How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in California?

One of the most common and most stressful questions people ask when considering divorce is how long the process will take. For many, divorce represents not only the end of a relationship but also a period of uncertainty involving finances, housing, children, and long-term stability. Knowing what to expect can make the process feel more manageable.

In California, divorce timelines are shaped by both legal requirements and practical realities. While the law sets a minimum waiting period, the actual length of a divorce can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the case, the level of conflict between spouses, and the complexity of the issues involved.

This guide explains how long it typically takes to finalize a divorce in California, what factors influence the timeline, what delays are most common, and how early planning and legal guidance can help move the process forward efficiently.

Is There a Minimum Timeframe for Divorce in California?

Yes. California law imposes a mandatory six-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. This rule applies to every divorce case, regardless of whether it is amicable or contested.

The six-month period begins on the date the respondent is formally served with divorce papers, not the date the petition is filed. Even if both spouses agree on all terms immediately, the court cannot legally terminate marital statusuntil this waiting period has passed.

The purpose of this rule is to ensure that both parties have time to reflect on the decision and to allow for the orderly resolution of legal and financial issues.

Important to know:

The waiting period does not mean the divorce will automatically be finalized at six months. It only means the divorce cannot be finalized any sooner.

What Happens During the Six-Month Waiting Period?

The six-month waiting period is not a time of inactivity. In fact, most of the divorce process happens during this window.

During this time, spouses typically work through:

• Financial disclosures
• Property and debt division
• Child custody and parenting plans
• Child support and spousal support
• Negotiation, mediation, or court hearings

If all required steps are completed properly, the divorce can be finalized shortly after the six-month period ends. If disputes remain unresolved, the case can continue well beyond that point.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce: The Biggest Time Factor

One of the most important factors affecting how long a divorce takes is whether it is uncontested or contested.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all major issues, including:

• Division of property and debts.
• Child custody and visitation (if applicable).
• Child support and spousal support.

In these cases, the legal process is usually more straightforward. Many uncontested divorces are finalized shortly after the six-month waiting period, provided all paperwork is properly completed and approved by the court.

Even so, uncontested divorces still require accurate financial disclosures, legally compliant agreements, and court review. Errors or omissions can cause unexpected delays.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce occurs when spouses disagree on one or more key issues. These cases often take significantly longer due to ongoing negotiations and court involvement.

Contested divorces may involve:

• Discovery and financial investigations.
• Multiple court hearings.
• Custody evaluations or mediation.
• Business or asset valuation.
• Trial preparation.

Depending on complexity, contested divorces can take anywhere from 6 months to several years to resolve.

Typical Divorce Timelines in California

While no two cases are exactly alike, the following estimates can help set realistic expectations:

• Uncontested divorce: Approximately 6–8 months.
• Moderately contested divorce: 9–18 months.
• Highly contested or high-asset divorce: 18 months or longer.

Court backlogs, attorney availability, and the willingness of both parties to negotiate all play a role in how long a case ultimately takes.

Factors That Commonly Delay Divorce Proceedings

Even when both spouses want to move forward, certain issues can significantly slow the divorce process in California. Understanding these common delays can help set realistic expectations and reduce frustration along the way.

Complex or High-Value Assets

Divorces involving substantial or complicated assets almost always take longer to resolve. Real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, stock options, or investment portfolios often require formal valuations, expert analysis, and detailed negotiations.

These steps are essential to ensure a fair division under California’s community property laws, but they add layers of time and coordination that simpler cases do not require.

“Complex assets require careful consideration. Documentation needs to be gathered and presented that makes clear what the characterization of the asset is (separate, community, or a combination) and its valuation before it can be subject to division or offset with other assets. Additionally, a complex asset such as a business often requires accounting at the end of a fiscal year, tax reporting period, or set time frames used by the business to accurately reflect the true financial accounting.”

— Larisa Reznichek, Family Law Attorney

Child Custody and Parenting Disputes

When children are involved, California courts place the highest priority on their best interests. If parents disagree on custody or parenting time, the court may require additional steps such as:

• Mediation or co-parenting counseling
• Custody evaluations by court-appointed professionals
• Temporary custody or visitation orders

Each of these processes is designed to protect children, but they can extend the overall timeline of the divorce, especially in high-conflict situations.

Incomplete or Delayed Financial Disclosures

California law requires both spouses to provide full and accurate financial disclosures. Delays often occur when:

• Required documents are missing or incomplete
• Income or assets are disputed or undervalued
• One spouse is uncooperative or slow to respond

Until financial disclosures are complete and verified, the court cannot finalize property division, support orders, or the divorce judgment itself.

Lack of Cooperation Between Spouses

Divorces tend to move more quickly when both parties are willing to communicate and compromise. When cooperation breaks down, cases often stall due to:

• Significant Discovery back and forth
• Repeated court filings and hearings
• Disputes over procedural issues
• Ongoing conflicts that prevent settlement

High-conflict divorces not only take longer but also tend to be more emotionally and financially draining.

Court Scheduling and Backlogs

Even well-prepared cases can be delayed by factors outside either spouse’s control. Many California courts face crowded calendars and limited availability, which can result in:

• Long waits for hearing dates
• Delays in processing filed paperwork
• Slower issuance of final judgments

In some counties, court backlogs are one of the most common reasons divorces take longer than expected.

Can a Divorce Be Finalized Faster Than Six Months?

No. California law does not allow a divorce to be finalized in less than six months from the date of service. However, couples can use this time strategically.

Steps that help ensure the divorce is finalized as soon as legally possible include:

• Completing disclosures early.
• Negotiating agreements promptly.
• Avoiding unnecessary disputes.
• Submitting a full agreement and Judgment packet ahead of the six-month date.
• Working with experienced legal counsel.

Temporary Orders and Life During the Divorce

Because divorce can take months or years, courts may issue temporary orders to manage day-to-day issues while the case is pending.

Temporary orders may address:

• Child custody and visitation.
• Child support.
• Spousal support.
• Use of the family home.
• Payment of bills and expenses.

These orders provide structure and stability during the divorce process, but do not necessarily determine the final outcome.

How Mediation Can Affect the Timeline

Mediation often helps reduce the length of a divorce by encouraging negotiated resolutions rather than prolonged litigation.

Benefits of mediation include:

• Faster resolution of disputes.
• Lower legal costs.
• Greater control over outcomes.
• Reduced emotional stress.
• Increased privacy regarding sensitive financial and personal issues.

While mediation is not appropriate in every case, it can significantly shorten timelines when both parties are willing to participate in good faith.

When Delays Become Strategic or Harmful

In some cases, delays are not accidental. One party may intentionally slow the process to gain leverage or avoid financial obligations. Courts can address these tactics, but doing so often requires legal intervention.

“Cases are often delayed beyond the six-month waiting period due to the high-conflict nature of the matter. When the parties cannot agree on timeshare, custody, or visitation, the parent holding the majority of timeshare often has the most leverage, including receiving the highest amount of child support, and may have little incentive to resolve custody disputes. The other parent, seeking increased time with the children, can be disadvantaged and face prolonged delays in achieving a fair arrangement.

Similarly, in cases involving property disputes, one parent may intentionally delay by failing to file their preliminary declaration of disclosures, which is legally required before the court can move toward a final judgment. A party occupying the primary residence at a favorable rate or holding high-value assets may withhold disclosures to prevent the division of assets, effectively delaying the entire case.”

— Ashley Bell, Family Law Attorney

How Legal Representation Affects Divorce Timelines

While hiring an attorney does not guarantee a faster divorce, experienced legal guidance often prevents unnecessary delays.

A knowledgeable family law attorney can:

• Ensure accurate and timely filings
• Anticipate issues before they escalate
• Keep negotiations focused
• Protect your rights while moving the case forward

What You Can Do to Help Your Divorce Move Forward

While you cannot control every aspect of the process, there are steps you can take to reduce delays:

• Gather financial documents early
• Respond promptly to requests
• Stay organized and informed
• Avoid emotionally driven decisions
• Seek legal advice sooner rather than later

“One of the most effective ways to move a divorce case forward is to identify the key disputed issues and prioritize what matters most. Using the time between hearings to resolve those issues—or prepare for trial—ensures you are not caught unprepared and demonstrates to the court that you are ready to proceed. That same preparation also pressures the other side to negotiate seriously when they see the case is being handled with purpose.”
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— Dillon Clayton, Family Law Attorney

Final Thoughts: Setting Realistic Expectations

Divorce timelines in California are shaped by both law and human dynamics. While the six-month waiting period sets a baseline, the true length of a divorce depends on preparation, cooperation, and complexity.

Understanding the process, planning ahead, and working with experienced legal counsel can help you move through divorce with greater clarity, efficiency, and confidence.