Texas Divorce Timeline Calculator

The shortest possible divorce in Texas is 60 days from the date the petition is filed. Most take longer. Our free Texas divorce timeline calculator turns your filing date into a dated roadmap: whether you meet the residency rule, when your spouse’s answer is due, the earliest day a judge can sign your decree, a realistic finish window for your type of case, and the dates that matter after the decree.

It runs on the same rules Travis, Williamson and Hays County courts apply every day. For the full walk-through of each stage, read our guide on how long a divorce takes in Texas, or request a free consultation.

Build Your Texas Divorce Timeline

Date the divorce petition was filed (leave blank if not filed yet)

Do you and your spouse agree on everything?

Minor children together?

Property and debts

If contested, how will it likely resolve?

Has the other spouse been served?

Date you (or your spouse) began living in Texas (optional)

Date that spouse began living in the filing county (optional)

The other spouse was convicted of (or got deferred adjudication for) family violence against me or my household, or I have an active protective order against them for family violence during the marriage.

Get a Free Consultation Call (512) 561-5003

Estimate only. Dates are based on Texas Family Code § 6.301 (residency: 6 months in Texas and 90 days in the county), § 6.702 (no divorce before the 60th day after filing, with a family-violence exception), § 6.801 (no remarriage to a third party before the 31st day after the decree), and Texas Rule of Civil Procedure 99(b) (answer due by 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from service). Typical ranges reflect Texas market averages, not a promise about your case. Courts can close on local holidays, so confirm dates with the district clerk. This tool does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not legal advice.

How the Texas Divorce Timeline Works

Every Texas divorce moves through the same stages. The calculator dates each one; here is what happens at each step.

Residency. One spouse must have lived in Texas for the preceding six months and in the filing county for the preceding 90 days (Tex. Fam. Code § 6.301).
Filing. The Original Petition for Divorce is filed with the district clerk. This date starts the 60-day clock.
Service or waiver. The other spouse is formally served by a constable or process server, or signs a waiver of service.
Answer. A served spouse has until 10:00 a.m. on the Monday after 20 days from service to file an answer (Tex. R. Civ. P. 99(b)). Missing it risks a default judgment.
The 60-day waiting period. No divorce can be granted before the 60th day after filing (§ 6.702). Agreed cases use this time to finish the decree; contested cases use it for temporary orders, discovery and mediation.
Final decree. The judge signs the Final Decree of Divorce. From that date, the 30-day window for a new trial or appeal opens, and either spouse may remarry a new partner on the 31st day (§ 6.801).

Why the 60-Day Clock Starts at Filing, Not Service

One of the most common misunderstandings we hear is that the sixty-day waiting period begins when the other spouse is served. It does not. Section 6.702 counts from the date the suit was filed. If you file on March 2 and your spouse is not served until April 15, the court can still grant the divorce as early as May 1, provided service is complete and the paperwork is ready.

That matters for planning. Delays in service rarely cost you waiting-period time, but a spouse who avoids service can still hold up the final hearing, because the court cannot finalize a case against someone who has not been served or waived service. Our article on the 60-day waiting period in Texas covers what you can do during those weeks.

What Makes a Texas Divorce Take Longer

The 60 days are a floor, not an estimate. In our experience, four things push a case past the minimum:

Disagreement. A contested divorce adds discovery, temporary orders hearings and usually mediation. Each step adds weeks.
Children. Conservatorship, the possession schedule and child support all have to be resolved, and courts look closely at any agreement involving children.
Property. Businesses, retirement accounts that need a QDRO, real estate and separate-property claims require valuations and documents.
The court’s calendar. Final trial settings in busy district courts are often months out.

An uncontested divorce avoids most of this, which is why agreed cases usually finish in two to four months. To see what each path is likely to cost, try our Texas Divorce Cost Calculator.

Can You Skip the 60-Day Waiting Period?

Only in family-violence cases. Under § 6.702(c), the court may grant a divorce without waiting if it finds that the respondent was finally convicted of, or received deferred adjudication for, family violence against the petitioner or a member of the petitioner’s household, or that the petitioner has an active protective order or magistrate’s order for emergency protection against the respondent based on family violence during the marriage.

If that describes your situation, safety comes first. Our protective order lawyers can help with both the order and the divorce. The waiting period also does not apply to annulments or suits to declare a marriage void.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest a divorce can be final in Texas?

Sixty days after the petition is filed. Texas Family Code § 6.702 bars a court from granting a divorce before the 60th day after filing, so an agreed divorce with all paperwork signed can be finalized on day 60 or the first court day after it. The only exception is a family-violence case where the court makes the findings in § 6.702(c).

Does the 60-day waiting period start when my spouse is served?

No. The clock starts on the date the original petition is filed with the district clerk. Service or a signed waiver of service still has to happen before the case can be finalized, but it does not restart or delay the 60 days.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Texas?

Most agreed divorces finish in about two to four months. The 60-day minimum is fixed; the rest depends on how quickly both spouses review and sign the decree and how soon the court can hear or sign a prove-up.

How long does a contested divorce take in Texas?

Contested cases that settle in mediation usually take six to twelve months from filing. Cases that go to trial commonly run nine to eighteen months, and complex property cases can reach two years.

When can I remarry after a Texas divorce?

On the 31st day after the divorce is decreed. Texas Family Code § 6.801 bars either spouse from marrying a third party before then unless the court waives it, although former spouses may remarry each other at any time.

Ready to start the clock? SMB Law, PC handles agreed and contested divorces in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, San Marcos and across Central Texas. Request a free consultation or call (512) 561-5003.

Terms used on this page: sixty-day waiting period, original petition, waiver of service, final decree of divorce, uncontested divorce, insupportability. See the full Texas Legal Glossary.

More free tools: Texas Child Support Calculator, Texas Alimony Calculator, and the rest of our free Texas legal calculators.

What Our Clients Say

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   Based on 36 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Brandon Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Finding a lawyer who communicates well is important when dealing with sensitive family issues. My experience was positive because the attorney was patient, organized, and willing to explain each part of the legal process. My questions were handled respectfully, and I received useful information about the next steps. I appreciated the professional approach and the emphasis on helping me understand my situation.

Owner's reply
Brandon, thank you for the kind words. We're glad you were pleased with our representation in your divorce. Let us know if you need anything again.
  
 
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   Aleksey S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've known Shane for five years, and throughout that time, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional tenacity, diligence, and thoroughness as counsel. He is an excellent attorney -- one I would trust with my most serious matters. I would recommend him to friends and family without hesitation, and I strongly encourage anyone seeking a dedicated advocate to retain his services. He is a winner.

Owner's reply
Aleksey, Thank you very much for the thoughtful review. It has been a pleasure to represent you twice over the last five years and consider you a friend. I really appreciated the kind words. Hopefully, this will be the last time I'm representing you:-)
  
 
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   Trevor Woodfield 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Shane was great! He gave me a lot of practical and thoughtful advice during our time together. Definitely recommend.

Owner's reply
Trevor, It was a pleasure speaking to you this morning. You know where to find me if you need anything. Best of luck!
  
 
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   Julia Ginman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SMB Law and Shane Boasberg were awesome to work with.  My friend was involved in a nasty divorce and was looking for a divorce lawyer in Austin when she was referred to Shane by a friend.  Shane was incredible easy to work with and always seemed to be on top of the case.  If you’re looking for tough, aggressive divorce attorney, look no further.  I highly recommend SMB Law!

Owner's reply
Thank you for the kind words! We always aim to strive to take care of our clients. Please feel free to reach out of you need anything.
  
 
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   Angela Edwards 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SMB Law, PC is the best law firm for divorce and child custody cases. Shane Boasberg is an amazing attorney who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply committed to his clients. He takes the time to understand my situation and works to achieve the most favorable outcome. The entire team is professional, responsive, and highly skilled. If you're looking for a firm that genuinely cares and gives results, I highly recommend them.

Owner's reply
Angela, Thank you for the kind words. You were a great client and I appreciate the chance at representing you as an Austin divorce lawyer. Please feel free to contact me if you need anything again.
  
 
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   Jared Christopher 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SMB Law, PC is amazing. They handled my divorce from start to finish, and they even went above and beyond to ensure that I got the best possible result in my child custody case (full custody and parental rights). They remained attentive and professional throughout the process. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for their services.

Owner's reply
Jared, thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure working with you as your Austin divorce attorney. Call me if you need anything.
  
 
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   Parker Roland 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am extremely grateful to Shane Boasberg for his help in finalizing my divorce for the second time. He assisted me in overcoming a difficult situation, and I will be forever thankful to him for his kindness and support. I would highly recommend him to any of my friends and family who are going through a difficult divorce.

Owner's reply
Parker, thank you for the kind words. It was a pleasure serving as your Austin divorce lawyer. Let me know if you need anything else.
  
 
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   Jackie Deguerre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I have been a client of Shane M. Boasberg for several years, and I can honestly say he is the kind of lawyer everyone hopes to find. From the very beginning, he earned my trust with his professionalism, honesty, and genuine care. Shane doesn’t just handle legal matters—he takes the time to check on the welfare of his clients and makes you feel like more than just a case file.

What stands out most about Shane is how he makes you feel heard and important. He is attentive, thorough, and always willing to explain things in a way that puts you at ease. I’ve always felt confident knowing he had my best interests at heart.

Having worked with him for years, I can say without hesitation that he is reliable, trustworthy, and deeply dedicated to his clients. If you’re looking for a lawyer in Austin who will truly go above and beyond, I highly recommend the Law Offices of Shane M. Boasberg, P.C.

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Jackie, thank you very much for the kind words! You are an amazing person and I appreciate you as a client very much!
  
 
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   Joseph W Steele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The divorce is never easy. There are many stressful situations associated with it. Shane's legal support and counsel were invaluable. His patience and understanding, his experience and professionalism, and his ability to truly see what is important to his clients distinguish him as an amazing attorney. He is approachable, easy to talk to, and results-oriented. Shane, thank you for all of your help and support.

Owner's reply
Joseph, thank you for the kind words! It was great to serve as your Austin divorce lawyer. Let me know if I can ever help you again.
  
 
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   Travis Young 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Attorney Shane Boasberg has been a huge help throughout my child custody case. He has been active and attentive, supportive and encouraging, informative and open. The confidence enabled us to reach a significant milestone in the process, resulting in an win, and I go into the second half of my custody motion with complete confidence in my representation with Shane and everyone at SMB Law, PC.

Owner's reply
Travis, thank you for the kind words. Onwards and upwards my friend:-)