How long do divorces take in Houston? Check this guide

March 21, 2023
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Paul Petersen
Posted in Law
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Regardless of the reasons, ending your marriage is never going to be an easy decision. Texas laws are gender-neutral, which means one spouse doesn’t automatically get an edge over the other. The state allows for both “no-fault” and “fault-based” divorces, and as someone who is not sure of how to initiate the legal process in Houston, you may have many questions. You can check this source to consult a top divorce lawyer in the city. In this post, we are discussing the primary aspects of uncontested divorces.

Texas’s mandatory waiting period

After you file the divorce petition, you will need to wait for at least 60 days to complete the process. Even if you are filing for an uncontested divorce with your spouse and have no conflict, you must wait for that time. In the real world, divorces take longer than that because separating couples often have many issues to sort out before they can sign the papers.

Steps in getting an uncontested divorce

If you and your spouse agree on all aspects, like child custody, alimony, and distribution of assets, you can start working with an attorney who will explain the legal options. Either party can initiate the process and file the petition as long as they fulfill the necessary residency requirements. Drafting the petition can take time, and it is best to ensure you understand all terms & conditions. You need to wait for the 60-day waiting period to get over before things can move forward, although in some cases, judges may waive that.

Once you have filed the petition, the papers will be served to your spouse, who can choose to respond to it within 28 days. If all things are agreed upon, the court will grant the divorce. On the contrary, when there are issues that need further discussion, you may need to go for mediation or negotiate with your spouse separately unless you want a trial.

How long does a contested divorce take in Texas?

It depends on how quickly the spouses manage to resolve their issues. Generally, a contested divorce may take between a few months to two years. It is best to negotiate with a lawyer beside you, so there are no unfair compromises.

Call an attorney

Don’t step back from calling a family lawyer for your divorce. The legal process is complex, and you wouldn’t want to take chances that can leave you grappling with unexpected consequences.