Texas Divorce Waiting Period

Under Texas law, a mandatory 60-day waiting period applies after filing your Original Petition for Divorce with the District Court. This waiting period must pass before a judge can finalize your divorce.

This 60-day requirement — often called a “cooling-off period” — is designed to give both parties time to reflect and possibly reconcile before the divorce becomes final.

Filing your case promptly starts the 60-day clock sooner, helping you reach finalization faster. However, please note that the judge will not sign your Final Decree of Divorce until the 60 days have passed — and not always immediately after. The timing may vary depending on the court’s schedule, the judge’s availability, and local procedures.

Texas Family Code § 6.702(a)

A court may not grant a divorce before the 60th day after the date the suit was filed.

Exceptions to the Waiting Period

The court may waive the 60-day requirement only in very limited circumstances, such as:

• The petitioner or respondent has an active protective order or has been the victim of family violence.