Where to File for Divorce in Lubbock County?
In Lubbock County, all civil and family matters are normally heard in District Courts. To file for divorce in this location, you need to submit the papers to the Lubbock County Courthouse. Please note that you may be required to e-file the documents due to the mandatory eFiling in the county from July 1, 2014.
đź“Ť 904 Broadway
Lubbock, TX 79401
Phone: (806) 775-1355
Business Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
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The Requirements for Divorce in Lubbock County
Texas prescribes specific residency requirements for individuals wishing to initiate a lawsuit so that the court has jurisdiction over their case and can make decisions or enact orders. To file for divorce in Lubbock County, at least one spouse must have lived here for no less than 90 days and be a Texas resident for 6 months at a minimum before filing the Petition.
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Filing for Uncontested Divorce in Lubbock County
Filing for an uncontested divorce, when you and your spouse agree on issues such as custody, visitation, child support, and property and debt division, is a pretty straightforward process that does not necessarily require the assistance of an attorney.
An uncontested divorce in Lubbock County has several basic steps:
- Prepare your Original Petition for Divorce and the rest of the papers required in your specific situation.
- File the initial set of your divorce paperwork and pay the filing fee.
- Notify your spouse officially about the initiated divorce case.
- Wait the mandatory 60 days after filing the Petition imposed by Texas law.
- Complete the rest of the paperwork, including the Final Decree of Divorce, and ask your spouse to sign it.
- Attend an uncontested final hearing to finalize your divorce.
- File the Final Decree signed by the judge in the District Clerk’s Office and get a certified copy.
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Required Divorce Forms in Lubbock County
Papers required to file for divorce in Lubbock County vary in number and type depending on each family’s situation. However, the basic set of forms would usually include:
- Original Petition for Divorce (FM-DivB-100)
- Civil Case Information Sheet
- Respondent’s Original Answer (FM-DivB-102) or Respondent’s Waiver of Service Only (FM-DivB-103)
- Information on Suit Affecting the Family Relationship (VS-165)
- Final Decree of Divorce (FM-DivB-201)
More forms would be needed if you have minor children to address the questions of custody and child support. The most important ones are:
- Standard Possession Order (FM-Chil-306)
- Record of Support Order (Form 1828)
- Income Withholding Order for Support (OMB 0970-0154)
Be ready to prepare other forms related to property and debt division, spousal maintenance, financial disclosures, name change, relocation, or other specific matters relevant to your unique situation. Start with consulting the county court clerk to clarify the exact package of forms required for your specific case.
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Lubbock County Divorce Filing Fees
Lubbock County divorce filing fees vary depending on the family situation and specific circumstances. The current fee for filing a new family suit, including divorce, is $377, which may be higher if minor children are involved. Additional costs are charged for supplementary motions or requests and services, such as copies, certificates, process service, etc.
If you cannot afford filing fees due to low income, you may ask the court to waive them by filing a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. The judge will satisfy your request if they find you eligible. Contact the Lubbock County Clerk’s Office website to see the fee schedule, clarify the expenses you should expect in your situation, and learn if you qualify for a fee waiver.
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