Texas Self-Help Legal Guides

Plain-English, step-by-step guides for Texans who are representing themselves in court. Each guide cites the Texas statute or court rule behind every step.

Which guide fits your situation?

• You want custody, visitation, or child support orders and are not filing for divorce: start with the child custody (SAPCR) guide.
• You want to end your marriage, with or without children: start with the divorce guide.
• You are an adult (18+) seeking a legal change of name in Texas: start with the Adult Name Change (Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 45) guide.
• You cannot afford court filing fees or service costs: start with the Court Fee Waiver (TRCP Rule 145 Statement of Inability) guide.
• You already have a custody or child support order and the other parent is not following it: start with the enforcement guide.
• A creditor froze your bank account with a writ of garnishment: start with the bank garnishment guide.

Steps that apply to most Texas family & civil cases

• File with the district or county clerk. Self-represented litigants can e-file through eFileTexas.gov or file in person at the clerk's office.
• If you can't afford the filing fees, you can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs (Tex. R. Civ. P. 145).
• In adversary cases (divorce or SAPCR), the other party must be formally served by a sheriff, constable, or certified process server unless they sign a waiver of service (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.4035 or § 102.0091). An adult name change under Chapter 45 is an ex parte proceeding with no opposing party.
• A served respondent generally must answer by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days have passed since service (Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(b)).
• A divorce cannot be granted until at least 60 days after the petition is filed, with limited family-violence exceptions (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.702).

When to get a lawyer or free legal help

Texas allows people to represent themselves, and many uncontested cases are handled without a lawyer. Talk to a lawyer before filing if your case involves family violence, a child or spouse in another state, an existing order from another state, a contested trial, or significant property such as a business or retirement accounts. Free help may be available from legal aid organizations and TexasLawHelp.org.

These guides are general legal information, not legal advice. Calari Legal is document-preparation software, not a law firm.

• Texas Child Custody Without a Lawyer: A Step-by-Step SAPCR GuideHow to file for child custody in Texas without a lawyer: conservatorship, the Standard Possession Order, child support guidelines, and step-by-step filing.
• How to File for Divorce in Texas Without a LawyerTexas divorce basics for self-represented spouses: residency rules, the 60-day waiting period, community property, service, and the steps to a final decree.
• How to File an Adult Name Change in Texas Without a Lawyer (Chapter 45)How to legally change your adult name in Texas under Texas Family Code Chapter 45: verified petition requirements, DPS FAST 1192DY fingerprints, and local court rules.
• How to Waive Texas Court Filing Fees Under TRCP Rule 145How to waive Texas court filing fees and service costs using the Supreme Court of Texas mandated TRCP Rule 145 Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs.
• Enforcing a Texas Custody or Child Support OrderWhat to do when the other parent violates a Texas custody or child support order: Chapter 157 motions for enforcement, what to include, service, and deadlines.
• Texas Bank Account Frozen by a Writ of Garnishment: What You Can DoIf a creditor froze your Texas bank account with a writ of garnishment, learn which funds may be exempt and how to ask the court to dissolve or modify the writ.

Frequently asked questions

Last reviewed 2026-10-27. Laws change. Confirm current rules with the court clerk or an attorney.