Divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you want to move on with your life. If you live in California, you might wonder how quickly you can finalize your divorce. While California law sets a minimum waiting period, several factors can affect how long the process takes.
Grounds and requirements for divorce in California
California follows a no-fault divorce system, which means you do not need to prove wrongdoing to end your marriage. Before you can file, you must meet specific requirements:
- You or your spouse has lived in California in the last 6 months.
- You or your spouse have lived in the county where you plan to file for at least three months.
- You need to file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the court.
- You must serve your spouse with divorce papers.
- You need to wait at least six months from the date your spouse receives the divorce petition.
These rules apply to every divorce in California. The law states that there is a six-month waiting period before the finalization of a divorce. This period starts when the respondent (your spouse) is served with the petition or appears in court—whichever happens first.
The court cannot finalize your divorce until this six-month period has passed, but the divorce does not automatically become final at six months. You or your attorney must still complete all the required paperwork and receive the judge’s final order.
What can delay the finalizing of a divorce?
Several issues can make your divorce take longer than six months. Disagreements over child custody, spousal support, or dividing property can slow things down. If you or your spouse do not complete paperwork correctly or miss deadlines, the court may need more time to review your case. Sometimes, busy court calendars also push hearings back. When one side does not cooperate, the process can drag on even longer.
Why legal support makes a difference
Having a lawyer on your side can make the divorce process much smoother. An experienced attorney helps you avoid mistakes, meet deadlines, and resolve disputes quickly.
You can embrace peace of mind knowing you have a dedicated attorney guiding you every step of the way. With legal support, you can focus on your future while your lawyer works to finish your divorce as efficiently as possible.