Court filing fees are separate from attorney's fees. They're paid to the county when the case is filed. Here's what the Guadalupe County District Clerk's published fee schedule shows for divorce and family cases.
Divorce and family filing fees
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for divorce (with or without children) | $350 |
| Issuing a citation (per person served) | $8 |
| Service of citation by the sheriff or constable | $90 |
| Citation by certified mail | $98 |
| Citation by publication | $98 |
| Citation by posting at the courthouse | $23 |
| Motion to modify or enforce (family post-judgment) | $80 |
| Petition for adoption | $350 |
| Change of name | $350 |
| Certified copy of a decree | $1 per page + $5 certificate |
Source: Guadalupe County District Court civil filing fee schedule (effective January 1, 2024, the most recent posted as of November 2026). A card processing fee applies to credit and debit payments. Fees change, so confirm with the District Clerk at 830-303-8873 before filing.
If your spouse signs a waiver of service, you don't need to pay for citation and service. That's one reason an uncontested divorce costs less. If you ask for a protective order, there's no fee to the applicant; the fee is assessed against the respondent.
Where to file
Divorces are filed with the Guadalupe County District Clerk at the Guadalupe County Justice Center, 211 W. Court Street, Seguin, TX 78155, or the satellite office at 1101 Elbel Road, Schertz. Attorneys must file electronically through eFileTexas, and people representing themselves are encouraged to e-file too. To file in Guadalupe County, you or your spouse must have lived in Texas for six months and in Guadalupe County for the last 90 days.
Before a divorce with children can be finalized, Guadalupe County's local rules require a certificate showing completion of a 4-hour parenting class. Every case also comes with the county's standing order.
If you can't afford the filing fee
You can file a Statement of Inability to Afford Payment of Court Costs. If you receive public benefits, are represented by legal aid, or can't afford the costs, the court may let you file without paying. Free forms are available at TexasLawHelp.org.
Guardianship and probate filing fees
Guardianships and probate cases are filed with the Guadalupe County Clerk, not the District Clerk. Its fee schedule effective January 1, 2026 lists:
| Filing | Fee |
|---|---|
| Application for permanent guardianship | $360 |
| Application for temporary guardianship | $360 |
| Converting a temporary guardianship to permanent | $120 |
| Annual account (guardian of the estate) | $25 |
| Annual report of the person | $10 |
| Probate of a will (letters testamentary or muniment of title) | $360 |
| Small estate affidavit or heirship | $360 |
Source: Guadalupe County Clerk fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026. Citation, service, bond and other costs are added depending on the case.
Attorney's fees
We charge flat fees for most divorce, custody and guardianship cases, so you'll know the cost before we start, with payment plans available. Read more about the cost of divorce in Seguin and the cost of guardianship, or call 830-206-8691 for a free consultation.