How long does a typical divorce take in California?

In California, the divorce process has some specific timelines and factors to consider:

  • Mandatory Waiting Period: California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service of the divorce petition before a divorce can be finalized. This means that even in the most straightforward cases, a divorce cannot be completed in less than 6 months and one day. If you and your ex reach full agreement before this time, you may submit a post-date judgment that the court will sign, and the judgment will become effective on the stated date.
  • Uncontested Divorces: If both parties agree on all terms, a divorce can potentially be finalized shortly after the 6-month waiting period, typically within 6 months to a year from filing.
  • Contested Divorces: When there are disagreements on issues like property division, child custody, or support, the process can take anywhere from 12 months to several years depending on the complexity of the issues and court scheduling.

 Factors that can extend the timeline in California include:

  • Complexity of assets, especially in high-net-worth divorces;
  • Child custody evaluations;
  • The need for forensic accounting or other expert evaluations;
  • Trial preparation and scheduling, if settlement isn't reached;
  • Court backlogs, which can vary by county. Oftentimes, our clients retain a private judge to sign off on the judgment at the conclusion of proceedings to streamline this process.

At Bloom, we strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while ensuring our clients' rights and interests are fully protected. We will work with you to understand your goals and develop a strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome in a timely manner.