How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas?

 Posted on May 15, 2026 in Divorce

If you are filing for divorce in 2026, one of the first questions you will have is how long it will take. The answer comes down to one factor above all others: whether you and your spouse can agree on the terms. The more contested the issues, property, debt, and custody, the longer the process runs, anywhere from two months to well over a year. A Collin County divorce attorney can assess your situation and give you a realistic sense of how your case is likely to proceed.

What Is the Mandatory Waiting Period for a Texas Divorce?

Texas law requires a minimum waiting period before any divorce can be finalized. Under Texas Family Code Section 6.702, a court cannot grant a divorce until at least 60 days have passed from the date the petition was filed. This is often called a cooling-off period. It gives both spouses time to think through a major life decision before it becomes permanent.

The clock starts on the day the petition is filed, not the day your spouse is served. Even if both spouses agree on every issue and have signed all the paperwork, a judge cannot sign off before day 61.

There are two narrow exceptions. The 60-day wait can be skipped if one spouse has a family violence conviction. It can also be skipped if the filing spouse has an active protective order or emergency protection order against the other spouse because of family violence during the marriage. Outside of those situations, the waiting period applies to everyone.

How Quickly Can an Uncontested Texas Divorce Be Finalized?

An uncontested divorce, also called an agreed divorce, is one in which both spouses have reached a full agreement on property, debt, and any child-related issues. These cases have the best chance of finishing close to the 60-day minimum.

In practice, most uncontested divorces in Collin County take between two and four months. The extra time beyond 60 days comes from drafting and reviewing the final decree, getting it signed, and scheduling the final hearing with the court.

Even in an agreed case, small delays add up. Missing paperwork, a busy court docket, or back-and-forth over the decree language can all push the finish line back a few weeks.

How Long Does a Contested Texas Divorce Usually Take?

When spouses disagree on major issues such as property division, spousal maintenance, or custody, the case becomes contested. Contested divorces take much longer. When a divorce becomes contested, the case often requires multiple hearings, financial disclosures, mediation sessions, and sometimes a trial. Those added steps are one reason contested divorces often take six months to a year or longer.

Several things drive up the length of a contested case. Discovery, the process of gathering financial records and depositions, can take months on its own. Temporary orders hearings add more court dates early in the case. Texas law allows courts to send divorce cases to mediation, and many family courts strongly encourage or order mediation before trial. If the case goes to trial, court availability can add additional weeks to the calendar.

What Can Make Any Texas Divorce Take Longer?

Certain factors slow down both uncontested and contested divorces. Being aware of them helps you avoid unnecessary delays. Here are some common examples:

• A spouse who avoids being served can stall the case for weeks or longer.
• Disputes over the value of a business, real estate, or retirement accounts often require the services of outside appraisers.
• A high-conflict dynamic between spouses can make simple decisions take far longer than they should.
• Missing financial disclosures require follow-up that pushes back the timeline.

Working with a North Texas divorce attorney from the beginning helps keep the case on track. Organized records, timely responses, and clear communication with the other side reduce the chance of avoidable slowdowns.

Schedule a Consultation with a Collin County, TX Divorce Attorney

The difference between a divorce that finishes in two months and one that drags on for a year often comes down to preparation and early legal guidance. The experienced North Texas divorce lawyer at Moore Family Law, P.C. can help you understand what to expect, stay ahead of delays, and keep your case moving. Call 214-764-8033 today.