How long will this take—and how much worse can it get before it ends? That’s a question many people ask themselves after filing—or being served with—a contested divorce. While some end quickly and quietly, others drag on for months, even years.
A contested divorce tends to fall into the latter category.
These aren’t simple dissolutions. They often involve disputes over property, custody, child support, or spousal maintenance—and emotions are rarely in short supply. For those going through it, every delay can feel like a new wound.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we understand how deeply personal—and legally complex—a contested divorce can be. As one of the more experienced family law teams in Houston, our goal is to simplify what often feels like a drawn-out and overwhelming process. If you need a common law divorce lawyer or a contested divorce attorney who can keep your interests front and center, our team is ready to stand by you.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the general timeline for a contested divorce in Texas, what commonly causes delays, and why having the right legal help makes all the difference.
What Is a Contested Divorce?
A contested divorce occurs when the spouses disagree on one or more major issues. These disagreements may relate to:
- Division of assets or debts
- Child custody or visitation rights
- Child support or spousal support
- Allegations of misconduct (abuse, infidelity, wasteful spending, etc.)
Because contested divorces require court intervention to resolve these disputes, they take significantly longer than uncontested divorces.
How Long Does a Contested Divorce Typically Take?
There’s no exact answer, but on average, a contested divorce in Texas can take six months to over two years to resolve. The process can be broken down into several key stages:
1. Filing the Petition for Divorce
The process begins when one spouse files a petition with the court. After filing, there’s a mandatory 60-day waiting period before a judge can finalize the divorce. This rule applies to all divorces in Texas—even uncontested ones.
But don’t let that 60-day clock fool you. For contested divorces, this is just the beginning.
2. Service and Response
Once the petition is filed, the other party must be legally served. They then have 20 days (plus the following Monday) to respond. If they contest any part of the petition, the court process is set in motion.
3. Temporary Orders (if necessary)
While waiting for the final resolution, either party may request temporary orders to address:
- Who lives where
- Who has primary custody of the children
- Who pays the bills or support during the proceedings
A temporary orders hearing can take several weeks to schedule and may take additional time to enforce or modify.
4. Discovery Phase
This is where much of the delay happens.
During discovery, both sides exchange important financial, personal, and custodial information. This step often includes:
- Written questions (interrogatories)
- Document requests
- Depositions
- Subpoenas
The more complex the estate—or the more combative the parties—the longer discovery takes. It’s not uncommon for this stage alone to last three to six months or more.
5. Mediation
Texas courts often require mediation before a trial. It gives both sides a chance to settle issues outside the courtroom. If successful, it can significantly reduce time and cost.
However, if one side is uncooperative or hostile, mediation may stall or fail, pushing the case toward trial.
6. Trial
If no agreement is reached, the case goes to trial. Depending on the court’s schedule, this can be months away. Trials may last a day, a week, or even longer, depending on the number of contested issues.
Court availability in Houston and surrounding areas can also contribute to delays, especially during holidays or court backlogs.
7. Final Decree and Appeals
Once the judge issues a final decree, the divorce is legally complete. But the story doesn’t always end there. If either party disagrees with the court’s ruling, they may file post-trial motions or appeals, further extending the timeline.
What Causes Contested Divorces to Drag On?
A contested divorce can stretch on for many reasons. The most common include:
- Uncooperative spouses: One party refuses to compromise or respond in a timely manner
- High-conflict custody battles: Disputes involving children often extend proceedings significantly
- Complex property division: Business ownership, hidden assets, or disputed valuations add time
- Frequent legal motions: Parties may file motions to compel, enforce, or delay
- Court backlogs: Houston family courts can be overwhelmed, delaying hearing dates
The more emotionally charged or complicated the situation, the longer—and more expensive—the process becomes.
How Can You Move It Along?
While you can’t control your spouse or the court’s calendar, there are ways to keep your case on track:
- Stay organized and responsive with your legal team
- Be open to mediation or compromise when possible
- Choose a contested divorce lawyer with experience and courtroom credibility
- Avoid retaliatory behavior that can trigger new motions or court orders
Choosing to work with a strong divorce attorney in Houston can help you avoid unnecessary delays and push for resolutions that protect your interests.
Is the Clock Ticking on Your Future?
Divorce is difficult enough without the stress of delays, mounting legal costs, or endless uncertainty. If you’re stuck in a contested divorce—or expect one to begin soon—it’s critical to take the right steps from the start. We’ve worked with individuals who thought their cases would never end. With the right plan and legal approach, we helped bring clarity, closure, and peace of mind.
At Daniel Ogbeide Law, we represent clients facing contested divorce and other family law issues across Houston. Whether you’re dealing with custody disputes, asset division, or need a common law divorce lawyer, our team brings skill, strategy, and compassion to every case.
We’re proud to be recognized as one of the leading contested divorce attorneys in Houston, and we work hard to keep your case moving and your rights protected. If you’re looking for one of the best contested divorce attorneys in Houston, call us today. Let’s talk about how we can help you take control of your future—and bring this chapter to a close.
Book your consultation with Daniel Ogbeide Law today—because your future shouldn’t be left in limbo.