A Comprehensive Guide To Filing For Divorce In San Antonio

You want to get divorced. You just called five lawyers in San Antonio who appeared on the first page of Google for the search phrase “divorce in San Antonio.” And, when you called those lawyers, you asked how much it would cost you to file for divorce. You were faced with the unpleasant realization that you can’t afford to get divorced, so you want to file the divorce yourself.

At The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC, one of our simple divorce clients told us that she filed for her own divorce using the LegalZoom packet, and the San Antonio filing process alone was so confusing that it took over four hours of walking from place to place downtown to finally get the first step of the divorce done. This guide is going to help you file for divorce on your own. But you should know that there are less expensive divorce options in San Antonio, which are referred to as “simple divorces” or “uncontested divorces.”

The Divorce Process In San Antonio

You must pick up the DIY divorce packet in person at the Bexar County Court House. if you are going to buy the one from the county. When you get inside the doors, you will have to walk through security. You will then walk about 50 meters, and you will see an elevator. Take the elevator to the fifth floor, which is where the law library is. Once you get off the elevator, you will see a door. Turn left and you will find the counter where a clerk sells the divorce packet. The packet is about 40 pages thick and is filled with all of the information you need to file and complete your own divorce.

Now, you must take the packet home and read it. Use the instructions to create your petition for divorce as a pro se litigant. Make sure that your petition is properly filled out because once you pay to file the divorce, the filing fee is nonrefundable with Bexar County. Our lawyers do not recommend paying for divorce forms from sites like LegalZoom, as the cheaper Bexar County packet and the samples online suffice as guidance. If the petition needs to be changed, you can file an amended petition for divorce, but this will be time-consuming for you. It is best to get it right the first time.

Once you have created a petition for divorce, you will bring it back downtown to file it. Specifically, you will file it on the second floor of the Elizondo Tower, which is directly next to the Bexar County Court House depicted above. You will go through security and take the elevator to the second story of the building. Once you get off the elevator, turn right and get in the clerk’s line. At this window, you will provide three copies of your petition for divorce, one for yourself and two for the court clerks.

You will also be required to pay the filing fees at this window. Once the case has been filed, the 60-day waiting period to get divorced begins. However, Bexar County clerks will not call you to get your divorce moved or completed after you file for divorce. Because you are representing yourself, it is your job to understand the steps provided in the packet and to follow them to have the divorce ordered.

Instead Of Filing Your Own Divorce, Hire The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC

While filing for divorce on your own is an option, working with an experienced attorney can help streamline the process and protect your rights and interests. Our lawyers at The Cook Law Firm & Associates PLLC can guide you through every step of the process. To learn more, call us at 210-740-0281 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation at our San Antonio law office.