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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas with a Child? Timeline & What to Expect

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Texas with a Child? Timeline & What to Expect

Published: November 21, 2025
Author: Christopher Migliaccio — Bar #24053059
Updated: November 21, 2025  •  Reading Time: 25 min read

Table of Contents

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    • Key Takeaways
  • Key Facts About a Texas Divorce with Children
    • How long does a divorce take in Texas with a child?
    • What is the 60-day waiting period in a Texas divorce?
    • What is an “uncontested divorce” with children in Texas?
    • What is a “contested divorce” with children in Texas?
    • How do child custody and child support affect the divorce timeline?
    • What is the final decree of divorce in Texas?
    • When should you talk to a Texas family law attorney?
  • Understanding the Texas Divorce Process with Children
    • Texas residency and filing for divorce
    • Overview of the Texas divorce process with minor children
    • How the Texas divorce timeline works when minor children are involved
  • Several Factors That Affect How Long a Texas Divorce with Children Takes
    • Uncontested divorces vs. contested divorce cases with child custody issues
    • Property division, community property, and complex assets
    • Spousal support and spousal maintenance in Texas
    • Court scheduling, local rules, and Texas courts’ dockets
  • Contested Divorce, Mediation, and Court Hearings in Texas
    • When Texas courts require court intervention
    • The mediation process with a neutral third party
    • What happens at a divorce hearing or final trial
    • How settlement negotiations can shorten the divorce timeline
  • Child Custody, Child Support, and Medical Support in a Texas Divorce
    • Child custody arrangements and conservatorship in Texas
    • How Texas courts prioritize child support and medical support
    • Resolving child custody disputes in family law cases
    • Modifying custody or support orders after the divorce decree
  • Special Circumstances That Change the Texas Divorce Timeline
    • Cases involving domestic violence or family violence
    • Military divorces, SCRA, and military families
    • Substantial assets, businesses, and complex assets
    • Out-of-state moves and special circumstances with minor children
  • From Temporary Orders to the Final Decree of Divorce
    • Temporary orders for custody, child support, and possession
    • What must be included in the final decree in Texas
    • When the judge signs and what happens next
    • How your divorce lawyer helps finalize and enforce orders
  • Costs, Attorney Fees, and Financial Strain Over the Divorce Timeline
    • Major cost drivers in Texas divorce proceedings
    • How a longer divorce timeline creates financial strain
    • Strategies to manage costs and access legal aid
    • How the right family law attorney can help control costs
  • Case Study: Finalizing a Texas Divorce with Children in Under Six Months
  • Step-by-Step: How to Keep Your Texas Divorce with Children on Track
    • Step 1 – Schedule a consultation with a Texas family law attorney
    • Step 2 – Filing for divorce and securing temporary protections
    • Step 3 – Gather financial statements and information about the children
    • Step 4 – Identify contested issues and settlement options
    • Step 5 – Use negotiation and mediation to reach mutual agreement where possible
    • Step 6 – Prepare for any necessary court hearings or trial
    • Step 7 – Finalize the decree and complete post-divorce tasks
  • Texas Statutes & Case Law to Know About Divorce with Children
    • Key Texas Family Code provisions
    • Federal and special protections
    • Representative Texas case law
  • Common Mistakes That Make a Texas Divorce with Children Take Longer
    • Underestimating the 60-day waiting period and local court delays
    • Not organizing financial statements and documents early
    • Escalating conflict instead of using mediation
    • Agreeing to unfair custody or support terms without legal advice
    • Ignoring signs of domestic violence or child safety concerns
    • Trying to navigate complex cases without legal representation
  • Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Divorce Takes in Texas with Children
  • Legal Authorities (Endnotes)

A Texas divorce with a child typically takes between two and six months for uncontested cases, but contested divorces involving child custody disputes often extend to twelve months or longer. Texas law requires a mandatory 60-day waiting period before the judge can sign your final decree, and disagreements over custody, support, or property division can add additional court hearings and legal proceedings.

Key Takeaways

Most Texas divorces with children take longer than simple no-kid cases. Expect at least the 60-day waiting period, and understand that custody disputes, complex property, and court scheduling can extend your timeline significantly.

  • ● Texas requires a minimum 60-day waiting period before any divorce can be finalized.
  • ● Uncontested divorces with children usually finish in about three to four months total.
  • ● Contested cases with custody or property disputes often last six to eighteen months or longer.
  • ● Court scheduling, required hearings, and complex assets can add significant time to your case.
  • ● Child custody, support, and safety concerns receive priority and can slow the process further.

Key Facts About a Texas Divorce with Children

How long does a divorce take in Texas with a child?

Uncontested divorces where spouses agree on all major issues can finalize shortly after the 60-day waiting period ends, usually within three to four months. Contested divorce cases with child custody disputes, substantial assets, or disagreements over child support can take six to eighteen months or more depending on court scheduling and the complexity of family law matters involved.

What is the 60-day waiting period in a Texas divorce?

The 60-day mandatory waiting period is a legal requirement under Texas law that begins the day the original petition for divorce is filed.¹ No divorce decree can be finalized before this period ends, except in cases involving domestic violence where the court may grant an exception. The waiting period begins regardless of whether your spouse agrees to the divorce or contests it.

What is an “uncontested divorce” with children in Texas?

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses reach mutual agreement on all the major issues including child custody arrangements, child support, property division, and spousal maintenance. These divorces move through the Texas divorce process faster because they avoid multiple court hearings and extended legal proceedings. Uncontested divorces can typically be resolved in about 3 to 4 months if both parties agree on key issues.

What is a “contested divorce” with children in Texas?

A contested divorce means one or both parties disagree on key issues requiring court intervention. Child custody disputes, disagreements over marital assets, or conflicts about spousal support all require the family law court to make decisions through divorce hearings and, potentially, a final trial. Divorces involving complex financial issues or allegations of domestic violence will take longer to resolve.

How do child custody and child support affect the divorce timeline?

Child custody arrangements involve determining conservatorship (legal decision-making) and possession schedules (physical time with the children). Texas courts prioritize establishing child support and medical support orders based on state guidelines. These issues add time to divorce proceedings because they require detailed financial statements, parenting plans, and sometimes expert evaluations. The court evaluates each parent’s ability to provide a stable and nurturing environment for the child, considering factors such as mental health and history of abuse.

What is the final decree of divorce in Texas?

The final decree is the legal document that officially ends your marriage and contains all court orders regarding property division, child custody, child support, and spousal maintenance. Once the judge signs the decree and it’s entered by the court, it becomes legally binding and enforceable.

When should you talk to a Texas family law attorney?

Contact a divorce lawyer as soon as you’re considering divorce or have been served with divorce papers. Early legal representation helps protect your rights regarding minor children, ensures you meet all legal requirements, and can significantly shorten the divorce timeline by avoiding procedural mistakes. Our family law attorneys serving North Texas and the DFW area can help you understand your options during a free consultation at (888) 584-9614.

Understanding the Texas Divorce Process with Children

Texas residency and filing for divorce

Before you can file for divorce in Texas, one spouse must have lived in Texas for at least six months and in the specific county where you’re filing for at least 90 days.² When you’re ready to begin, your attorney files the original petition with the district court and arranges for legal notice to be served on the other spouse. This service of citation officially starts the legal process and the 60-day waiting period.

Overview of the Texas divorce process with minor children

The Texas divorce process follows several stages. After filing and service, your spouse has time to respond. The court may issue temporary orders for custody and support. Both parties exchange financial information during discovery. Next comes negotiation or mediation to resolve disputes. If settlement isn’t possible, a court hearing or trial determines unresolved issues. Finally, the judge signs the final decree completing the divorce.

How the Texas divorce timeline works when minor children are involved

Divorces involving children require additional steps that extend the timeline beyond simple no-fault divorces between spouses without kids. Courts must approve parenting plans that serve the best interests of minor children. You’ll need to establish conservatorship, create a possession schedule, calculate child support using state guidelines, and arrange medical support. Each of these family law matters requires documentation, sometimes expert input, and court approval—all of which add time to the legal process. Child custody disputes are often the most contentious issues in a divorce, which can significantly extend the duration of the process.

Several Factors That Affect How Long a Texas Divorce with Children Takes

Uncontested divorces vs. contested divorce cases with child custody issues

The single biggest factor affecting your divorce timeline is whether you and your spouse can reach agreement. When spouses agree on custody, support, and property division, cases move quickly through the court system. Contested divorces require discovery, depositions, expert witnesses, and multiple court hearings. Each contested issue adds weeks or months to the process as both sides prepare evidence and arguments.

Property division, community property, and complex assets

Texas is a community property state, meaning most assets acquired during marriage belong to both spouses equally. Simple cases with a house, two cars, and retirement accounts take less time to divide. Divorces involving substantial assets—like multiple properties, business interests, stock options, or complex marital estates—require professional valuations, forensic accountants, and careful negotiation. Time spent on property division directly impacts how long your divorce case takes.

Spousal support and spousal maintenance in Texas

Texas has specific requirements for awarding spousal maintenance. Unlike child support, spousal support isn’t automatic. The court considers the length of the marriage, each spouse’s earning capacity, and other factors. Disputes over whether maintenance should be awarded and how much extend the divorce timeline as both sides present evidence about income, expenses, and financial needs.

Court scheduling, local rules, and Texas courts’ dockets

Even when parties are ready to settle, court availability affects timing. Texas courts in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties have different local rules and docket schedules. Some courts hear family law cases only on certain days. Busy dockets mean waiting weeks or months for available hearing dates. This scheduling reality often adds two to four months to divorce proceedings even in relatively simple cases.

Contested Divorce, Mediation, and Court Hearings in Texas

When Texas courts require court intervention

Courts must intervene when parents can’t agree on child custody arrangements, when there’s disagreement about the value or division of marital assets, or when one spouse requests protective orders due to family violence. The legal system also requires court hearings when one party challenges the other’s fitness as a parent or when there are concerns about a child’s safety.

The mediation process with a neutral third party

Most Texas courts require mediation before trial. During mediation, a neutral third party helps both spouses negotiate solutions to disputed issues. The mediator doesn’t make decisions but facilitates discussion and helps parties find common ground. Successful mediation can resolve even complex child custody disputes in a single day, saving months of litigation time. When parties agree at mediation, the settlement becomes part of the final decree.

What happens at a divorce hearing or final trial

If mediation fails, your case proceeds to a court hearing or trial. Both sides present evidence including financial statements, testimony from the parties, and sometimes expert witnesses. In custody disputes, judges may hear from child custody evaluators or therapists. The court considers all evidence and issues orders on contested matters. Trials for complex cases can last multiple days and require extensive preparation time.

How settlement negotiations can shorten the divorce timeline

Even outside formal mediation, ongoing settlement discussions between attorneys can resolve issues and avoid prolonged divorce proceedings. When your family law attorney maintains open communication with opposing counsel, many disputes settle through negotiation. This collaborative approach saves the time spent preparing for and attending multiple court hearings while reducing the financial strain of extended litigation.

Child Custody, Child Support, and Medical Support in a Texas Divorce

Child custody arrangements and conservatorship in Texas

Texas uses the term “conservatorship” rather than custody. Joint managing conservatorship means both parents share decision-making authority about major issues like education, medical care, and religion. One parent typically has the exclusive right to determine the child’s primary residence. The possession schedule details when children spend time with each parent. Courts favor arrangements that maintain strong relationships with both parents unless there are safety concerns.

How Texas courts prioritize child support and medical support

When determining child support, Texas courts apply standardized guidelines based on the paying parent’s net monthly income and the number of children. The court also orders medical support, which includes health insurance coverage and sharing of unreimbursed medical expenses. These calculations must be completed and approved before the final decree can be signed, adding time to the divorce process when parents dispute income figures or employment details.

Resolving child custody disputes in family law cases

Serious child custody disputes may require appointments of parenting coordinators, custody evaluations, or social study investigations. These professionals assess each parent’s home, relationship with the children, and ability to meet the children’s needs. Their reports help the court make informed decisions but add weeks or months to the timeline as evaluations are conducted and reports are prepared.

Modifying custody or support orders after the divorce decree

Life changes after divorce. Parents can request modifications to conservatorship, possession schedules, or support amounts when circumstances substantially change. Common reasons include job loss, relocation, changes in the child’s needs, or remarriage. Understanding that modifications are possible helps parents focus on completing the initial divorce rather than fighting over every detail that might need adjustment later.

Special Circumstances That Change the Texas Divorce Timeline

Cases involving domestic violence or family violence

Texas law provides exceptions to the 60-day waiting period when cases involve domestic violence or family violence.³ Courts can expedite protective orders and temporary custody arrangements to ensure safety. These cases often require additional hearings, evidence of abuse, and sometimes emergency orders. While safety concerns may accelerate certain decisions, the overall divorce case often takes longer due to the complexity and sensitivity involved.

Military divorces, SCRA, and military families

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) protects active-duty military members from default judgments and provides for postponement of legal proceedings during deployment. Military divorces involving service members stationed in Texas or elsewhere require additional considerations including military retirement division and compliance with federal regulations. Deployment schedules can significantly extend the divorce timeline when service members cannot participate in court hearings or mediation.

Substantial assets, businesses, and complex assets

Divorces involving significant business interests, professional practices, or complex investment portfolios require expert valuations and forensic accounting. Tracing separate property versus community property in these cases takes time. Business valuations alone can take three to six months. When couples own multiple properties, have international assets, or have hidden assets that must be discovered, the divorce case can extend well beyond a year.

Out-of-state moves and special circumstances with minor children

When one parent wants to relocate with the children outside Texas or a significant distance within Texas, special legal procedures apply. These relocation cases require notice to the other parent and often lead to contested hearings about what serves the children’s best interests. Interstate jurisdiction issues under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act add procedural requirements that extend the timeline.

From Temporary Orders to the Final Decree of Divorce

Temporary orders for custody, child support, and possession

Shortly after filing for divorce, either party can request temporary orders to establish ground rules during the waiting period and throughout the legal process. These orders address who has possession of the children, temporary child support, who stays in the family home, and payment of bills. A temporary orders hearing typically occurs within the first month after filing and provides stability while the divorce proceeds.

What must be included in the final decree in Texas

The final decree must address all aspects of the divorce including property division of all marital assets, conservatorship and possession of minor children, child support amounts and duration, medical support provisions, division of retirement accounts, responsibility for community debts, and any spousal maintenance awards. Missing any required element can delay finalization as the judge may refuse to sign an incomplete decree.

When the judge signs and what happens next

The judge can sign the final decree anytime after the 60-day waiting period if all issues are resolved. In uncontested cases, this might happen on day 61. For contested cases, signing occurs after trial or after the court approves a mediated settlement agreement. Once signed and entered, the decree is effective immediately. Post-decree tasks include transferring property titles, implementing Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement accounts, and beginning the parenting schedule.

How your divorce lawyer helps finalize and enforce orders

Your law office plays a crucial role in ensuring the final decree is complete, accurate, and enforceable. We draft the decree based on agreements or trial outcomes, submit it for the judge’s signature, and follow through on implementation. If your former spouse doesn’t comply with the decree’s terms, we can file enforcement actions. Having experienced legal representation ensures nothing falls through the cracks during this final critical stage.

Costs, Attorney Fees, and Financial Strain Over the Divorce Timeline

Major cost drivers in Texas divorce proceedings

Attorney fees represent the largest expense in most divorce cases. Hourly rates vary based on the attorney’s experience and your location in the DFW metroplex. Court filing fees, service of process, and mediation fees add hundreds to thousands of dollars. Complex cases may require expert witnesses like forensic accountants, business appraisers, or psychological evaluators, each charging substantial fees for their services and testimony.

How a longer divorce timeline creates financial strain

Each additional month your divorce takes means continued legal expenses. You may be paying child support under temporary orders while also maintaining your own residence. Multiple court hearings multiply attorney fees. The emotional and financial strain of extended divorce proceedings affects your work performance and overall well-being. The uncertainty of a pending divorce makes it difficult to plan for your financial future or make major life decisions.

Strategies to manage costs and access legal aid

Using mediation early and staying organized significantly reduces costs. Gather your financial statements, account information, and documentation before meeting with your attorney so you’re not paying legal fees for basic organization work. Some clients qualify for legal aid through local organizations. Others benefit from limited-scope legal representation where an attorney handles only specific tasks. Being prepared and responsive to your attorney’s requests keeps the case moving efficiently.

How the right family law attorney can help control costs

Experienced family law attorneys understand how to streamline the legal process. We know which battles are worth fighting and which issues to compromise on. We can often negotiate settlements that avoid expensive trials. Our familiarity with local rules and court procedures in Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties prevents costly procedural mistakes. Early investment in skilled legal representation usually saves money over the life of your case. Call us at (888) 584-9614 to discuss how we can help.

Case Study: Finalizing a Texas Divorce with Children in Under Six Months

A Dallas-area parent came to Warren & Migliaccio with a contested child custody dispute, and our family law team helped negotiate a parenting plan and finalize their Texas divorce decree in under six months.

The Problem: The client’s spouse was refusing to agree on a possession schedule and was demanding an unrealistic child support amount based on inflated income calculations. Our client was spending time with the children only two weekends per month under temporary orders and felt shut out of major decisions. The stress was affecting both the client’s work and relationship with the kids.

The Action: We immediately moved for a more balanced temporary possession schedule. Then we conducted thorough discovery, obtained accurate income documentation through subpoenas, and prepared detailed financial statements showing the correct child support calculation. Rather than letting the case drag through multiple hearings, we proposed early mediation with a neutral third party experienced in high-conflict custody cases.

The Result: At mediation, we presented our evidence and a proposed parenting plan that genuinely served the children’s best interests. The mediator helped both parties see that continued fighting only hurt the kids. They reached mutual agreement on a 50/50 possession schedule and appropriate child support. The judge signed the final decree at day 68—just eight days after the mandatory waiting period ended.

The Takeaway: Strategic early action, solid preparation, and choosing the right moment for mediation can turn even contested child custody disputes into resolved cases. When you combine thorough legal preparation with genuine focus on your children’s wellbeing, settlement becomes possible and the divorce timeline shortens dramatically.

Step-by-Step: How to Keep Your Texas Divorce with Children on Track

Step 1 – Schedule a consultation with a Texas family law attorney

Meet with an attorney who regularly practices in the North Texas courts where your case will be filed. Discuss your goals for child custody arrangements, your concerns about property division, and your overall vision for life after divorce. A good attorney will give you realistic expectations about timelines and outcomes based on your specific situation.

Step 2 – Filing for divorce and securing temporary protections

Your attorney files the original petition and arranges for your spouse to receive legal notice. If you need immediate protection—whether financial support, exclusive use of the home, or specific possession rights with your children—request temporary orders promptly. Don’t wait weeks to address urgent issues.

Step 3 – Gather financial statements and information about the children

Collect several years of tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, retirement account statements, property deeds, vehicle titles, and debt statements. Document your children’s schedules, medical needs, school information, and extracurricular activities. This information is essential for both property division and custody determinations. The faster you provide it, the faster your case progresses.

Step 4 – Identify contested issues and settlement options

Work with your attorney to separate issues where agreement is possible from those requiring court intervention. Perhaps you agree on child custody but not on property division, or vice versa. Partial agreements narrow the issues for trial and save time. Consider creative solutions that meet both parties’ core needs rather than fixed positions.

Step 5 – Use negotiation and mediation to reach mutual agreement where possible

Most Texas family law cases require mediation before trial. Approach mediation prepared to compromise while protecting your essential interests. The mediation process works best when both parties come ready to negotiate in good faith. Even one day of successful mediation can eliminate months of litigation and multiple court hearings.

Step 6 – Prepare for any necessary court hearings or trial

If settlement proves impossible, your attorney will prepare you thoroughly for court. Practice your testimony, review all evidence, and understand what the judge needs to hear. Court preparation takes significant time, but thorough preparation dramatically improves outcomes. Your attorney will guide you through the process and represent your interests at all hearings.

Step 7 – Finalize the decree and complete post-divorce tasks

After the judge signs your final decree, several tasks remain. Transfer vehicle titles and property deeds. Implement Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement account division. Update beneficiaries on insurance policies and retirement accounts. Begin the children’s possession schedule. Your attorney ensures all loose ends are tied up so you can move forward with confidence.

Texas Statutes & Case Law to Know About Divorce with Children

Key Texas Family Code provisions

Tex. Fam. Code § 6.301 establishes the residency requirements for filing for divorce in Texas—six months in the state and ninety days in the county.⁴

Tex. Fam. Code § 6.702 mandates the 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, with limited exceptions for family violence situations.⁵

Tex. Fam. Code §§ 7.001–7.009 govern the division of community property and provide that courts must divide marital assets in a manner the court deems just and right.⁶

Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 8 controls spousal maintenance, setting specific requirements for eligibility and calculation of support amounts.⁷

Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 153 addresses conservatorship, possession, and access—what most people call custody and visitation.⁸

Tex. Fam. Code Chapter 154 establishes child support guidelines and medical support requirements.⁹

Federal and special protections

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act provides military service members with specific protections in divorce proceedings, including the right to request stays of proceedings during active duty and certain deployment periods.¹⁰

Representative Texas case law

Texas appellate courts have issued numerous decisions interpreting these statutes in the context of family law cases. Your attorney can cite relevant case law specific to your situation during court proceedings.

Common Mistakes That Make a Texas Divorce with Children Take Longer

Underestimating the 60-day waiting period and local court delays

Many people assume their divorce will finalize exactly on day 61. They don’t account for the time needed to draft the final decree, get it reviewed by both attorneys, obtain both parties’ signatures, and get it on the judge’s docket for signing. Even uncontested divorces typically take 75 to 90 days from filing due to these practical realities.

Not organizing financial statements and documents early

Delays in producing tax returns, account statements, and business records frustrate the legal process. When discovery requests go unanswered for weeks, the opposing attorney may file motions to compel, adding court hearings and costs. Disorganization makes it impossible for your attorney to evaluate settlement options or prepare for trial effectively.

Escalating conflict instead of using mediation

Angry emails, confrontational text messages, and inflammatory social media posts fuel conflict and make settlement harder. Each escalation adds time as your spouse becomes more defensive and less willing to compromise. Courts want to see parents who can co-parent effectively. Demonstrating cooperation and flexibility speeds resolution while protecting your children from conflict.

Agreeing to unfair custody or support terms without legal advice

Some people sign proposed orders without fully understanding the long-term consequences. Child support calculations are complex. Conservatorship and possession language has specific legal meaning. What seems like a reasonable agreement might actually be detrimental to your rights or your children’s best interests. Always have a divorce lawyer review any agreement before you sign.

Ignoring signs of domestic violence or child safety concerns

If family violence exists in your relationship or you have genuine concerns about your children’s safety, tell your attorney immediately. These issues affect temporary orders, final custody arrangements, and possession schedules. Courts take these matters seriously, but they need evidence. Failing to raise safety concerns early can result in custody arrangements that put children at risk.

Trying to navigate complex cases without legal representation

The Texas divorce process involves specific procedural requirements, strict deadlines, and complicated legal standards. Cases with substantial assets, child custody disputes, or special circumstances require experienced legal representation. Attempting to represent yourself in family law cases usually results in mistakes that require court intervention to fix—significantly extending the timeline and often producing unfavorable results. For a consultation about your situation, call (888) 584-9614.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Long a Divorce Takes in Texas with Children

Can my Texas divorce with children be finalized before the 60-day waiting period?

Texas law allows exceptions to the mandatory waiting period only in cases involving domestic violence or family violence. The court must find that family violence occurred and that waiving the waiting period serves the best interest of a spouse or child. Without these specific circumstances, all divorces must wait at least 60 days from filing.

How long does a Texas divorce usually take when there are serious child custody disputes?

Contested custody cases typically take nine to eighteen months or longer. The timeline depends on whether you need a custody evaluation, whether temporary hearings are necessary, how long discovery takes, and court availability. Cases involving allegations of family violence, substance abuse, or mental health issues often require more time for investigation and expert testimony.

Does filing for divorce first make the process faster in Texas?

Filing first doesn’t speed up the overall timeline since the 60-day waiting period applies to both parties equally. However, being the petitioner allows you to present evidence first at trial and gives you some strategic advantages. More importantly, filing first lets you choose the timing and ensures temporary orders can be requested promptly if needed.

What can delay my Texas divorce after we’ve settled at mediation?

Even after successful mediation, drafting the final decree takes time. Both attorneys must review the proposed orders, and both parties must sign. If the decree requires Qualified Domestic Relations Orders for retirement accounts, those must be prepared. Court scheduling delays for the final prove-up hearing can add weeks. Most mediated settlements still take four to eight weeks to finalize.

How does a temporary custody or support order affect the overall divorce timeline?

Temporary orders provide stability during the divorce process but don’t directly change how long the divorce takes. These orders remain in effect until the final decree. If temporary arrangements are working well, they often become the basis for final orders, which can actually speed settlement. If temporary orders create problems, resolving those disputes can extend the timeline.

How do military service and deployment affect the timing of a Texas divorce with children?

Active-duty service members can request a stay of divorce proceedings under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. Deployment makes scheduling hearings and participating in mediation more difficult. Military divorces often take longer due to these complications, though courts try to accommodate service members’ schedules when possible. Remote testimony via video conference sometimes helps avoid lengthy delays.

When can I remarry after the judge signs my Texas final decree of divorce?

You can remarry immediately after the judge signs your final decree and it’s entered by the court. There is no waiting period after divorce for remarriage in Texas. However, we recommend waiting until you have a certified copy of your decree to avoid any administrative complications with the marriage license application.

Legal Authorities (Endnotes)

  1. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 6.702(a) (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm
  2. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 6.301 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm
  3. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 6.702(b) (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm
  4. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 6.301 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm
  5. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. § 6.702 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.6.htm
  6. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. §§ 7.001–7.009 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.7.htm
  7. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. ch. 8 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.8.htm
  8. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. ch. 153 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.153.htm
  9. TEX. FAM. CODE ANN. ch. 154 (West 2024). Available at: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/FA/htm/FA.154.htm
  10. Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. §§ 3901–4043. Available at: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/USCODE-2011-title50/html/USCODE-2011-title50-chap50.htm

Contact Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P. for Help with Your Texas Divorce

At Warren & Migliaccio, our family law attorneys serve families throughout North Texas and the DFW metroplex including Dallas, Collin, Denton, and Tarrant counties. We understand that divorce with children is one of the most challenging experiences you’ll face. Our experienced team provides compassionate guidance while protecting your rights and your children’s best interests.

Whether you’re facing a contested divorce with complex custody disputes or hope to reach an uncontested settlement, we have nearly 20 years of experience helping Texas families navigate the divorce process. We offer free consultations to discuss your situation and explain your options.

Don’t let uncertainty about the divorce timeline prevent you from taking the first step toward your new future. Call (888) 584-9614 to schedule a consultation with a North Texas family law attorney who will fight for you and your children.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading this article or contacting our firm for general information. Each divorce case is unique and outcomes vary based on specific facts. For advice about your specific situation, please consult with a licensed Texas attorney. For general information on how to get a quick divorce in Texas, you may find additional resources helpful.

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Christopher Migliaccio, attorney in Dallas, Texas
About the Author

Christopher Migliaccio is an attorney and a Co-Founding Partner of the law firm of Warren & Migliaccio, L.L.P. Chris is a native of New Jersey and landed in Texas after graduating from the Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Lansing, Michigan. Chris has experience with personal bankruptcy, estate planning, family law, divorce, child custody, debt relief lawsuits, and personal injury. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Chris by clicking here.

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