Flat-fee services
Agreed / Uncontested Flat Fees
Flat-fee pricing applies when both parties agree on the terms and will sign the required documents. Texas requires a statutory waiting period, so an agreed divorce typically completes in about 61 days.
Reading the prices: + adds to your flat fee · ~ is an estimate · a range depends on which staff member works your matter.
What's Included (and What Isn't)
Included in your flat fee
- Court filing fee
- One certified copy
- Notice to employer on a wage order
- All attorney and paralegal time for the agreed scope
- Copies and postage
- In-person notary services
Not included
- Appraisals
- Forensic accounting
- Business valuation
- Additional court appearances
- Emergency motions
- Special process servers
- Plan administrator fees
Cases With Children: When Mediation May Be Required
Flat-fee cases assume the standard Texas guidelines for child support, conservatorship (legal decision-making), and possession/access (the parenting schedule). If your agreement differs substantially from those guidelines, the court may require mediation before it will approve your order. Mediation can be added at the rate shown under Common Add-Ons.
Common Add-Ons (Agreed Matters)
- QDRO$600
- Mediation (1 hour)Includes the mediator fee when it is $75 per party; $150 if the parties pay the mediator directly.$300
- Property transfers beyond 3per additional transfer$100
- Apostilles (Texas)per document — certification for use abroad$200
- Federal apostilles / other statesretainer, billed hourly$750
- Children born during the marriageper biological parent$500
- Uncontested matters outside Harris / Fort Bend$250
- Remote notary$20
When it's contested
If Your Spouse Won't Sign (Service of Process)
If your spouse will not sign, we must formally deliver the paperwork to them — this is called service of process. Costs depend on where they are located and are added to your flat fee. If they are served and still do not respond, we can finish the case by default (without their participation).
- Service in Texas+$1,000
- Service out of state+$1,500
- Service in a foreign countryfrom $2,000
Contested / Served Divorce (Retainers)
When a divorce is served or contested, we work from a retainer billed against our hourly rates. Payment plans are available — a typical down payment is shown for each.
- Harris & Fort Bend countiesretainer — typically $2,500 down with a payment plan$5,000
- Outside Harris & Fort Bendretainer — typically $3,750 down with a payment plan$7,500
QDRO Pricing
A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) divides an employer retirement plan such as a 401(k) or pension. IRAs do not require a QDRO.
- Add-on in an agreed matter$600
- Stand-alone QDRO petitionper case, statewide$3,000
Divorce by Publication (Spouse Can't Be Found)
When a spouse cannot be located, we proceed by publication. These cases are handled hourly statewide and often take several months to a year.
- Without children (same or other county)total — $1,750 down to file, $1,750 to complete$3,000
- With children or propertyretainer — $2,000 down to file, $2,000 to complete$4,000
The court may set an attorney ad litem fee of approximately $1,500–$2,000. This is paid to the court-appointed attorney and is not included above.
Trial & Appeal Pricing
Trial
- Bench trialdue 30 days before trial$10,000
- Jury trial (fewer than 60 days out)50% due upfront$25,000
Appeals
- Appeal brief (trials up to 2 days)minimum retainer$5,000
- Additional trial daysper day$2,500
- Additional appeal workper day$2,500
Court costs (paid by the client)
- Court reporter's recordper trial day~$1,500
- Clerk's record~$500
- Appellate filing fee~$205
Estimated totals by trial length (including court costs)
- Up to 2 days$7,205–$8,705
- 3-day trial$12,705
- 4-day trial$16,705
- 5-day trial$20,705
In most Texas cases, the notice of appeal must be filed within 30 days after the judge signs the final order.
Hourly Rates
- Michael G. Busby, Jr., Attorneyper hour$510
- Associate attorneysper hour$450
- Paralegalsper hour$175–$270
- Law clerksper hour$150
- Legal assistantsper hour$140
- Office clerksper hour$140
Logistics & getting started
Payment Plans & Financing Options
Financing is optional and subject to provider approval. We can set up a plan that fits your budget.
- Installment financing (subject to approval)
- Scheduled recurring payments toward retainers
- PayPal Pay Later
- Card-based installment programs
Consultation Options — Three Ways to Meet With Us
In-office
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. If you retain us, this time is credited against your retainer.
Phone (30 minutes)
Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Paid before scheduling.
Evening Zoom
Monday–Thursday, 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. Weekends available. Paid before scheduling.
Follow-up & strategy sessions
- Second visitpaid before or at the visit$250
- Third consultation / weekend strategy$350
- Alternative practice area$250
Prospective clients who request a weekend consultation are responsible for meal expenses. Consultations with the managing attorney are available upon request.
FAQs
How much does an uncontested divorce cost?
What if our terms are not standard?
What is the difference between a QDRO add-on and a stand-alone QDRO?
What happens if my spouse won't sign?
Do you handle matters outside Harris and Fort Bend counties?
Is the consultation really free?
How much does a contested case cost?
What are your hourly rates?
What does a trial or appeal cost?
What if my spouse cannot be found?
Can I pay over time?
Ready To Get Started?
Your exact price depends on a few questions: is the matter agreed, are children involved, is service needed, how many property transfers, and is a QDRO required? Call us or send a message and we'll give you a clear quote.
This page provides general information about typical fees and is not legal advice. Submitting a form or contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Final pricing depends on the specifics of your matter.