How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?

If you’re considering filing for divorce in Texas, one of the first questions you probably have is: How long will this take? While every case is different, understanding the timeline can help you prepare for the road ahead.

The 60-Day Waiting Period

Texas law mandates a waiting period of at least 60 days from when you file your Original Petition for Divorce until a judge can finalize the divorce. This provision allows both partners time to consider their options and possibly reconcile before committing to a permanent legal decision.

There are exceptions to this waiting period—but they are limited. For example, if family violence has occurred and the abuser has been convicted or there is a protective order in place, the court may waive the 60-day requirement.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: A Key Influence on Timelines

A significant factor influencing the duration of a divorce is whether it is uncontested or contested.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce takes place when both partners mutually consent to all key matters—property division, child custody, and support. These divorces can move relatively quickly and sometimes wrap up shortly after the 60-day mark, especially if the paperwork is correct and there are no disputes.

Contested Divorce

If you and your spouse cannot agree on key issues, the process can take several months to over a year (or longer in extreme cases). Contested divorces involve court hearings, discovery (the legal exchange of information), and possibly a trial. If children are involved, along with complicated finances or disputes, the process may take longer.

What Affects the Divorce Timeline?

Several key factors can influence the duration of your divorce in Texas, including:

Cooperation between spouses: If both parties are willing to compromise and work together, things move faster.
Children involved: Custody, visitation, and child support can add layers of complexity.
Amount of property/debt: The more there is to divide, the more negotiation (and potential conflict) may arise.
Court schedules: Some counties have crowded dockets, which can delay hearings.
Mediation or settlement efforts: If mediation is successful, it can speed things up considerably.

Temporary Orders and the Middle Ground

If your divorce is expected to take some time, the court can issue temporary orders to resolve crucial matters such as child custody, support, or occupancy of the family home. These orders aim to preserve stability during the ongoing divorce process but may not represent the final decisions.

Can I Speed Up My Divorce?

Although the 60-day waiting period cannot be bypassed (except under certain narrow exceptions), there are actions you can take to prevent delays:

Get organized early—gather financial documents, tax returns, and anything related to your children.
Work with an experienced divorce attorney to prepare all required paperwork correctly.
Be open to negotiation or mediation, especially if going to court would drag things out.
Respond to court deadlines and requests promptly.

How Can a Divorce Attorney Help?

Divorce is never easy, and no two situations are the same. In Texas, the process takes at least 60 days, but the real timeline depends on how complicated your case is and how well you and your spouse can cooperate.

At Guest & Gray, we understand that divorce is more than just a legal matter—it’s a deeply personal one. Our dedicated team is here to help you navigate the process with clarity, compassion, and efficiency. Whether your case is complex or straightforward, we’ll fight for your best outcome while helping you move forward with peace of mind.