Texas Filing and E-Filing

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Texas has one statewide e-filing system that works in every county, and people without lawyers are welcome to use it. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for you, so paper filing with the district clerk also works.

The free guided option at selfhelp.efiletexas.gov walks you through forms step by step and files them for you.

In Texas, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed.

Official Texas filing resources

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eFileTexas.gov (Tyler Technologies): Texas has one statewide e-filing system that works in every county, and people without lawyers are welcome to use it. E-filing is required for attorneys but optional for you, so paper filing with the district clerk also works. https://www.efiletexas.gov/

Texas official filing information (Texas judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Texas and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.txcourts.gov/

Texas judicial directory (Texas judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.txcourts.gov/judicial-directory/

Texas family law forms (official index) (Texas judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Texas family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms/forms

Texas court self-help resources (Texas courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Texas family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.texaslawhelp.org

Texas rules of procedure (Texas judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Texas. https://www.txcourts.gov/rules-forms

Official link data for Texas was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file my own family papers online in Texas?

In Texas, a parent without a lawyer can file family papers online, and filing on paper with the clerk is still allowed. The free guided option at selfhelp.efiletexas.gov walks you through forms step by step and files them for you.

How much does it cost to file a family case in Texas?

Divorce filing fee: ~$250-$350 by county. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.

Which court hears family cases in Texas?

Family cases in Texas are heard in the District Court, usually in the Family District Court. Divorce and custody ('SAPCR') are heard in the District Court; big counties have dedicated family district courts. Texas has hundreds of numbered district courts; a populous county has many, while several rural counties may share one.