Depending on whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, it could be a few months, or it could be a few years. It could be something in between.
The Texas Family Code requires a 60-day “cooling off” period before you can finalize your divorce. That period starts from the date that your lawyer files the divorce petition. The day of filing is day zero. There is an exception for the cooling-off period in cases of family violence.
If your case is uncontested – meaning that you and your spouse agree on EVERYTHING, then maybe the divorce decree can get drafted and you can get to court and complete your divorce on day 60.
But this is rarely the case. It usually takes more time to reach an agreement in principle, get the decree drafted and get to court.
Of course, if your case is contested, the case could take several months or even years. Each case tends to have its own set of issues.
When I consult on a new case, I get a complete picture of all issues. If the case is going to be contested, I advise my clients regarding the potential time frame and cost. If the case is uncontested, I try to get everything done during that 60-day cooling-off period, so we can get to court as close to day 60 as possible.
