A Texas divorce generally cannot be finalized until at least 60 days after the Original Petition for Divorce is filed. The 60-day period is only a minimum, and the divorce does not become final automatically when that period is over. The spouses must still resolve the issues in the case, complete the required documents, and obtain the court’s approval.

An uncontested divorce can be completed relatively soon after the waiting period if both spouses agree on every issue and the paperwork is ready. A contested divorce can take several months or longer, especially when the spouses disagree about property, debts, parenting arrangements, child support, or spousal maintenance.

Does every Texas divorce have a 60-day waiting period?

In most cases, yes. A Texas court generally cannot finalize a divorce until the 60-day waiting period has passed. The clock begins when the Original Petition for Divorce is filed, not when the spouses separate or decide to end the marriage.

Limited exceptions apply in certain cases involving family violence. Because those exceptions depend on the facts and required court findings, someone who believes an exception might apply should consider discussing the situation with a Texas family law attorney.

The end of the waiting period does not automatically end the marriage. The spouses must still submit a final divorce decree and ask the judge to approve it.

How long can an uncontested divorce take?

An uncontested divorce can be finalized relatively soon after the 60-day waiting period ends, but there is no guaranteed completion date. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on every issue that must be addressed. Those issues may include the division of property and debts, spousal maintenance, and arrangements for children, such as conservatorship, possession schedules, child support, and medical support.

When the spouses have reached a complete agreement and submitted accurate paperwork, the case may be ready for the court’s review after the waiting period. Even then, court scheduling, local filing requirements, missing signatures, or incomplete documents can cause delays.

For a closer look at common timelines and issues that can affect the process, read Bailey & Galyen’s blog about how long it takes to get divorced in Texas.

Why might a Texas divorce take longer?

A divorce generally takes longer when the spouses disagree about parenting issues, support, property, debts, retirement accounts, or business interests. The parties may need to exchange financial records, obtain appraisals or business valuations, participate in mediation, or ask the court to decide unresolved matters.

Service of process issues, incomplete paperwork, temporary hearings, and the court’s schedule can also affect the timeline. No lawyer can promise how quickly a divorce will be completed because every case depends on its facts and the issues that must be resolved.

For broader information about property division, parenting arrangements, support, and other family law matters, visit the Texas divorce practice area of Bailey & Galyen’s website.

Call Bailey & Galyen to ask questions about your situation and learn more about the divorce process that might apply. The firm offers free consultations for divorce and family law matters.

How long does a divorce take in Texas?

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