When you finally decide to dissolve your marriage, you want everything to conclude as fast as possible so that you can begin your next chapter of life. However, like all other legal proceedings, uncontested divorce can take time to settle. So, how much time are you looking at?
There is no definitive answer to this question since circumstances in every uncontested divorce are different. Various factors will affect the length of the uncontested divorce process, as discussed below.
Is it a contested or uncontested divorce?
Usually, a contested uncontested divorce takes a longer time to finalize than an uncontested one. When the separating couple cannot agree on pertinent issues like child custody and property division, a judge will be required to decide how things will be handled.
It means that you will be at the mercy of the justice system where resources are quite stretched. You may have to wait for a considerable period for your case to be heard and determined.
Do you meet the residency requirements?
Under Texas law, the petitioner or respondent needs to have been a resident of the state for six months, and you must have lived in the county where you want to file for uncontested divorce for at least 90 days. These requirements could lengthen the time needed to conclude everything.
Is your spouse cooperative?
Your spouse’s actions could slow or expedite the uncontested divorce process. For instance, they may delay disclosing the assets as required or even play games when they are supposed to be served with uncontested divorce papers.
How can you speed things up?
The best way to have things run faster is by agreeing with your spouse on how to proceed with the divorce. Mediation can save you a lot of time and money.
However, rushing the uncontested divorce process but losing out when the dust settles can be counterproductive. The most important thing is that you protect your interests no matter how long it takes.