How to Get a Cheap Divorce in Texas

Published on: 28 December 2018 Last Updated on: 06 May 2021
Online Divorce

Did you know that, according to statistics, the average cost of a divorce in the US is almost equal to the average cost of a wedding with all the bells and whistles ($20-25 000)? Sounds impressive, and not much fun, especially taking into consideration the fact that many people on the verge of divorce feel that they have already paid in full. Thus it’s no wonder that some people who don’t need their divorce to be a huge show, are looking for ways to save a little when drafting a divorce, without involving lawyers or mediators. But how to arrange such a cheap divorce? How to save money without missing any significant detail and to settle all the necessary issues in a fair and mutually beneficial way? There are several common conditions and ways of how to get a cheap divorce in Texas – let’s sort it out.

Are you a good candidate for a simplified Texas divorce?

Foremost, we should understand what factors allow to minimize the whole cost of divorce, because, anyway, the main goal is a well-organized divorce without problems and without extra expenses which may arise in the future if you are not sufficiently attentive to the documents, agreement and so on. To understand what is really worth paying, and without what actions and expenses you can easily do, you need to decide on the type of divorce.

When filing for divorce, one of the provided by state law grounds for dissolution must be indicated in the petition. To make divorce easier it’s better to file under the no-fault ground (surely, if the situation is not critical). No-fault divorce in Texas implies that the spouses want to divorce as they have some conflict of interest and just can’t get along anymore. No one is obliged to prove or detail something before the court.

No-fault ground for divorce, in its turn, allows arranging an uncontested divorce, which means that the main terms of the case are decided by the spouses independently, not by the long-term court battles and the court’s decisions.

So, if you feel that you are able to negotiate with your spouse about property division, child custody, and other important issues, you should try an uncontested, or as it’s also known “agreed” divorce. It’s definitely cheaper, even both parties want to hire attorneys, and also, uncontested divorce typically takes less time.

It’s generally considered that not every couple is eligible for an uncontested divorce in Texas. Actually, there are some conditions that are preferred for filing for an uncontested divorce, like:

  • the spouses have no minor children together;
  • the spouses don’t have a lot of property together or retirement benefits to dividing;
  • neither spouse is going to seek alimony;
  • the wish to get a divorce is mutual.

However, if the spouses have minor children they also have the right to file for an uncontested divorce, though it might be a more time-consuming process. The point is that the parties should decide in advance all the controversial issues, make a written agreement and fill out the relevant forms for an uncontested divorce with children.

Anyway, the essence of an agreed divorce is your mutual ability and desire to settle all the differences in a most amicable way, to communicate honestly and directly, and, whenever possible, to arrange a divorce as a non-stressful and inexpensive process. If you and your ex are ready for this, let’s go further.

DIY divorce – when attention to detail is essential

To arrange a cheap divorce in Texas, you can fill out the forms yourself by checking your state’s court website for divorce papers, or contacting the clerk of the family court of your county. Such a procedure is known as do-it-yourself divorce. And surely, there are some features and pitfalls you should definitely know about the topic before taking this step.
First, you need to clearly know what forms are necessary for your divorce circumstances.

The Texas Judicial Branch website provides a self-help guide with a number of recommended and state-approved links which may be useful for the self-represented litigants. You can find examples of filling out forms, useful videos, etc. Get ready for the fact that having a goal to save money, you probably will not always be able to save time. Without the help of specialists, you will have to dive into the legal nuances of uncontested divorce in Texas if you are interested in the best result.

After filling out the divorce forms and filing the Petition with the District Clerk of the county court according to the instructions you should serve your spouse with the copies. Since your desire to get a cheap divorce in Texas is mutual you may save some cost of service.

There is a divorce form called the Notice of Service of Process which usually accompanies the Petition for dissolution. This form is needed to notify the other party (called the Respondent) about the case and to receive his/her answer to the Petition. Speaking of uncontested divorce, it’s assumed that both spouses know about each other intentions, and all the divorce terms outlined in the initial Petition are agreed by them in advance, meaning that they are going to cooperate working on the settlement. So, the Respondent may refuse from the service in writing, filing the special Waiver of service form (notice that even if the general title is the same there are different forms for divorce with or without children, you just need to choose the right set of forms).

After the Petition is filed and the service is waived, an uncontested divorce is officially started. However, in Texas, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period, before the expiration of which the divorce cannot be granted by the court, even if the case is simple and uncontested. For those who decide to organize a DIY divorce, these days may be spent working out a final agreement regarding property, alimony, custody of children, and other issues that seem to be important in a particular situation. The mutual desire of the spouses to complete the divorce as soon as possible and without disputes is very important, but it still doesn’t guarantee that judicial intervention won’t be required. Anyway, the settlement agreement must be submitted to the court and the judge must confirm that it is fair – namely, that the property is divided in a just way, that the child custody and support arrangement meets the best interest of the kid(s). So, if the spouses do not have claims against each other but their agreement is considered insufficient in the eye of the court (or it doesn’t comply with state laws) the divorce will be probably delayed. Also, the spouses may be ordered to attend divorce mediation sessions to deal with their agreement. Although mediators’ fees are still much cheaper than lawyers’ fees, yet it’s expenses. And if your case is simple enough your chance to get a really cheap divorce depends a lot on your sense of responsibility, and close attention to all the details. You shouldn’t panic or rush, just keep calm and encourage your ex to take the work on an agreement seriously as well. As for uncontested divorce, a successful marital settlement agreement defines a character of a post-divorce life a lot, especially if the couple has kids and some kind of communication between the former spouses is still implied.

Online divorce – the helping hand

So, the cheapest way to get a divorce in Texas is a purely DIY divorce. At its best, the cost of a do-it-yourself divorce may be limited to the filing fee. Nevertheless, DIY divorce doesn’t fit every couple, and all these court sites can be pretty tricky, while nowadays we are totally “spoiled” by developers who pay much attention to the ergonomics of apps and websites, so you know, there may be some difficulties with all that online bureaucracy… Also, different forms can be required within different states as well as fees, which are in addition to fees for document preparation. So, a lot of busy people seek a kind of middle way between, they want an inexpensive divorce to be fast, and so that they could use some help but without hiring an attorney.

Basing on all these conditions, online divorce companies are becoming an even more popular way for couples to terminate their marriage, speaking of uncontested divorce, of course.

Such websites prepare forms for you based on the information you provide. There is no specific package of services; you can choose the most suitable option. Thus some companies are the do-it-yourself type where you fill out the forms yourself, and others prepare your documents, many of the top sites will review the forms. Usually, they have attorneys or divorce paralegals who also can explain and provide detailed information on your divorce process.

What’s really good, is that these divorce documents are customized to your county’s rules, your children, your income, assets, and other factors in your case, and you don’t need to seek all the information and nuances by yourself. You receive the prepared, ready to print, and sign divorce forms after a short online interview, without long completion or delivery periods. If time is money – we should use it well.

Read Also:

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Saving Money

Can Families Be Happier and Healthier And Still Saving Money?

According to the EPI (Economic Policy Institute), while we can budget for our future, the average cost to raise a child in California is $233,610. There are different ways of saving money. The cost of living seems to be ever-rising along with the price of gas and other necessities, but it doesn’t mean that we can’t still have fun as a family. Simple budget benders can include things like shopping around for the best bargains online, signing up for cashback websites and finding other savings on the internet. Perhaps saving money can become a family affair and kids can join with parent’s efforts on saving a few bucks. For example, since many children nowadays are more tech-savvy, the next time they’re in the market for a new electronic gadget, perhaps a laptop for school or a new smartphone, task them with finding the best deal online. 1.HOME ON THE RANGE: Instead of ordering pizza from the expensive Italian joint down the street, why not make one at home and the whole family can join in. Most national grocery chains now carry inexpensive,  pre-made pizza dough and together with fresh vegetables and cheeses, whipping up a pie in our own kitchen is often cheaper than takeout or delivery. Plus the kids get the pride of creating and cooking their own pizza masterpiece. Saving The Money is an art and you cannot make things happen in one day. 2.FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: With things like Netflix, newer (or even older) movies can be had at a fraction of the cost of going to the theater. Make it fun for the kids and swap times when it’s the child’s choice to pick the movie or have a theme like Disney classics. Make healthy snacks at home and ditch the expensive, overly buttered popcorn and sugary sweet treats found at the cinema. Opt instead for air-popped corn and healthier granola, nuts and other lower fat finger foods. 3.ROAD TRIP CLOSER TO HOME: Instead of traveling to an expensive theme park on the other side of the state or country, try checking out locations closer to home. Utilize a Google search for your city (or neighboring town) and input “top-ten destinations” and travel sites like Tripadvisor will return favorable results. Find parks, museums, historical sights and read their reviews to find locations that have picnic areas and other places where you can dine outdoors with your family. Again, bring your own menu of healthier menu choices, fresh fruits, and vegetables and skip the fast food fares. 4.TRY NEW THINGS: Encourage your children to try new foods and activities that will make them happier and healthier. Instead of hanging around the house and playing video games, perhaps it would be more fun to go for a bike ride or hike along a nature trail. If the weather isn’t permissive, instead of watching cartoons, try the Animal Planet or tune into the History Channel. Instead of processed chicken fingers and ranch dressing, a staple for many kids nowadays, why not try a much healthier salmon steak with a creamy dill sauce. Rather than opening another box of macaroni and cheese, how about tossing a children’s chef salad where the kids can pick different ingredients like sunflower seeds, healthy lean meats, and fresh vegetables. Often we can get into a rut and simply fall victim to unhealthy foods and activities that we’ve been accustomed to and forget about being more active and eating better. If the family that plays together, stays together, perhaps those who try new things can find activities that can better connect them and help them to bond in new ways. Final Take Away Hence, these are some of the facts that you need to take care of while you want to save money in all aspects. You have to understand the facts before drawing any kind of conclusion. You must not make your choices in grey while you want to increase your savings in the right direction. Work out the plans that can help you to achieve your goals in the best possible manner.   Read Also :  5 Tips For College Students On How To Begin Investing Using Their Saved Pocket Money 5 Ways To Save Money On Your Wedding Invites

READ MOREDetails
Prepare Your Child For A Youth Conference

How To Prepare Your Child For A Youth Conference?

Youth conferences are essential since they provide them with a rare opportunity to discover, interact with others their age, and learn new things, and celebrate God. These events provide a stimulating setting for young minds to broaden their horizons, develop their capacities, and create enduring connections. Preparing your child for a youth conference as a parent or guardian may significantly influence their overall experience and progress during the gathering. Children's participation in a youth conference can change them because it exposes them to different viewpoints, cultures, and activities outside their regular routines. Here are a few ways to prepare your child for a youth conference: Reviewing The Conference Details It is crucial for parents to fully comprehend the specifics of an event before heading to a youth conference. Find out as much as possible about the event itself beforehand, including its subject/theme, schedule, and keynote speakers. Parents may have educated talks with their children about what to anticipate during the event by being aware of the agenda and discussion themes. Furthermore, parents can convey the conference's aim to their kids if they have explicit knowledge of its objectives. It's essential to go through how going to the conference may be a worthwhile educational experience and a chance for personal development, especially in faith. This way, they can create excitement and passion by matching the child's desires and goals with the conference's themes. Define Expectations Setting clear expectations is essential to preparing a kid for a youth conference. Parents should explain the purpose and underlying reasons for such a magnificent Christian gathering, and how it could affect their child's social and personal growth. Furthermore, parents may encourage their child's active participation during the conference, helping them find ways to help themselves and others while getting the most value out of the activities and speakers. This process will help the youngster feel important and motivated. Setting reasonable expectations for your child by explaining how they should behave and what they should do is key to this encouragement. They should have a good grasp of when they can laugh and play and when they need to listen and be respectful. The youngster has a sense of responsibility and enthusiasm due to this clarity since they know what to anticipate. Furthermore, parents should address any particular objectives they have set for their child for the youth conference. Setting goals helps the kid concentrate their efforts and focus on getting the most out of the conference, whether connecting with like-minded peers, honing public speaking abilities, or researching future career interests. Preparation And Packing Proper packing and planning are crucial for a child's seamless and enjoyable time at a youth conference. Parents can make a list of essentials to pack for the occasion, ensuring their child has all they need for a relaxing, pleasant stay.  Practical items like attire for conference activities, comfy shoes, toiletries, and essential medications should be on the list. Including the kid in the packing process might help them develop a feeling of independence and responsibility. Parents may assist their children in packing their belongings by offering recommendations that will be beneficial and making sure that they pack all necessary goods. This collaborative effort allows the kid to own their conference experience and instils a sense of readiness and independence. Parents and guardians should also urge their children to review the conference schedule in advance to get the most out of the conference experience. Children can decide the discussions and workshops they wish to attend by becoming familiar with the program and debate themes. By matching their interests with sessions relevant to their objectives, the child is better equipped to make the most out of their experience. Encourage Independence Even though there may be many other youths present at the conference, maybe those your child may befriend or already know, it’s important that they make their own voice heard and participate in activities and sessions they would enjoy rather than just following along with their friends. These exciting events are not just about studying the word and celebrating God, but also about building bonds and enjoying life. Encourage your child to manage their conference calendar to promote independence. Parents can assist their children in looking through the conference schedule and selecting the sessions and pursuits that match their interests and objectives; this will ensure they benefit most from their choices and have even better memories. Also, parents can talk to their children about safety precautions as the conference draws near to foster a feeling of consciousness and accountability. Your child can take more proactive actions if you remind them to stay in the allocated areas, adhere to conference rules, and ask for guidance from conference organizers when necessary. Develop Social Skills A child's participation at a youth conference, where contacts with peers, facilitators, and other participants are typical, depends on their developing skilled social skills. To prepare your children for valuable connections and interactions at the event, parents may play a critical role in helping them practice and improve these abilities. Playing out various social scenarios with the kids is an excellent technique to help them develop their social skills. Parents may take on different personas and discuss with their kids using acceptable body language, effective communication methods, and active listening. The youngster gains more confidence in starting and maintaining discussions with others owing to this participatory exercise. Parents may offer valuable advice on how to connect with strangers and establish friends in addition to role-playing.  These conferences are an excellent opportunity to make new friends, and they may feel more at ease in social situations if you encourage them to exhibit approachable and pleasant body language, such as keeping eye contact and smiling. The Bottom Line It may be a gratifying experience to help a child prepare for a youth conference since it can significantly influence their social and personal growth. A youngster with the right resources and encouragement may use the youth conference's possibilities for learning, adventure, and self-discovery. Additionals: Practical Ways To Help Your Elderly Parents 3 Ways Parents Can Safeguard their Household’s Online Safety Is it Possible for Single Individuals to Become Foster Parents?

READ MOREDetails
Memory Care

What Is Memory Care and Its Benefits?

As parents age, their memories can start to fade. As a caregiver for our parents as they age, we need to do everything we can to support them through this process. It can be scary to have your memory fade, but there are support systems in place to guide both you and your parent through this difficult change. Memory care has a lot of benefits that can improve the life of your parent. But what is memory care? Keep reading to get a better understanding of what a memory care facility can do for your parent. What is Memory Care? Memory loss can impact many individuals as they age. In 2020, 5.8 million Americans were living with Alzheimer's, one of the biggest culprits for memory loss. The goal of memory care is to create moments between you and your parent or relative that are real and enjoyable. Memory care facilities help combat cognitive impairment. Reading programs, food programs, and a focus on enrichment help improve the quality of life for your parent. The goal is to help them feel dignified and provide the assistance they need. Benefits of Memory Care General senior living facilities have open areas and staff that come when needed. In contrast, a memory care facility has 24/7 care that is with the patient all the time. Having care available at all times can help prevent falls and accidents. The facility layout is also simpler so your parent can find their way around without confusion. They will receive timed, nutritional meals. With a structured lifestyle inside a safe, calming environment, your parent will be able to enjoy every moment. The staff also has specialized training that provides care for dementia patients. Having a staff with a strong understanding of person-first care gives your parent exactly what they need to thrive. Many facilities will also have a one-to-one patient-to-staff ratio. Memory care facilities that provide this give patients more attentive and specialized care. The Cost of Memory Care The cost of memory care can vary depending on how intensive the care is. It's important to keep in mind that your parent is living there with specialized 24/7 care. Cost also varies by state. On average, it can cost around $6,935 a month depending on where you live. Most insurance will not cover living costs and rent, but they will pay for medical care within the facility. Medicaid can also provide some coverage if the facility accepts it. When is Assisted Living Needed? As someone ages, you need to ask yourself when is assisted living needed? If your parent is more agitated, anxious, having personality changes, or exhibiting more paranoid behavior, it could be a sign that they are developing dementia. You might be able to care for them yourself in the early stages. But as their memory loss progresses, you might begin to feel like you can't provide the care they need. If you are becoming impatient, risking their health, or worried about their safety, it is time to look for a memory care facility. Start Touring Memory Care Facilities Today! Knowing what is memory care, is just the first step in determining what is best for your aging loved one. Touring facilities with your loved one or by yourself is a great way to determine which facility will work best. Start visiting locations today to prepare for the future! When figuring out how to care for loved ones, there's no limit to how much research you can do. Check out the rest of our blog for more caregiving tips. Read Also: How Martial Art Can Help You Stay Fit And Healthy 8 Newborn Baby Care Tips for First-Time Parents

READ MOREDetails