How Long Does a Divorce Take?

Are you preparing for a divorce in Texas? It is normal to feel stressed out, even overwhelmed by the prospect. Like most people, you probably want the process to be done as soon as possible so that you can start to move forward with your life. This raises an important question: How long does a divorce take in Texas? The short answer is that “it depends”—with everything from a few weeks to a few months being within the normal range. Here, our Fort Worth divorce attorney explains the key things that you should understand about how long the divorce process takes in Texas.

How Long Does the Typical Divorce Take in Texas?

The length of the divorce process can vary substantially. Anything from a few months to a few years is typical for a divorce in Texas. To start, it is essential to note that state law mandates a minimum waiting period of 60 days from the date the divorce petition is filed with the court.

Three Key Factors That Will Impact the Length of the Divorce Process

There are several critical factors that can influence the length of the divorce process in Texas. Here are three key issues that can impact how long a divorce takes:

• Financial Complexity (High Net Worth): High-net-worth individuals often have more complex marital estates, which can lengthen the divorce process. Assets might include shared business interests, multiple real estate properties, retirement and investment accounts, and even offshore assets. Properly identifying, valuing, and dividing these assets can be time-consuming and might require the assistance of financial experts or forensic accountants.
• Children: When children are involved, the process tends to be more complicated and prolonged due to the need to establish child custody arrangements and calculate child support. These discussions can be emotionally charged, causing delays in proceedings, especially when parents cannot agree on the best interest of the child.
• Conflict: The level of conflict between spouses is another significant factor that affects the duration of the divorce process. High-conflict situations, where spouses disagree on multiple aspects of the divorce, often result in contested divorces that require court intervention. These cases may need multiple court hearings and even a trial, which can considerably extend the timeframe.

An Uncontested Divorce is Invariably Faster Than a Contested Divorce

Notably, most divorces in Texas are uncontested divorces. Indeed, CBS News cited data showing that fewer than 5% of divorces are litigated. Uncontested divorces, where both parties can agree on all the terms of their separation, including property division, child custody, and spousal support, are invariably faster than contested divorces. The agreement eliminates the need for lengthy court proceedings. Litigation of a divorce can be especially slow in Texas.

Contact Our Fort Worth, TX Divorce Lawyer for Immediate Help

At The Law Office of Kyle Whitaker, our Fort Worth divorce attorney is committed to helping clients find efficient, effective solutions that are the best fit for their situation. Contact our family law team today to arrange your completely private, no strings attached case review. With a law office in Fort Worth, we provide family and divorce representation throughout North Texas.