Filing for Divorce in Dallas: What to Expect in Dallas County Family Court

Filing for divorce is rarely easy, emotionally or procedurally. Whether your divorce is simple or complex, understanding the local process in Dallas County Family Court can significantly impact how smoothly things proceed.

To help demystify the process, Modern Family Law’s Dallas paralegals, Brex Bradley and Amy Morgan, share what new filers can expect when navigating the court system, from the impact of standing orders to why divorce timelines in Dallas often take longer than neighboring counties.

Understanding Standing Orders In Dallas County

When a divorce is filed in Dallas County, standing orders automatically go into effect. These are court-mandated rules designed to protect both parties—and their children—while maintaining stability during the case.

“Standing orders are in place to protect everyone involved — you, your children, and your spouse,” explains Brex Bradley. “They help prevent self-sabotage and the waste of financial resources, while also protecting the children when they are involved.”

These orders prohibit either spouse from taking certain actions, such as moving children out of state, hiding assets, or canceling insurance policies, until the court issues new orders.

“In essence,” Bradley says, “standing orders ensure that everything remains in place until the parties can appear before the court and either reach an agreement or receive a final order from the judge.”

Amy Morgan adds, “It’s something that stays in place until the divorce is finalized or temporary orders are issued. It keeps things predictable and prevents rash decisions early in the process.”

Why Divorces Take Longer In Dallas County

Compared to neighboring counties like Collin or Denton, divorces in Dallas tend to move more slowly. Population size and limited judicial resources play a big role. “Dallas County has about 2.4 million residents and only seven district judges with associate judges,” notes Bradley. “Collin County has less than half that population but nearly fifteen judges, not all of whom handle family law, but still a huge difference.”

With more residents and fewer judges per capita, Dallas courts can face heavy caseloads. Even uncontested cases may take longer to process simply because of administrative backlogs.

How Long Does It Take?

Texas law imposes a minimum 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized, but Dallas timelines often exceed that.

“If both parties agree, the divorce can sometimes be finalized in about 70 days,” explains Bradley. “But once you introduce children, large estates, or custody disputes, the process can easily stretch into a year or more.”

Discovery, the exchange of financial and other case information, can also extend the process. “Discovery alone can add six weeks or more,” Morgan says. “It’s crucial for ensuring both parties have a full financial picture, especially when one spouse handled most of the finances.”

Common Misconceptions About Divorce In Dallas

Every divorce is different, and assuming yours will mirror a friend’s or family member’s case can lead to frustration. “People underestimate how unique their divorce will be,” Bradley cautions. “What your friend experienced is not what you’ll experience. Every case has its own nuances.”

Even small disagreements can spiral into long disputes. Something as simple as a household item or an unpaid bill can cause significant delays. “I once saw a divorce drag on for two years because of a refrigerator and a ring,” says Bradley. “Those two issues alone kept the case open for years.”

Morgan agrees that unrealistic expectations often create stress for clients. “The biggest factors people underestimate are the time, the cost, and the compromises they’ll need to make. Divorce isn’t easy; it requires patience.”

The Role Of Compromise

Divorce is as much about emotional resolution as it is about legal closure. According to Bradley, compromise is the foundation of a healthy outcome. “My favorite mediator always says, ‘We don’t use the F-word here,’ and by that, he means fair,” Bradley shares. “There’s no perfect fairness when a case ends. It’s about finding a resolution that allows everyone to move forward.”

When both parties refuse to compromise, cases can end up in trial, a process that often feels less fair than negotiation. “If you can’t agree, the judge decides,” Bradley explains. “And once that happens, no one feels like they’ve won.”

Why Having The Right Legal Team Matters

While every divorce is different, one constant is the importance of working with experienced professionals. “Even if you don’t hire us, hire a good attorney,” says Bradley. “It’s worth the investment to do it right the first time.”

He explains that small errors can have major financial consequences later. “Just one missed paragraph in a decree can cost thousands of dollars,” he adds. “It’s not just paperwork, it’s about protecting your future.”

Morgan emphasizes the emotional side of family law, “Divorce is one of the hardest experiences a person can go through. We’re here to guide clients through that, even when it’s emotional or stressful.”