How long does divorce take in California depends on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested and how quickly the parties resolve financial and custody issues. California imposes a minimum six-month waiting period, but most divorces take longer than six months to finalize. Understanding the timeline and what factors affect how long to get divorced helps you plan realistically.
The Six-Month Minimum
California Family Code section 2339 establishes a six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. The clock starts when the respondent is served with the divorce papers — not when the petition is filed. How fast can you get divorced in California? The absolute minimum is six months and one day from the date of service, assuming all paperwork is complete and the court processes the judgment promptly.
How long does a divorce take at the minimum? In practice, even uncontested divorces often take seven to nine months due to court processing times, the 30-day response period, the financial disclosure exchange deadlines, and the time required to prepare and submit final judgment paperwork.
Average Contested Divorce Timeline
How long does divorce take California when the divorce is contested? A contested divorce — one where the parties cannot agree on property division, spousal support, or custody — typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer. Complex high-asset divorces with business valuations, pension QDROs, and contested custody proceedings can take two to four years. The court's calendar, the complexity of financial issues, and whether experts are needed all affect how long to get divorced in a contested case.
What Makes Divorce Take Longer
Factors that extend how long divorce takes in California include: contested custody with a 730 evaluation (which alone takes three to six months); business valuations; hidden asset investigations; uncooperative spouses who fail to provide financial disclosures; appeals of trial court orders; and complex retirement account division requiring QDROs. How long does a divorce take when these factors are present can easily exceed two years.
Furubotten Law, APC handles divorce proceedings efficiently throughout Orange County and Riverside County. Call (714) 795-3862 for a complimentary case evaluation.