If you have decided to get a divorce in Texas, you may be wondering how long it will take. A contested divorce can take much longer than an uncontested one, but it can also be done in less than two months. It depends on the county and the court system.
In a contested divorce, you will need to think about the division of your property and your time with your children. You will also need to figure out child custody and spousal maintenance. The judge will render judgment on these issues, and you will need to make an agreement.
To begin the process, you must file a petition for marriage dissolution. This requires that you have lived in the same county for at least six months. Your lawyer will need to know about your family’s financial situation. He or she will need to prove that your spouse has not been living in a “supportable” marriage.
If you cannot agree on the settlement, you will have to go to trial. There are several types of evidence that can take a lot of time to obtain. However, the court can waive certain deadlines.
Discovery is an important part of the divorce process in Texas. During discovery, you will need to ask questions of your spouse and gather information.
The respondent will need to answer your questions in a timely manner. Failure to do so can have negative consequences. For example, you may not be able to make an agreement or you could be unable to pay for your basic expenses.
