Some people make the decision to divorce immediately when they learn unexpected information. The discovery of a hidden substance abuse disorder or an extramarital affair can lead to one spouse deciding that divorce is the best option.
Other times, spouses may slowly grow apart and experience gradually increasing levels of conflict. They may eventually come to the realization that divorce is the best path forward. Regardless of how quickly a spouse decides to divorce, they likely want to complete the process as quickly as possible.
Those preparing for divorce often wonder about the timeline for court proceedings. How long does it usually take to complete a California divorce?
Divorce takes at least half a year
Many factors influence the timeline for divorce. Whether or not the spouses agree on terms is a key consideration. Spouses who pursue uncontested divorces where they set their own terms usually have the fastest divorces, while those who require a judge’s intervention often have much longer divorce proceedings ahead.
Regardless of the approach employed by spouses, divorce typically takes at least six months to complete. California imposes a statutory six-month waiting period after one spouse submits the initial paperwork to the courts. That cooling-off period gives spouses an opportunity to try to work on their relationship or settle any disputes about property division, parenting and financial support.
Those who settle all of their disagreements during the six-month waiting period can often move forward with the finalization of the divorce relatively quickly. Those who need to litigate can expect a much more protracted process.
Learning more about California divorce statutes can help people prepare for the process ahead. Spouses who understand the general divorce timeline can make informed decisions about how they interact with their spouses and navigate divorce negotiations accordingly.
