How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?

“How long does a divorce take in Texas?” is a question that many people have when they want to end their marriage. The time it takes to finalize a divorce depends on a lot of different factors. Because no two marriages or divorces are alike, there is no blanket timeframe for divorce proceedings. However, certain issues can influence how long a divorce is likely to take.

The Type of Divorce

When two people agree on everything, like how to divide the property, who will take care of the children, and how much support to pay, they can get a divorce without a fight. A divorce that isn’t contested normally goes faster because the court doesn’t have to be involved as much. Once both sides agree on what needs to be done and file the appropriate paperwork, the divorce can be finalized pretty quickly.

A divorce is contested when you and your spouse disagree on important topics. Divorces that are contested can take a long time because there may need to be mediation, discussions, negotiations, and even a trial. The divorce process can take longer if there are a lot of disagreements, like how to divide property or who gets care of the children.

The Complexity of the Divorce

In any divorce, how long it takes to finalize depends a lot on how complicated the problems are. In simple divorces, where there are no children or important assets, the process usually goes more quickly. Divorces that involve complicated factors, like business interests, large amounts of money, or difficult child custody issues, can take longer.

Scheduling and Backlogs in Court

The court’s schedule and any backlogs can also affect how long it takes to get a divorce. The courts have a lot of cases to handle, which can cause delays. It might take longer to set up meetings or trials if the court has several cases on the docket at that time. The speed at which your divorce can happen may be affected by how quickly other cases are handled by the courts.

Documentation

Handling and filing paperwork quickly is important for getting a divorce quickly. The divorce process can take longer if people are late sending in the necessary papers or make mistakes in their paperwork. Making sure that all forms are filled out correctly and sent in on time can help avoid needless delays. To keep the process going easily, it’s important to follow the court’s rules and deadlines.

Negotiations

If you and your spouse decide to negotiate or go to mediation to settle your differences, this may change the general timeline. Mediation, in which both sides work with a neutral mediator to come to a deal, can be faster than going to court.

How long mediation lasts depends on how difficult the problems are and how willing both sides are to work things out. If mediation goes well, the divorce process can go faster; if differences cannot be worked out, it may take longer to finalize the divorce.

Waiting Periods

Texas law requires people to wait through certain amounts of time before they can get a divorce. For example, you have to wait a certain period after filing for divorce before it can be finalized. This waiting period gives people time to think and maybe make peace, but it is required as part of the divorce process in Texas, even if everything is settled quickly.

What You Can Do to Get a Divorce More Quickly

You can’t change some aspects of the divorce process, but you can take certain actions that might speed it up:

• Prepare well. Before you file for divorce, make sure you have all the financial records, details about property, and any other relevant documentation you need.
• Talk to each other openly. The process will probably go faster if you and your partner can agree on important matters before you file.
• Get help from a lawyer. An Austin divorce lawyer can give you legal advice, make sure all the formal requirements are met, and keep you from making common mistakes that could cause your divorce to take longer than it should.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in Texas If Both Parties Agree?

A: The divorce process can go pretty quickly if both people agree on all the terms and file for a straightforward divorce. In Texas, you have to wait at least 60 days after filing the paperwork. The exact length of time can change, though, based on the court’s schedule and how quickly all the paperwork is turned in. Usually, an uncontested divorce can be completed soon after the waiting period is over.

Q: How Fast Can You Get a Divorce in Texas?

A: When you get a divorce in Texas, you have to wait 60 days before it can be settled. This timeframe starts when the divorce petition is turned in. Depending on the problems and the court’s schedule, the divorce process can take a lot longer if it is more complicated or contested. Often, the fastest way to get a divorce is if both people agree on all the terms.

Q: Why Does Divorce Take So Long in Texas?

A: In Texas, getting a divorce can take a long time because of the complicated problems that need to be dealt with, like:

• Dividing property or fighting over child custody
• The court’s schedule and backlog
• The legal steps that need to be taken

Parties who don’t agree with each other can also have long discussions and court hearings. It’s very important to handle and file information correctly, as mistakes in these areas can also slow down the process.

Q: What Is the 10-Year Rule for Divorce in Texas?

A: In Texas, the 10-year rule means that you can get spousal maintenance after 10 years of marriage. One spouse could get spousal support if:

1. They don’t have enough money or property to maintain their living standards from the marriage.
2. The marriage lasts for at least 10 years.

This rule isn’t about how long the divorce takes; it’s a way to figure out how much support might be due.

Contact Vaught Law Firm, P.C., Today

If you are seeking a divorce, Vaught Law Firm, P.C., can help you with the process. Contact us today to get started.