Mental healthcare professionals will confirm that divorce is one of the most stressful things a person will ever go through. Indeed, ranked up there with the loss of a parent, surviving divorce proceedings, particularly if the split is acrimonious, is fraught with an array of emotions ranging between anger, sadness, regret, and retribution that often whipsaws back and forth by the moment. As such, it is no surprise that one of the first questions asked of experienced divorce attorneys in the Lone Star State is, “How long does it take to formalize a divorce in Texas?”
If it is between pulling a band aid off quickly or slow, the quicker pull would seem the preferred choice to end the agony fast. Obviously, for couples looking to separate and finalize their divorce, this is the exact same impulse governing their emotions.
Unfortunately for those seeking the classic “quickie divorce,” the Lone Star State is not an ideal option. Indeed, a divorce in Texas cannot be finalized until at least 60-days following the filing of the petition and would not be finalized until the judge’s signature is affixed signing off on the dissolution of marriage.
Prior to that eventual deadline however, divorce petitioners have steps to get through, which is a reminder that divorce in the Lone Star State is more of a process than an event. Let’s see what factors come into play when getting a divorce in the state.
What to Expect in a Texas Divorce Case
From start to finish, from the time you file a petition in the district family court to the time your divorce decree is finalized normally takes between six months to a year in the Lone Star State. As mentioned, a divorce cannot be finalized for at least 60-days from the filing of that divorce petition. Typically, however, that period of time is highly truncated and achievable only in the best of circumstances.
Moving through a Texas divorce proceeding is a four-step process. Known as the four stages of divorce, the steps to get divorced in Texas are as follows:
- Filing the petition—requires filing the document in court, which leads to the assigning of a case number thus allowing the serving of the spouse. Once served, the spouse in turn has an opportunity to respond to the complaint.
- Presenting your case—occurs with the setting of temporary orders, scope of discovery, and set up mediation to resolve any disputes.
- Final Orders and mediation prior to trial—are designed to iron out any difficulties and disputes prior to going before the judge. The majority of Texas divorce cases are resolved during this second mediation meeting.
- Drafting the Final Decree—occurs after taking a mediated divorce agreement to the judge for her approval. Only after the judge has signed and announced the terms of divorce in open court is the Texas divorce finalized.
Ending a marriage is difficult on many levels. From property and debt distribution to apportioning an equitable childcare and custody regimen, the divorce process is lengthy and detailed to dissolve a marriage completely and equitably.
If you have questions regarding the divorce process in Texas and have made the decision that it is time to end your marriage, you will want to contact experienced divorce attorneys to help explain the process and help you build the strongest case possible. Divorces are never easy, but not knowing what is ahead in the process can be very stressful, so speak with an attorney so they can lift the veil of confusion that lays over the divorce proceedings.
Amsberry Law Firm Offers Compassionate Legal Representation
Regardless of how long your divorce proceedings take to complete, you will want to have competent legal counsel by your side as you embark on the legal challenge of separating two entwined lives into two separate legal entities. Additionally, when dealing with court proceedings that can impact your children, parents need a team of experienced divorce attorneys to ensure their children’s future.
Representation from our compassionate and caring attorney at Amsberry Law Firm helps ensure that they arrive at divorce settlement that are fair for their clients. If you live in the greater San Antonio, Texas area and have questions regarding filing for divorce, we know that you have not come to that decision lightly, so our compassionate and knowledgeable team is standing by with the legal solutions you need to move on with your life.
We hope that our marriages are forever, but when things don’t work out, you don’t want your divorce proceedings to seem as if those are lasting forever, so speak with an attorney you can trust at Amsberry Law Firm. You don’t have to wonder what the divorce process is all about, and you don’t need to navigate these proceedings alone with our team on your side.
