How long does it take to get a divorce in California?
Key Takeaways
- Most divorce cases in California take between six and 18 months.
- Timing varies based on the nature of your divorce.
While some California divorces can be finalized in as little as six months, others can take more than a year. The amount of time it takes can vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Whether the spouses agree on all issues: Uncontested divorces—where the spouses agree on all issues (such as child custody, property division and spousal support)—are typically finalized much faster than contested divorces, which may require court hearings and trials. In an uncontested divorce, the spouses can work together with their attorneys to prepare the necessary paperwork and submit it to the court. This process can be completed relatively quickly, especially if the spouses have a minimal amount of assets and debts to divide.
- Civil domestic information report: This document helps the court understand the details of your case.
- The complexity of the financial issues involved: If the spouses have a significant amount of assets and debts to divide, or if there are complex financial issues that need to be resolved, the divorce will likely take longer to finalize. An attorney can help you gather and value your assets and debts, negotiate a settlement with your spouse and prepare the necessary financial disclosures for the court.
- Whether there are children involved: If you have minor children, additional steps need to be taken to address child custody and support arrangements. This may involve mediation, child custody evaluations and court hearings. These steps can add to the overall time it takes to finalize the divorce.
- Whether there is a need for litigation: If you and your spouse are unable to agree on the major issues in your divorce, your case will likely go to trial. Divorce trials can be lengthy and expensive. An attorney can advise you on the pros and cons of litigation and help you develop a strategy for achieving your desired outcome in court.
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If you’re considering divorce, try to be realistic about the time frame involved. An attorney can help you estimate how long your divorce is likely to take based on the specific facts of your case.
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