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For many individuals, once the decision to end their marriage has been made, the final divorce order cannot come soon enough. In reality there really is no such thing as a quickie divorce in Texas. Our state requires a minimum 60-day waiting period between filing and finalizing a divorce. Additionally, due to the legal complexities involved in divorce, most couples find it takes longer than two months to officially dissolve the marriage.
Each divorcing couple will face a unique set of circumstances that will impact the efficiency of their divorce proceedings; so it is impossible to give a definitive answer to how long your particular divorce may take. However, there are many factors that can influence the length of your divorce process, including:
• Contested divorce versus uncontested divorce
• The specific issues that are being contested
• What court your divorce is in
• The other party’s attorney
• How reasonable you and your spouse are
• If both parties are willing to engage in mediation or collaboration
Uncontested Divorces Save Time And Money
For spouses who agree upon the terms of their divorce (called an uncontested divorce), the process of ending their marriage is much more efficient. In some cases, the parties decide upon the terms of their divorce before filing. In other cases, the agreement is reached soon after. Regardless of the specific situation, all uncontested divorces have the benefit of being resolved immediately following the 60-day waiting period. However, it is important to note that even if you and your spouse agree upon the divorce terms, it is still highly important to retain a lawyer to ensure your rights are protected now and into the future. Our law firm offers flat fees for uncontested divorces.
The Time Saving Benefits Of Mediation And Collaborative Divorce
For divorcing couples who face disagreements regarding the terms of their divorce, an expensive and lengthy trial is not the only way to resolve these issues. Mediation and collaborative divorce have gained increasing popularity in the past decade. These forms of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) can save individuals a great amount of time during the divorce process. Many times mediation and collaboration can take place before the divorce is filed. This can be very appealing for those who wish to move on with their life as soon as possible. Additionally, mediation and collaborative divorce can also save people the cost and stress associated with a trial, while allowing them to remain in much more control of the outcome of their matter. In the event ADR fails, the parties can advance to trial, where a case can take anywhere from a few months to a few years.
The Sooner You Get Started, The Sooner Your Divorce Can Be Resolved
So How Long Does It Take To Get A Divorce In Texas? The only right answer is — it depends. Contact Paula Lock Smyth Law Offices in Dallas for a free initial consultation regarding your divorce. We can help you assess your circumstances and provide guidance for how to make the divorce process as efficient as possible.