How Long Does a Divorce Take in California?

If you're considering divorce in California, one of the most common—and important—questions is, how long will this take? The answer depends on several factors, including the type of divorce, whether there are contested issues, and how quickly both parties comply with court requirements.

The Mandatory Waiting Period

Under California law, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served with the divorce petition. This is the minimum amount of time before a divorce can be finalized, regardless of how quickly paperwork is filed or how amicable the process may be. You can find this requirement detailed in California Family Code § 2339.

Summary Dissolution vs. Regular Dissolution

If you qualify for a summary dissolution, the process may be simpler and faster. This option is available only to couples who meet strict criteria, such as being married for less than five years, having no children together, limited shared debt, and a mutual agreement to split assets.

Most people will proceed through a regular dissolution, which can take longer due to:

• Property division

• Child custody and visitation

• Spousal support

• Court scheduling delays

Contested divorces, where parties disagree on one or more major issues, can significantly extend the timeline. In these cases, the process may last a year or longer, particularly if the case proceeds to trial.

Factors That Affect the Timeline

A few key factors influence how long your divorce may take:

• Cooperation between spouses: The more agreement, the faster the resolution.

• Court backlog: Some counties have more congested family law calendars than others.

• Complexity of issues: High-conflict custody or business asset division adds time.

• Attorney involvement: Legal representation can streamline the process and help avoid procedural errors.

For guidance tailored to your situation, you can contact us here to schedule a consultation with an experienced California divorce attorney.

Document Preparation as an Alternative

If you're handling the divorce yourself and only need help with paperwork, we offer a professional document preparation service through Sanctum Legal. This is ideal for those pursuing uncontested divorce or summary dissolution and looking for accurate, attorney-drafted filings without full-scope representation.

Final Thoughts

While the legal minimum is six months, most California divorces take between 6–18 months depending on the cooperation of the parties and the issues involved. Preparing early, understanding your rights, and getting reliable legal help can make a significant difference.

This post is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content or contacting our firm unless and until a signed retainer agreement is executed.