Going through a divorce is emotionally draining, and the uncertainty about how long the process will take can add another layer of stress to an already challenging time for your family. Being stuck in limbo is no fun, and everyone involved likely needs to move on with their lives, but how long does a divorce take in Texas?
In Texas, the divorce process takes a minimum of 60 days from the date of filing, due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. However, most divorces typically take between 4 to 12 months to finalize, depending on factors like whether the divorce is contested, the complexity of asset division, child custody arrangements, and how well both parties can work together during negotiations.
While you can handle a divorce on your own, having experienced legal guidance can make a significant difference in both the timeline and outcome of your case. Javier Guzman, founding attorney of Guzman Law Firm and skilled divorce lawyer in Laredo, TX, understands the nuances of Texas divorce law and can help streamline the process while protecting your interests — potentially saving you months of delays and preventing costly mistakes.
Schedule a consultation today or call (956) 516-7198 to discuss your case.
How long does the average divorce take in Texas?
The length of a Texas divorce ultimately depends on your unique circumstances, but understanding the typical timeline can help you set realistic expectations.
At a minimum, Texas law requires a 60-day “cooling off” period after filing before a divorce can be finalized even if both spouses completely agree on all terms. This waiting period begins the day after you file your Original Petition for Divorce. However, you can use this time productively to negotiate terms, gather financial documents, and work through the required divorce paperwork.
Let’s take a look at the average timelines for specific types of divorce cases in Texas.
How long does a divorce take in Texas with a child?
When children are involved, Texas courts prioritize their best interests above all else, typically extending the divorce process to 8 – 14 months. Additional time is needed to work out custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and child support calculations. If parents can’t agree on these matters, the court may appoint additional professionals like custody evaluators or guardians ad litem, which can push the timeline even further — sometimes up to 18 months or longer.
How long does a contested divorce take in Texas?
If spouses disagree on one or more issues, the timeline extends significantly, with most contested divorces taking 6 – 18 months to finalize. Contested divorces require court hearings, potential mediation sessions, and possibly a trial. The more contentious the disagreements, the longer the process typically takes. Some highly complex contested divorces can even stretch beyond 18 months if they involve substantial assets or complicated custody disputes.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in Texas?
When both spouses agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, debt allocation, and any child-related matters, an uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as 2 – 3 months, essentially shortly after the mandatory 60-day waiting period.
How quickly can you get a divorce? In Texas, even with perfect agreement between parties, the absolute minimum time is 60 days due to the state’s mandatory waiting period. While the process still requires careful attention to legal documentation and court procedures, an uncontested divorce typically can be completed within 90 days from filing, making it the fastest option available.
Why does a divorce take so long in Texas?
The length of a Texas divorce is influenced by several legal requirements and practical factors that are designed to protect all parties involved. Several factors can extend your divorce timeline include:
- The mandatory 60-day waiting period must be completed even if both parties agree on all terms, as this cooling-off period gives couples time to potentially reconcile and ensures careful consideration of all divorce implications.
- Court scheduling can add significant time to your case, as family courts often manage hundreds of active cases simultaneously, which means hearings may be scheduled weeks or months apart.
- The discovery phase typically takes between 30 to 90 days, as both parties need time to gather and exchange financial documents, property information, and other relevant materials.
- If your case requires mediation sessions or multiple court hearings, each of these steps can add several weeks to the timeline as they need to be scheduled around court availability.
- Complex property division often requires professional appraisals and detailed asset valuation, which can take several weeks or months to complete properly.
- Cases involving children require extra time to develop comprehensive custody and support arrangements that serve the best interests of the children. (In these cases, you may want to consider hiring an experienced child custody lawyer in Laredo, TX).
While these requirements may feel frustrating when you’re eager to move forward with your life, they exist to ensure that your divorce is handled properly and that your rights are protected throughout the process. Understanding these timeframes can help you set realistic expectations and make appropriate plans as you navigate your divorce journey.
How can I speed up my divorce in Texas?
While you can’t bypass Texas’s mandatory 60-day waiting period, there are several effective strategies to help your divorce proceed as efficiently as possible. Working with an experienced family law attorney is often the best way to avoid delays and ensure all paperwork is handled correctly the first time. Even if you understand how to file for divorce in Texas, having professional guidance can prevent costly mistakes that could extend your timeline.
Here are practical ways to speed up your divorce process:
- Gather all financial documents before filing, including tax returns, bank statements, property deeds, and retirement account information, so you’re prepared to move forward immediately after filing.
- Consider mediation instead of litigation, as this can significantly reduce the time spent waiting for court dates and can help you reach agreements more quickly than traditional court proceedings.
- Respond promptly to all requests from your attorney or the court, as delays in providing information or signatures can add weeks to your timeline.
- Be willing to compromise on minor issues while standing firm on what truly matters to you. Getting stuck on small details often leads to unnecessary delays.
- Have realistic expectations about property division and custody arrangements, as being reasonable in your demands can help avoid time-consuming court battles.
- Complete your parenting classes early if you have children, as these are required before your divorce can be finalized in most Texas counties.
While protecting your interests should be your first priority, finding a middle ground on contentious issues can significantly reduce the time and cost of your divorce. You can also consider working with both a family law attorney and a mediator to help facilitate productive negotiations and keep your case moving forward efficiently.
Navigating a divorce in Texas? You need Guzman Law Firm by your side.
How long does a divorce take in Texas? The answer varies significantly based on your unique situation, from as little as 60 days for an uncontested divorce to over a year for complex contested cases. While the process may seem daunting, having the right legal support can make a considerable difference in both the timeline and outcome of your divorce — it can also make a difficult period in your life much less painful.
At Guzman Law Firm, we understand that you want to move forward with your life as efficiently as possible while still protecting your interests. Our experienced team has helped numerous clients navigate the Texas divorce process successfully, working to avoid unnecessary delays while ensuring all legal requirements are properly met.
Whether you’re facing a straightforward uncontested divorce or dealing with complex custody and property issues, we have the experience to guide you through each step of the process.
Don’t let uncertainty about your divorce timeline add to your stress. Contact Guzman Law Firm today at (956) 516-7198 for a consultation. Let us help you understand what to expect and develop a strategic plan for moving forward with your divorce as efficiently as possible.
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