General Legal Timeline Overview (Texas)
Most legal matters follow a path like this:
- Consultation with a Lawyer
- Filing or Responding to Legal Documents
- Pre-Trial Process / Discovery
- Negotiation, Mediation, or Settlement
- Trial (if needed)
- Judgment / Enforcement or Appeals
But the timeline varies significantly by the type of case.
👉 Not sure what category your case falls into? Start here: What Type of Lawyer Do I Need?
Estimated Timelines by Case Type
👨👩👧👦 Family Law (Divorce, Custody)
- Uncontested Divorce: ~60–90 days (minimum waiting period in TX is 60 days)
- Contested Divorce or Custody Dispute: 6–18 months depending on complexity
Delays may happen due to:
- Child custody evaluations
- Financial disclosures
- Court availability
🔗 Family Law & Divorce Lawyers in San Antonio
🚗 Personal Injury Cases (Car Accidents, Negligence)
- Minor injury claims: 3–6 months (if settled quickly)
- Serious injury or litigation: 12–24 months or more
Why it takes time:
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Insurance negotiation
- Disputed liability
🔗 Personal Injury Lawyers in San Antonio
💡 Related: What to Do After a Car Accident in San Antonio
🧾 Probate & Estate Cases
- Simple wills: 4–6 months
- Contested estates or trusts: 6–18+ months
Bexar County’s probate court is busy, and delays are common if:
- There’s no will
- Family members disagree
- The estate includes property or debt
🔗 Estate Planning & Probate Attorneys in San Antonio
👮 Criminal Defense
- Misdemeanor cases: 1–6 months
- Felony cases: 6–18+ months
Factors that affect timeline:
- Plea deals vs. trial
- Jail time vs. bail
- Whether you’re a first-time offender
🔗 Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Antonio
📍 Also see: What Happens When You’re Arrested in Bexar County
👔 Civil Litigation or Business Disputes
- Simple contract dispute: 3–9 months
- Complex commercial litigation: 1–2 years or more
Courts will encourage mediation or settlement before trial.
🔗 Business & Corporate Lawyers in San Antonio
🔗 Mediation & Dispute Resolution Resources
Why Legal Cases Take Longer Than Expected
Common causes of delay include:
- Unresponsive opposing parties
- Scheduling conflicts with courts
- Missing or incomplete paperwork
- Lack of legal representation
- Backlogs in the court system
📌 Pro tip: Hiring a proactive attorney who knows the Bexar County court system can help move things along faster.
What to Ask Your Lawyer About Your Timeline
During your consultation, ask:
- “How long does a case like mine usually take?”
- “What can delay my case?”
- “How will you keep me updated?”
👉 See: What to Ask During a Lawyer Consultation
Can You Speed Things Up? Sometimes.
Here are ways to reduce legal delays:
- Respond promptly to your lawyer’s requests
- Stay organized with documentation
- Be open to settlement or mediation
- Avoid no-shows or reschedules for court appearances
In some situations, your lawyer can file a motion to expedite, especially if there’s urgency (e.g., safety or financial risk).
Explore Your Legal Timeline With the Right Attorney
Want an accurate estimate for your situation? A qualified local attorney can:
- Evaluate your case
- Give you realistic expectations
- Help avoid common delays
Use our San Antonio Lawyer Directory to connect with attorneys by specialty.