Uncontested vs Contested Divorce in Addison Texas
Divorce in Addison Texas, like any other city in Dallas County, falls into two main categories: contested and uncontested. The main difference lies in whether the couple can agree on all issues. If they cannot agree, they have to battle them out in court.
Issues regarding child custody, retirement accounts, and property division can sometimes be difficult for some couples to resolve on their own. If agreement cannot be reached, the divorce is contested. To achieve resolution, the couple should seek outside help. They can use mediation or arbitration. Additionally, they may consider a trial.
Unsurprisingly, a contested divorce almost always takes a much longer time than an uncontested one.
Uncontested Divorce in Addison Texas
In contrast to contested divorce, an uncontested divorce takes place when both spouses come to an agreement on all terms of the divorce. It is generally an amicable process. It is sometimes referred to as an “agreed” or “mutual” divorce.
Where Will My Case Be Filed?
Addison is located in Dallas County, so your uncontested divorce will be handled by one of the Dallas County District Courts. Most uncontested hearings are held at:
George L. Allen Sr. Courts Building
600 Commerce Street
Dallas, TX 75202
We’ll help you prepare for the prove-up hearing (if required) and guide you through what to expect.
Addison Divorce Timeline
Here’s what a typical uncontested divorce looks like in Addison:
- Texas Residency Requirements
- One spouse must have lived in Texas for at least 6 months and Dallas County for at least 90 days.
- Filing the Petition
- We’ll prepare and file your Original Petition for Divorce.
- Serving the Other Spouse
- Choose between waiver of service (most common), official service by constable, or service by publication (rare).
- 60-Day Waiting Period
- Texas law mandates a 60-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
- Final Decree
- Once signed by both parties, we file your Final Decree of Divorce and attend the court hearing if needed.
📅 Total estimated time: ~60–90 days (uncontested cases only)
Grounds for Divorce in Addison Texas
Choosing the appropriate type of divorce begins with identifying the root causes of it. One must know the differences between Fault and No-Fault divorces.
Texas is a “mixed state” which means that a divorce can be granted either with or without proof that a spouse is at fault.
State law indicates one ground for a No-Fault divorce and six grounds for a Fault divorce.
No-Fault Divorce
The only ground for a No-Fault divorce is when there are irreconcilable differences between the two spouses.
Given their simplicity and affordable costs, No-Fault divorces have been gaining in popularity. Additionally, there is no defense to a petition for divorce based on insupportability. If at least one spouse wants a divorce, it will be considered. Texas law does not force an unhappy spouse to stay married just because the other spouse is happy with the marriage.
Fault Divorce
Fault divorces are not as common nowadays as they were before. In fact, some states no longer even recognize them. Texas, however, retains the distinction between Fault and No-Fault divorces.
A fault divorce implies that one of the spouses is requesting for a divorce based on the fact that the other spouse has done something wrong.
There are six grounds for a fault divorce in Addison, Texas:
- cruelty (either physical or mental abuse and any other unreasonable acts of cruelty).
- adultery.
- separation (if the spouses have lived apart for more than three years).
- abandonment.
- felony conviction (for at least a year).
- confinement to a mental hospital (for at least three years, with signs that the spouses’ condition will not improve or that the probability of relapse is high).
Common Questions About Divorce in Addison, Texas
Only if you or your spouse has lived in Texas for at least 6 months and in Dallas County for at least 90 days.
A divorce is final in Dallas County, Texas when the divorce decree is signed by a judge and filed with the county clerk’s office. Once the divorce decree is final, it is considered a public record.
Yes. Our divorce documents include comprehensive marital settlement terms covering property, debts, custody, and visitation.
Most uncontested divorces only require a short “prove-up” hearing. In some cases, these can be waived or handled virtually.
Why Choose Us for Your Addison Divorce?
📍 Local experience – Serving clients throughout Dallas County, including Addison, Farmers Branch, and North Dallas
✅ Flat-fee pricing – No hidden fees
⚖️ Attorney-guided support – We assist with filing, serving, and finalizing
🕒 Fast processing – Divorce in as little as 61 days
⭐ Client Reviews
“Smooth and easy divorce process. They took care of everything from start to finish. Highly recommend if you’re in the Dallas/Addison area.” – M.C.
“Affordable and professional! I was nervous about doing this myself, but Ready Divorce made it stress-free.” – T.S.
Start Your Divorce in Addison Today
Don’t wait. If you and your spouse are ready to move forward, we’ll make the process fast and simple.
👉 Start Your Divorce Online
📞 Call Us Today
📍 Serving Addison, Farmers Branch, North Dallas & surrounding DFW communities.