Texas Divorce Attorney
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?
Divorce Lawyer Texas
Time Frames for Divorce
How long a divorce takes in Texas varies depending on the factors involved. When a couple can reach a compromise or agree on all the terms, the divorce falls into the category of an uncontested divorce. Uncontested divorces resolve more quickly than contested divorces. When conflict over aspects of the divorce exist or some issues are complex and not easily resolved, the divorce process is contested. A contested divorce takes longer.
At DTX Family Law, we offer compassionate legal representation to help you decide on the changes you want to make through your divorce. We can help you create a lifestyle that suits your needs.
Factors that Influence How Long a Divorce Takes
The court takes into account various factors during divorce, including:
- Minor children, which involve determining custody, parenting plans (visitation) and child support, and the court considers what is in the children’s best interests
- Property division and debt, if finances are complex, typically lengthen the divorce settlement time
- Whether the divorce case resolves through mediation or goes to trial
- The spouses’ ability to cooperate and the extent of conflict involved
- Whether the county has case backlogs, which can vary greatly from county to county
Aspects of Texas Law that Affect the Timeline of Divorce
Texas has legal requirements you must meet for filing divorce:
- One or both spouses must have lived in Texas for 6 months prior to filing
- One spouse must have lived in the county where filing for 90 days
- After filing there is a 60-day wait until finalizing divorce
- When there is a history of family violence that includes a protective order or conviction, the court might waive the 60-day waiting period
- While the case is pending, the court might approve temporary orders for custody, child support and which spouse stays in the family home
Estimated Timelines for Different Types of Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
When couples quickly agree on terms for their divorce, the process often can wrap up within two to four months. After the 60-day waiting period, if the paperwork is in order, the court can schedule a final hearing.
Contested Divorce with Minimal Disputes
Sometimes couples can mediate their disagreements over property division, child custody, child support and parent planning. If they can resolve these issues in a timely manner, the divorce generally takes six to twelve months.
High Conflict or Complex Divorces
When couples experience highly emotional conflict, their issues typically take more time to settle. In some instances, they have to go to court and let the judge decide. Complex finances—significant assets, business valuation and discovering hidden assets— can also lengthen divorce proceedings.
Factors that Influence How Long a Divorce Takes
The court takes into account various factors during divorce, including:
- Minor children, which involve determining custody, parenting plans (visitation) and child support, and the court considers what is in the children’s best interests
- Property division and debt, if finances are complex, typically lengthen the divorce settlement time
- Whether the divorce case resolves through mediation or goes to trial
- The spouses’ ability to cooperate and the extent of conflict involved
- Whether the county has case backlogs, which can vary greatly from county to county
Aspects of Texas Law that Affect the Timeline of Divorce
Texas has legal requirements you must meet for filing divorce:
- One or both spouses must have lived in Texas for 6 months prior to filing
- One spouse must have lived in the county where filing for 90 days
- After filing there is a 60-day wait until finalizing divorce
- When there is a history of family violence that includes a protective order or conviction, the court might waive the 60-day waiting period
- While the case is pending, the court might approve temporary orders for custody, child support and which spouse stays in the family home
Estimated Timelines for Different Types of Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
When couples quickly agree on terms for their divorce, the process often can wrap up within two to four months. After the 60-day waiting period, if the paperwork is in order, the court can schedule a final hearing.
Contested Divorce with Minimal Disputes
Sometimes couples can mediate their disagreements over property division, child custody, child support and parent planning. If they can resolve these issues in a timely manner, the divorce generally takes six to twelve months.
High Conflict or Complex Divorces
When couples experience highly emotional conflict, their issues typically take more time to settle. In some instances, they have to go to court and let the judge decide. Complex finances—significant assets, business valuation and discovering hidden assets— can also lengthen divorce proceedings.
How We Can Help You Avoid Delays
We can avoid unnecessary delays in your proceedings by maintaining excellent documentation. We keep accurate records of communications and filings. In addition, temporary orders can often establish whether an order benefits the spouses and children. This can also make settlement negotiations go faster and smoother. Arrangements made during divorce often help spouses to reach final agreements.
Find out more about how a Texas divorce attorney can address your issues
Do you have other questions about divorce? We are glad to address them and explain your options. Divorce can be complicated with many issues to consider and decisions to make. An experienced divorce lawyer can help you overcome the challenges involved.
Call 940.566.0606 to schedule an appointment.
Reach out to us
DTX Family Law offers paid consultations with Board-Certified Family Law Attorney Chrysandra S. Bowen.
Our consultations are designed to provide meaningful legal guidance, case evaluation, and strategy tailored to your situation.
DTX Family Law
525 S. Locust Street, Ste. 100
Denton Texas 76201
Phone: 940.566.0606