How Much Does a Contested Divorce Cost in The Woodlands, TX?

If you’re navigating divorce in Montgomery County or The Woodlands, Texas, one of the first financial questions you’ll be tempted to ask is: How expensive is a contested divorce? The answer depends on several legal factors—including property disputes, custody issues, and the involvement of attorneys.

✅ Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: What’s the Difference?

In Montgomery County, many divorces proceed as uncontested, using a “waiver of service” where one spouse agrees not to contest the case. These tend to be both faster and more affordable.

However, when disagreements arise—especially where both parties retain legal counsel—a contested divorce begins. A contested divorce involves one or more of the following:

• Filing of a formal answer or counterpetition by the other spouse.
• Disputes over child custody or support.
• Property division or valuation issues or disputes.
• Involvement of expert witnesses required to promote a case.

Moreover, contested divorces involve temporary orders hearings, discovery, and more court appearances, all of which impact cost.

🏠 Asset Disputes Drive Up Costs

If spouses disagree over everyday items like furniture, costs in a contested divorce may stay relatively low. But if there’s conflict over:

• The ownership or value of a family-owned business
• Real estate, retirement accounts, or high-value assets, or
• The characterization of property as separate property or community

—then attorney fees inevitably increase—and the employment of expert witnesses (like forensic accountants or appraisers) may be required.

👶 Child Custody and Support Battles

Contested custody cases add layers of complexity and can involve:

• Psychological evaluations
• Guardian ad litem appointments, and
• Additional mediation sessions

These proceedings often demand dozens of additional attorney hours and result in escalating legal fees.

📚 Experts Add Expense

In a contested divorce expect to pay for expert testimony regarding:

• Business valuation
• Child development and well-being
• Financial analysis, and
• The tracing of missing or lost assets

Fees for experts in The Woodlands area can range from $3,000 to $20,000+, depending on their role and involvement.

🧘 Consider Early Mediation in The Woodlands

To avoid the rigors of a contested divorce, and to minimize costs, spouses are encouraged to seek-out mediation early—often facilitated by attorneys familiar with local family court procedures. Settling disputes outside the courtroom can save tens of thousands of dollars.

📊 Estimated Contested Divorce Costs in The Woodlands (2025) (my estimate);

For residents of The Woodlands, Spring, or nearby Huntsville, seeking legal advice early from an experienced family law attorney is key. If you’re exploring divorce or estate planning, Andrew J. Bolton, Esq. offers consultations and legal services backed by 25+ years of litigation experience in Southeast Texas.