How Long Does it Take to Get a Divorce in San Antonio, Texas?

On Behalf of Kevin E. Sralla | April 15, 2026 | Blog

Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most profound transitions you will ever face. When you are standing at the starting line of this process, the uncertainty can feel incredibly heavy. The question we hear most often is simple but loaded with anxiety: “How long does it take to get a divorce?”

At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, our family law attorneys know that divorce is more than just a legal process; it’s a life transition. Let’s break down the timeline of a Texas divorce so you know what to expect.

At a Glance: The Divorce Timeline in Texas

If you want a quick summary of what to expect, here are the most important timeframe facts:

• Residency Rule: One spouse must have resided in Texas for the past six consecutive months and in Bexar County for at least 90 days to meet the legal requirements to file for divorce in San Antonio.
• The Waiting Period: Under Texas law, there is a mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing for divorce.
• Minimum Timeframe: The minimum time to finalize a divorce in Texas is 61 days, considering the mandatory waiting period.
• Uncontested Divorces: When both spouses reach a mutual agreement, most uncontested divorce cases in San Antonio involving no minor children resolve in 3-6 months.
• Contested Divorces: Contested divorces in San Antonio typically take 6-12 months or longer due to disputes over property or child custody.

The Baseline: Residency and the Mandatory Waiting Period

Before the clock even starts, you have to meet the state’s residency requirements. To file for divorce in Texas, either spouse must have resided in Texas for the past 6 consecutive months and have been a county resident for at least 90 days.

Once the divorce petition is filed and the court filing fees are paid, the spouse filing the paperwork must confirm that the other party receives proper legal notice. After they are served the divorce papers, the state requires a “cooling-off” phase. If your spouse ignores the paperwork completely, you may eventually be able to proceed with a default judgment, but the waiting period still applies.

The mandatory 60-day waiting period applies to both contested and uncontested divorces in Texas. Because of this, even if you and your spouse agree on absolutely everything on day one, the minimum time to finalize a divorce in Texas is 61 days.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorces: What’s the Difference?

The biggest factor in your timeline is whether you and your spouse agree on the terms of your separation. The divorce process in Texas can take anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on several factors, but the type of divorce you file plays the largest role.

Uncontested Divorces

An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties do not ask the judge to resolve any issues that must normally be decided in a divorce. Because both parties are aligned and agree on all terms, uncontested divorces typically take less time. In fact, if your goal is to finalize your divorce quickly and you have no major issues to fight over, it can typically be resolved in about 3 to 4 months, depending on the county’s processing times.

Uncontested divorces usually won’t require multiple hearings or appeal costs to enforce property division and child custody arrangements.

Contested Divorces

Contested divorces often take significantly longer. If you and your spouse disagree on the terms, they may file a counterpetition with the court. In contested cases, spouses cannot reach an agreement on the disputed issues of their divorce and must turn to the courts to make these decisions for them. This can drag the process out to 6-12 months or more as the parties involved prepare for trial.

What Can Slow Down the Divorce Process?

Each family is unique, and certain complexities naturally require more time to sort out.

• Child Custody and Support: Divorces involving minors or dependents may take longer as the parties work out custody and child support arrangements, especially if there are disputes. Child custody disputes are particularly time-consuming and require additional legal representation and expert evaluations to protect the child’s best interests.
• Alimony/Support: Negotiating spousal support (also known in Texas as spousal maintenance) often requires a deep dive into each person’s financial situation.
• High-Value Assets & Estates: Texas is a community property state, which means marital property must be divided in a “just and right” manner. The complexity of property division, particularly concerning marital assets such as business valuations or retirement accounts, significantly extends the timeline. If there are accusations of one party hiding assets, the discovery process will take even longer.
• Court Availability: The scheduling availability of the judges in Bexar County can affect how quickly you can schedule a divorce hearing or trial. Finalizing a divorce requires a court hearing where the judge reviews the spouses’ requests before signing the divorce decree.

How to Speed Up Your Divorce

While you cannot skip the 60-day waiting period, there are proactive steps you can take to keep your divorce proceedings moving efficiently through the legal system.

1. Consider Mediation

The mediation process is one in which both spouses and their attorneys meet with a neutral third party to work out the details of their divorce. Mediation can expedite the divorce process by promoting cooperative negotiations and helping resolve disputes without prolonged court battles. Mediation can help speed up the divorce process by allowing spouses to negotiate reasonable solutions without going to court. As a bonus, mediation helps you save on attorney fees and is generally more affordable than going to court.

2. Keep Impeccable Records

Maintaining accurate documentation of all communications and filings is vital to minimizing delays in the divorce process. Proper documentation is crucial for a smooth divorce process in Texas.

3. Hire the Right Legal Team

Having a skilled divorce attorney from a reputable law office can help speed up the process by resolving disputes and reaching satisfactory agreements. Finding the right divorce lawyer in San Antonio, Texas, means finding someone who can protect your future while keeping the process as efficient as possible. When you choose us as your San Antonio divorce lawyer, we make sure that the “buck” stops here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does a divorce always require a court hearing?

A: Yes. Finalizing a divorce in Texas requires a final hearing where the judge reviews the terms agreed upon by both parties before signing the final decree. However, for an uncontested divorce, this hearing is usually very brief.

Q: How can I protect my finances during a long divorce?

A: Understanding the financial implications of divorce is crucial for managing your resources effectively. Planning ahead and being mindful of potential expenses helps navigate the financial aspects of divorce more smoothly.

Q: How do I choose the right representation?

A: Look for attorneys for divorce who balance aggressive advocacy with compassionate counsel.

Your Next Chapter Starts Now

Waiting for a divorce to finalize can feel like your entire life is on pause. You might be losing sleep over how your finances will look when the dust settles, worrying about how your children are handling the transition, or feeling completely overwhelmed by the complex legal steps ahead of you. The uncertainty of how long the process will take is exhausting.

But you don’t have to carry that burden alone. At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, we know a thing or two about overcoming adversity, and we’re ready to help you face these legal matters with confidence and peace of mind. We will dig into the facts of your situation, protect the assets you’ve worked so hard for, prioritize your children’s well-being, and guide you clearly through each step of the timeline.

If you are ready to talk through your options, contact us at (210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656 or complete our confidential online form to schedule an initial consultation.

With the Strength Of A Giant and the Heart Of A Neighbor, We Are Your San Antonio Law Allies.

Copyright © 2026. Sralla Family Law, PLLC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Sralla Family Law, PLLC
542 E. Highland Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656
https://www.familylawsanantonio.com/