How Long Do Civil Lawsuits Take in Texas?

If you're involved in a legal dispute—whether it's over a contract, property, or personal injury—you may be wondering: how long do civil lawsuits take in Texas? The short answer is: it depends. Civil litigation in Texas can range from a few months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case, the willingness of parties to settle, and the court's schedule.

At Baker Law Group, our experienced Austin civil litigation lawyers help clients understand what to expect at every stage of the process. Here’s a breakdown of the typical civil litigation timeline in Texas and the key factors that influence how long your case may take.

Overview: Civil Litigation Timeline in Texas

Civil litigation typically moves through the following stages:

Filing the lawsuit

Service of process

Answer or response

Discovery

Motions and hearings

Settlement negotiations or mediation

Trial

Appeals (if any)

Depending on how contested the case is, each of these stages can be swift—or significantly drawn out. Let’s walk through each one.

Step 1: Filing the Lawsuit

The process begins when the plaintiff files a petition with the appropriate Texas court. In Travis County, this would typically be done through the Travis County District Clerk for cases above $250,000, or the County Court at Law for smaller matters.

Once the lawsuit is filed, the court assigns a case number, and the plaintiff must formally serve the defendant with the paperwork.

Time estimate: 1–2 weeks to file, plus time for service.

Step 2: Service of Process

The defendant must be officially served with the lawsuit documents. This is often handled by a constable or private process server. If the defendant is avoiding service or hard to locate, this step can be delayed.

Time estimate: 1–4 weeks (longer if service is difficult).

Step 3: Defendant’s Answer

In Texas, the defendant has 20 days plus the following Monday to file an answer after being served. If they fail to respond, the plaintiff can request a default judgment. Most civil defendants, especially in business or real estate disputes, will file a timely answer.

Time estimate: ~3 weeks after service.

Step 4: Discovery Phase

Discovery is usually the longest part of a civil lawsuit in Texas. This is where each party requests documents, submits interrogatories (written questions), takes depositions, and gathers expert witness opinions. It’s also where delays can pile up—especially in high-stakes or document-heavy cases.

Texas law generally allows discovery to continue for several months. Courts in Travis County often set deadlines to keep cases moving, but extensions are common.

Time estimate: 6 months to 1 year (or more, in complex cases).

Step 5: Motions and Hearings

During or after discovery, either party may file motions with the court—such as motions to dismiss, motions for summary judgment, or motions to compel discovery. These require court hearings, which can be subject to scheduling delays due to crowded dockets.

Some cases are resolved at this stage if the court finds no material factual dispute, especially in straightforward contract disputes.

Time estimate: 2–6 months depending on motion complexity and court availability.

Step 6: Settlement Negotiations or Mediation

Many civil lawsuits never go to trial. Parties often reach a resolution through informal negotiations or court-ordered mediation. In Travis County, mediation is often required before trial, especially in civil and family cases.

If both sides are motivated to resolve the issue, settlement can happen at any time—but often occurs after discovery and just before trial.

Time estimate: Variable; settlements can occur within months or take over a year.

Step 7: Trial

If your case doesn’t settle, it proceeds to trial. Civil trials in Texas may be decided by a judge (bench trial) or a jury. Jury trials are typically longer and more expensive.

Due to court backlog in counties like Travis, trial dates can be postponed. Preparing for trial—organizing evidence, prepping witnesses, finalizing legal arguments—also takes time and resources.

Time estimate: 1–3 weeks for trial, often 12–24 months after initial filing.

Step 8: Appeals (Optional)

If one party loses at trial, they may appeal the judgment. The appeals process is separate and takes months or even years. While an appeal is pending, enforcement of the judgment may be paused.

If you're considering an appeal, consulting an Austin civil litigation lawyer early is essential.

Time estimate: 6 months to 2 years, depending on appellate court schedules.

Factors That Affect the Length of a Civil Lawsuit

Several variables can speed up or slow down your case:

Complexity of the legal issues

Number of parties involved

Amount of evidence and discovery

Court docket congestion

Whether one side is avoiding service or delaying proceedings

Willingness to settle early

Simple cases involving clear contracts or property disputes may resolve in under a year. Others—like construction defect claims, fiduciary disputes, or cases with multiple parties—can stretch over several years.

How an Austin Civil Litigation Lawyer Can Help

Working with an experienced Austin civil litigation lawyer ensures your case is handled efficiently, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected at every phase. At Baker Law Group, we assist clients with:

Filing and responding to lawsuits

Strategic case planning and discovery

Settlement negotiation and mediation

Trial representation in Travis County and beyond

Post-trial appeals, if necessary

We understand how overwhelming litigation can be—especially when time, money, and your business reputation are on the line. Our goal is to help you resolve your dispute effectively, without unnecessary delays or expenses.

Conclusion

So, how long do civil lawsuits take in Texas? The answer varies, but most cases fall in the range of 12 to 24 months from filing to resolution. Working with a skilled Austin civil litigation lawyer can make all the difference in keeping your case on track and maximizing your outcome.

If you’re facing a legal dispute in Travis County or anywhere in Central Texas, contact Baker Law Group today to schedule a consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights, your options, and the likely timeline ahead.