It may seem that there is nothing easy about filing for divorce in California. This is a difficult time for you and your family. It is normal to want to know how long the process will last. The bad news is that we cannot give you a specific time frame because it varies from situation to situation. That said, there is data out there that says that the average California divorce lasts 15 months. We have seen divorces completed in eight months and some that take nearly two years.
The absolute minimum time a divorce can take in California is six months. Why? Because state law requires a six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. If you are considering getting divorced then we recommend contact a family law attorney sooner rather than later.
Factors that can affect how long a divorce takes
Despite the fact that a divorce can technically be completed in as little as six months, most do not get resolved this quickly for a number of reasons. Every situation is unique but some of the most common reasons we see divorces take longer include:
- Divorce takes longer when you have children. You can expect your divorce to take about seven months longer if you have a child compared to those who do not have children. This is due to the fact that there are sometimes additional documents that must be filed, such as court-ordered studies, psychological evaluations, and other issues. A custody agreement must also be agreed on, which can take time.
- Divorces going to trial take longer. If you decide to litigate your divorce then you can expect that it will likely take longer than it would have if you chose mediation.
- Court calendars can slow down the process. There is almost always a significant backlog of hearings, trials, judgments, etc. in California courts. If your divorce needs more than one trial hearing and it cannot be handled outside of court, then you should expect there will be delays.
These are just some of the things that can slow down the process but your case may be unique.
How to get divorced as quickly as possible
If you want to get divorced as quickly as possible then what you are looking for is a summary dissolution. You must meet certain California court requirements, but if you do then this can be the fastest option. We recommend that you talk to a family law attorney to find out if this is the best option for you.
If you are in need of a qualified family law attorney then we welcome your contact. Please reach out to Kendall Gkikas & Mitchell at 909-482-1422 or email us at info@parents4children.com. We are here to help you through this process and to get all the loose ends tied up as quickly and simply as possible.
