How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?

Divorce can be stressful and uncertain. One of the most common questions our divorce lawyer hears from clients is: "How long does a divorce take?" 

The answer depends on a variety of factors, including the intricacies of the case, whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, and the efficiency of the court system. While there are minimum time requirements set by Texas law, the timeline for divorce can vary significantly depending on the specifics of your situation. 

Contact our Texas firm to learn more about the divorce process, key timelines, and how we can help you work through this difficult time.

The Texas Divorce Process

In Texas, the divorce process begins when one spouse files a petition for divorce in the county where they reside. Once the petition is filed, the other spouse must be officially served with divorce papers. This is known as the "service of process."

After the petition is filed, the other spouse must be served with divorce papers. If they fail to respond, the divorce may proceed by default. Whether your case involves difficult family law issues or a straightforward uncontested divorce, we’re here to provide experienced legal representation.

The next steps in the divorce process will depend largely on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including child custody, child support, property division, and spousal support. 

A contested divorce, on the other hand, means that the spouses can’t agree on one or more of these issues, which can significantly extend the time it takes to finalize the divorce.

The Minimum Waiting Period for a Divorce in Texas

Regardless of whether a divorce is contested or uncontested, Texas law requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed before a divorce can be finalized. This means that even in the best-case scenario, it will take at least two months to obtain a divorce in Texas. During this time, both parties may consider reconciliation or other family law options, like mediation.

At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we know that this waiting period can feel long, especially if the relationship has already broken down. However, our legal firm is here to provide strategic guidance throughout the process, making sure that your rights and interests are protected. We take a compassionate approach to every case, knowing that this is an emotionally charged time for you and your family.

Factors That Affect the Timeline of a Divorce

While the mandatory 60-day waiting period is the minimum time required for a divorce in Texas, most divorces take longer. The timeline can vary based on several factors, including:

• Whether the Divorce Is Contested: As mentioned earlier, contested divorces tend to take significantly longer to resolve. This is because the couple must either reach a settlement agreement or have the court make decisions on their behalf. Contested divorces often involve multiple hearings, mediation sessions, and possibly a trial.

• The Challenge of the Case: Some divorces involve difficult issues, such as high-value assets, businesses, or multiple properties. Cases involving child custody disputes or allegations of abuse can also take more time to resolve. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we have the experience needed to handle even the most complicated divorces, and we’re not afraid to go to trial if necessary.

• Court Availability: The timeline for your divorce may also depend on the availability of the court. In Tarrant County, where we serve clients in Colleyville, Keller, Grapevine, and surrounding areas, the court schedule can impact how quickly your case moves forward. Busy courts with full dockets may result in delays, especially if multiple hearings are needed to address contested issues.

• Efforts to Settle Outside of Court: If both parties are willing to negotiate and reach a settlement outside of court, the process may be quicker. Mediation is often used to resolve contested issues, allowing both spouses to retain some control over the outcome. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we encourage settlement negotiations whenever possible, as this can save time, money, and emotional stress for both parties.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce Timelines

As mentioned earlier, uncontested divorces generally take less time to resolve than contested divorces. Here’s what you can typically expect from each type of case:

• Uncontested Divorce: In an uncontested divorce, the couple agrees on all the terms of the divorce, such as property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. Once the mandatory 60-day waiting period has passed, the couple can finalize the divorce. If everything is in order and both parties cooperate, an uncontested divorce can often be finalized in 2-3 months. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we help clients throughout Tarrant County, including Colleyville and Keller, efficiently resolve uncontested divorces while verifying that their interests are protected.

• Contested Divorce: A contested divorce, on the other hand, can take significantly longer to resolve. If there are disagreements over major issues such as child custody or property division, the case may take anywhere from several months to over a year. In extreme cases, a contested divorce could take two years or more to finalize, particularly if it goes to trial. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we work diligently to minimize delays and resolve contested divorces as quickly as possible, while still advocating aggressively for our clients’ rights.

Additional Requirements in Texas Divorces

In addition to the 60-day waiting period, Texas law requires divorcing couples to meet certain residency requirements. At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for six months prior to filing for divorce, and in the county where the petition is filed for at least 90 days. 

Additionally, if you and your spouse have children, the court will require you to submit a parenting plan outlining the custody and visitation arrangements. The court’s priority will always be the best interests of the children, and at Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we’re dedicated to making sure that your parenting plan reflects those interests while protecting your role in your children’s lives.

How an Attorney Can Help You

No matter what stage of the divorce process you’re in, having experienced legal counsel can make a significant difference. At Tefera Law Firm, PLLC, we’re committed to providing our clients with the legal representation they need to work through the challenges of divorce. Located in Colleyville, Texas, we proudly serve clients in Tarrant County, Keller, Grapevine, Southlake, Watauga, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, North Richland Hills, Fort Worth, Arlington, Dallas, and Denton.

Whether your divorce is uncontested or contested, we’re here to offer guidance, support, and professionalism. We understand that divorce can be an emotionally draining experience, but we strive to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Our approach to divorce cases is both compassionate and strategic. We understand that every family is different, and we tailor our legal services to meet the unique needs of each client. We’re not just here to help you get through your divorce—we’re here to help you move forward with confidence, knowing that your rights and interests are protected.

Contact Us Today

Divorce is challenging, but having an experienced family law attorney can make a significant difference. Whether it's an uncontested divorce, a complicated case, or child custody issues, we provide the support and knowledge you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your family’s future.