- There is no set timeline for completing a Collaborative Divorce in Texas.
- You and your spouse largely control the pace based on your readiness to exchange information and make decisions.
- Some Collaborative Divorce cases finish within a few months, while others take a year or longer.
- Slowing the process might make sense if you are waiting for health insurance, employment changes, housing arrangements, or greater financial stability.
- Texas law requires a minimum 60 day waiting period after filing before most divorces will be finalized.
Your Collaborative Divorce Moves at Your Pace
One of the first questions you might ask when considering Collaborative Divorce is, “How long will this take?” The answer depends largely on you and your spouse because Collaborative Divorce does not have one standard timeline.
Collaborative Divorce will move at the pace of the spouse who needs more time. You and your spouse each need enough time to exchange financial information, consider proposals, participate in meetings, and reach decisions you are prepared to accept.
Why One Collaborative Divorce Takes Longer Than Another
Your Collaborative Divorce might take only a few months if you and your spouse are prepared to exchange information promptly and begin making decisions. If financial matters, parenting decisions, employment changes, or emotional concerns require additional time, the process could last a year or longer.
The Collaborative process recognizes that reaching an agreement is not simply about finishing quickly. You want enough time to understand your choices and create an agreement that works for your family after the divorce is final.
Slowing Down Might Be Part of Your Plan
There are situations where you and your spouse might intentionally slow the process. For example, you might need time to start a new job and obtain health insurance before losing coverage through your spouse’s plan.
You might also be returning to the workforce and need a clearer picture of your future income before making decisions about support, housing, or parenting schedules. Taking additional time lets you base those decisions on circumstances that better reflect your life after divorce.
Your Case Might Suddenly Move Quickly
Collaborative Divorce does not always progress at the same speed from beginning to end. Your case might move slowly for several months while you gather information and work through major decisions.
Then something shifts, and you and your spouse are ready to finish. At that point, one additional team meeting might resolve the remaining issues so the documents will be prepared for signing and submission to the court.
You Have More Control Over the Timeline
Texas law generally prevents a court from granting a divorce until at least 60 days after the case is filed, with limited exceptions involving family violence. Beyond that statutory waiting period, your Collaborative Divorce timeline will depend largely on the circumstances of your case.
You and your spouse will slow down when you need additional time and move forward more quickly when you are both prepared to finalize your decisions. That flexibility lets your timeline reflect your family, finances, and future rather than simply following a court calendar.
FAQs
How quickly will a Collaborative Divorce be completed in Texas?
Some cases will finish within a few months, while others take a year or longer. Your timeline depends on your financial and parenting issues and how quickly you and your spouse are prepared to make decisions.
Is there a minimum waiting period for divorce in Texas?
Yes. Texas generally requires at least 60 days to pass after the divorce petition is filed before the court will grant the divorce, although limited exceptions apply.
Will we intentionally slow down a Collaborative Divorce?
Yes. You and your spouse might decide that additional time makes sense because of health insurance, employment, housing, financial planning, or another major life transition.
With thirty years of experience Robin Rubrecht Zegen will help you identify and prioritize your goals and she will explain the options available for achieving them. She guides her clients through the transition while helping them maintain their relationships and dignity.
She is a member of the State Bar of Texas Family Law Section; Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section; Collin County Bar Association Family Law Section; Frisco Bar Association, and Plano Bar Association. She is a Master of the Bench in the Curt B. Henderson American Inns of Court.