Texas Legal Costs (2026)
Complete breakdown of common legal fees in Texas — from forming a business to filing in court. All data sourced from official Texas government websites.
How Texas ranks vs all 50 states
Understanding legal costs in Texas before you file saves money and prevents surprises at the courthouse. Forming an LLC costs $300 in state filing fees . If you need to sue someone in small claims court, you can recover up to $20,000 — and filing costs between $54 and $121. Divorce filing in Texas starts at $300, not counting attorney fees or service costs. All figures below are sourced directly from official Texas government and court websites and updated for 2026.
LLC Formation Costs in Texas
Full details →Forming an LLC in Texas requires filing Articles of Organization with the Secretary of State and paying the $300 state fee. Texas does not charge an annual report fee, which keeps ongoing costs low. Your estimated first-year total including filing is $300+.
Texas has no annual report fee, but foreign qualification costs $750. The $300 formation fee is offset by zero ongoing costs for most small LLCs.
No state income tax, no annual report fee, massive economy — one of the best states for small businesses.
Small Claims Court in Texas
Full details →Texas's small claims court — the Justice Court — handles disputes up to $20,000 without requiring an attorney. Filing costs between $54 and $121 depending on the claim amount. You must file within the statute of limitations: 4 years for written contracts and 4 years for oral agreements. Send a demand letter before filing — it costs nothing and often resolves the dispute without a court date.
Texas has a $20,000 limit — second highest in the US after Tennessee.
Divorce Filing Costs in Texas
Full details →Filing for an uncontested divorce in Texas starts at $300 in court filing fees. Cases involving minor children add a $20 surcharge. Serving your spouse through the sheriff's office costs an additional $75. Texas requires divorcing parents to complete a parenting class before the divorce is finalized. These are court fees only — attorney costs, if applicable, are separate and vary widely by case complexity.
Texas filing fees vary by county. Larger counties like Harris (Houston) and Dallas may charge more than small rural counties.
Notary Fees in Texas
Full details →Texas caps notary fees by law. The maximum fee for an acknowledgment is $10 per signature. Jurat notarizations (sworn statements) cost up to $10. Remote online notarization (RON) is permitted in Texas and costs up to $25 per act. For documents requiring multiple signatures or notarial acts, fees multiply per signature — always confirm the total before your appointment.
$10 first signature, $1 each additional (acknowledgments). $10 for jurats/oaths. RON: $25 + standard fee. Travel not capped.
Common Legal Cost Scenarios in Texas
Real-world combinations of legal fees you may face — based on official Texas filing costs.
How Texas Compares to Neighboring States
| State | LLC Filing | Divorce Fee | SC Limit | Notary Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas ◀ | $300 | $300 | $20,000 | $10 |
| New Mexico | $50 | $137 | $10,000 | $5 |
| Oklahoma | $100 | $183 | $10,000 | $5 |
| Arkansas | $45 | $165 | $5,000 | No cap |
| Louisiana | $100 | $250 | $5,000 | No cap |
All fees from official state government sources. Compare all 50 states →
Need Legal Help in Texas?
Get connected with Texas-licensed attorneys and legal services online — starting from $0 for basic consultations.