If you were to trust everything you see on television, you would assume that the goal of every divorce is to belittle and dehumanize your partner, dragging their name through the mud and purposefully sabotaging every attempt at allowing the procedure to continue as scheduled.

While some divorce proceedings may very well end in dramatics, most are uneventful.

How Does the Timeline of a Typical Divorce Break Down?

A typical divorce timeline, from the perspective of one spouse filing, should go something like the following:

  • Get a family law attorney to write up a petition/complaint. This covers grounds for divorce and how the spouse wants to settle issues such as custody or finance.
  • After the lawyer files the petition/complaint, the petition is served to the other spouse, along with a court summons that requires a response.
  • The spouse has a certain time limit to respond. The response will answer whether the spouse agrees to the terms or not. If the spouse does not answer, the court assumes they agree.
  • The couple exchanges information and documentation about their property or income for the court to determine such things as alimony and child support, if any.
  • Mediation or settlement between parties
  • If the judge agrees, they issue a divorce decree. If not, or the couple cannot reach an agreement, the case goes to trial.
  • There is a divorce trial, where attorneys present arguments for both sides. Once the judge reaches a decision, they grant a divorce.
  • Either spouse can appeal the judge’s decision to a higher court.

What is the Average Length of Time a Divorce Takes in Texas?

In Texas, the average divorce proceeding lasts six months to a year, with most of the time spent finalizing paperwork.

For one, a divorce is not finalized until at least sixty days after the petition is filed—most last only slightly longer, with the small minority skewing the average.

Does Texas Recognize Legal Separation?

No, the State of Texas does not recognize legal separation. As such, while the two of you may be living separately, any property that either of you acquires is considered community property regardless of title. Likewise, accrued debt by either party is considered community debt.

How Can I Ensure My Divorce Does Not Last Long?

While there is no guarantee on how long your divorce may take, you can increase your odds of a short, pain-free divorce by speaking with an experienced divorce attorney. We want you to undergo the proceedings with as much control over the outcome as possible. Call us at 817-285-2855 today for an initial consultation regarding your situation.