how long does it take to get a divorce in texas

It usually takes a minimum of 60 days and often 3–12 months to get a divorce in Texas, depending mainly on whether the case is uncontested or contested and whether children or complex property are involved.

Quick Scoop: Texas Divorce Timeline

Absolute minimum time

• Texas law requires a 60‑day “cooling‑off” waiting period from the date the divorce petition is filed before a judge can sign the final decree.

• In theory, the fastest possible divorce is about 61 days after filing if everything is agreed, paperwork is perfect, and the court can schedule you quickly.

Typical timelines

• Uncontested divorce (no major disputes):
  • Many uncontested divorces in Texas wrap up in roughly 2–4 months , because you still need the 60‑day wait plus time to draft, sign, and present the final decree to the judge.

• Divorce with children, but parents agree on everything:
  • Even when cooperative, expect around 6 months due to extra steps like parenting plans and child support orders.

• Contested divorce (fights over kids, property, or support):
  • These often take 6–12 months or longer , especially if there are custody disputes or significant assets.

* In complicated or highly contested cases, it can stretch to **several years** (for example, when there are repeated hearings, evaluations, or trials).

Key steps that affect how long it takes

• Residency requirements:
  • At least one spouse must have lived in Texas for 6 months and in the filing county for 90 days before filing.

• Service and response time:
  • Once filed, the other spouse (the Respondent) is served and typically has about 20 days to respond, which adds to the overall timeline.

• Court scheduling:
  • Even after the 60‑day wait, you still need a court date (often called a “prove‑up” hearing in uncontested cases), and crowded dockets can delay this.

• Level of agreement:
  • The more you and your spouse agree on issues like child custody, support, and property division, the closer you stay to that 2–4 month range.

Short example scenario

• You file for an uncontested divorce on March 1.
• Mandatory waiting period runs until about April 30–May 1 (60 days).

• You get a prove‑up hearing in mid‑May, judge signs the decree that day, and you’re divorced in a little over 2.5 months total.

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Wondering how long does it take to get a divorce in Texas? Learn the 60‑day minimum, typical 3–12 month timelines, and how kids, property, and court schedules impact your case.