decree and the financial institution’s transfer paperwork. Our Full Settlement Decree package includes the appropriate documentation for one retirement account; additional accounts are quoted separately.

What happens to our house?

If you own a home, you’ll need to decide whether one spouse keeps it (and buys out the other’s equity) or whether to sell and split proceeds. If one spouse is keeping the home, a Special Warranty Deed transfers ownership, and typically the receiving spouse refinances to remove the other from the mortgage. Our Full Settlement Decree package includes deed preparation; more complex real estate situations are quoted separately.

Serving the Houston Area and Beyond

The Talley Law Firm serves clients throughout the Houston area from our office in Friendswood, Texas. We regularly handle filings in the Harris County District Courts, Galveston County District Courts, and Brazoria County District Courts. We also serve clients in surrounding areas including League City, Pearland, Clear Lake, Webster, Pasadena, La Marque, Texas City, and Dickinson.

Content reviewed by Attorney Andrew Talley, licensed in Texas. This information applies specifically to Texas family law procedures in Harris, Galveston, and Brazoria Counties. Package prices are based on current court filing fees; fees are subject to adjustment if courts increase mandatory filing costs.