Starting the Divorce Process

📝 Requirements & What to Expect

Beginning a divorce can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a simple uncontested case or you expect a more complex situation, our team is here to help you understand each step. This guide explains the requirements, the different types of divorce in Texas, and what you can expect when you work with us.

🛠️ Step-by-Step Divorce Process

📝 Questionnaire

1. Assess Your Situation

First, determine what type of divorce fits your circumstances:

  • Uncontested Divorce – You and your spouse agree on all terms.
  • Contested Divorce – You disagree on one or more issues.
  • Default Divorce – Your spouse does not respond after being served.

2. Select Your Level of Support

You can choose:

  • Full Representation: Traditional legal services with a higher cost.
  • Limited-Scope (Unbundled) Services: Save money by handling parts of the process yourself while we guide you through the critical steps.

Average Savings: Over $3,500 compared to hiring a traditional attorney for a simple uncontested divorce.

3. Understand Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Texas:

  • One spouse must have lived in Texas for at least 6 months.
  • One spouse must have lived in the filing county for at least 90 days.
  • Divorces cannot be finalized while the wife is pregnant.

4. Start the Process

Getting started is easy:

💡 Why Choose Ready Divorce Service?

When you work with us, you benefit from:

✅ Transparent Flat-Fee Pricing – No surprises.
✅ Significant Savings – Average clients save $3,500+.
✅ Fast, Accurate Document Preparation – We process paperwork quickly and correctly.
✅ Flexible Support – Choose the service level that fits your needs.

🖊️Note: See What the Average Cost Is for an Uncontested Divorce

📘 Types of Divorce in Texas

Uncontested Divorce

This is the simplest and most affordable option. You and your spouse agree on all major issues, including:

Why Choose This Option?
Faster resolution, lower costs, and less stress.

Default Divorce

If your spouse doesn’t file a response after being served, you can proceed without their participation. This is sometimes called a default divorce.

Contested Divorce

When spouses cannot agree on key issues, the case is contested. Mediation or court hearings may be required to reach a resolution.

Important: We do not provide full legal representation for contested divorces.

⚠️ Important Notes

  • Court Filing Fees: These vary by county and are not included in our service pricing.
  • Legal Advice Disclaimer: We do not offer legal advice. Complex cases should be reviewed by a licensed family law attorney.

💬 Ready to Begin?

Kick off your divorce with confidence.

✅ Complete our Divorce Questionnaire and review our client testimonials.

✅ Or call (800) 432‑0018 to get started today.

We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.

📱 Contact Us

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Home » FAQ’s of Filing a Divorce » Starting the Divorce Process

An agreed divorce is a type of uncontested divorce, where both parties agree to all of the terms of the divorce. The terms “uncontested divorce” and “agreed divorce” are often used synonymously in Texas. In many instances, you will find that these phrases are used completely interchangeably. When this occurs, both phrases refer to the fact that the divorce occurred with both spouses agreeing on all of the divorce-related issues and are willing to sign an agreement in order to skip the trial process that occurs before a judge. In the case of contested divorces, it's important to understand that people can be driven to extremes in stressful situations. If your spouse does not want to divorce, for example, you may witness a side of them that you have never seen before, such as their constant attempts to sabotage the process. It's a good idea to be familiar with some of the most typical sneaky divorce methods so you know what to look out for.
If your spouse never responds to being served with papers and cannot be located, you can still get a divorce in the form of a default divorce. This is also a type of uncontested divorce. You will sometimes find the term “uncontested divorce” used in relation to a default divorce. A default divorce is when the Respondent fails to respond to the divorce petition. In these cases, the divorce can move forward without the input of the spouse that failed to respond.
In an agreed or uncontested divorce, both parties are able to come to an agreement on all of the terms of the divorce and can therefore go through a much simpler divorce process. A contested divorce, on the other hand, is when the spouses aren’t able to agree on one or more of the significant issues involved in a divorce. For example, if spouses can't decide on how they are going to divide their property or whether one spouse should receive alimony from the other, they can’t proceed with the simpler uncontested divorce process. Instead, they will have to go through a traditional divorce where a judge will hold a trial and decide on the contested issues for the spouses. However, contested divorces don’t necessarily have to go to court, either. If spouses are able to come to an agreement through mediation or other methods before it’s time to go to trial, they can avoid the outcome where a judge is making decisions for them.