How Do I File for Divorce in Brazos County?

If your divorce is uncontested in Brazos County, you can finish the process more quickly since both spouses agree on all terms. To file for divorce in Brazos County, you need to:

1. Find out which forms you need for your case and review the local court rules and procedures. This step makes sure you use the right papers. Every court has its own rules, so checking first avoids mistakes.
2. Prepare your initial documents, including the Original Petition for Divorce, and file them with the district court clerk. The Original Petition for Divorce is the paper that starts your case. It tells the court you want a divorce.
3. Pay the filing fee unless you requested a fee waiver, and make sure your copies are time-stamped by the clerk. The fee is what the court charges to open your case. The time-stamp shows the date you filed, which is very important for deadlines.
4. Provide your spouse with copies of the documents and have them file either an Answer or a Waiver of Service. The Answer lets your spouse tell the court they want to take part in the case. The Waiver of Service means they don’t need to be served by a sheriff. It saves time and cost.
5. Complete the mandatory 60-day waiting period that begins when your Petition is filed, as required by Texas law. This waiting period gives both sides time to think before the divorce can be finished.
6. Prepare the remaining paperwork needed to finalize your divorce while waiting.
   This may include Financial Disclosure Forms (to show income and property) and a Parenting Plan if you have children. These papers give the judge the full picture of your family and money.
7. Give your spouse the completed Final Decree of Divorce to review and sign if they agree with all terms. The Final Decree of Divorce is the last paper. It explains how property, debts, and custody are settled. The judge signs it to officially end the marriage.
8. Schedule the final hearing with the court clerk once the waiting period ends.
   The clerk sets your court date. You need this hearing to finish the divorce.
9. Attend the hearing with all completed paperwork and answer any questions the judge may have. Bring the Final Decree and any other required forms. The judge reviews them and makes sure everything is correct.
10. Submit the signed Final Decree and any other orders to the clerk and get a certified copy for your records. The certified copy is your proof that the divorce is final. You will need it to change your name, update accounts, or show you are legally divorced.