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What is the Waiting Period for Divorce in California?

Posted on December 1st, 2021

At the Harris Family Law Group, our Los Angeles family law attorneys know that no two divorces are the same, and that they each take their own paths.

That includes the timeline it takes to get from the decision to dissolve the marriage through the finalized agreement.

Before the process can officially begin, our California divorce law has a mandatory waiting period of six months in the state.

Here is what our Los Angeles County divorce attorneys want our clients to know about how long it will take to put the legal process behind you, so you can start anew.

When Does the Six-Month Waiting Period Start?

The date a couple separates does not start the six-month waiting period countdown.

The clock starts after the divorce is filed and proceedings can begin. That means the first day of the six-month waiting period is the date the summons or petition is served, or the date of the respondent’s appearance – whichever comes first.

Does California Have Residency Requirements for Filing Divorce?

Yes.

California law requires at least one spouse to be a California resident for at least six months before filing for a divorce and a resident of the county in which they file for a minimum of three months.

Do I Have to Prove My Spouse is at Fault for Our California Divorce?

No.

California is a no-fault divorce state, which means a spouse can cite irreconcilable differences as the reason for their marriage dissolution.

The best way to ensure a divorce at the end of your six-month waiting period is to partner with an experienced divorce attorney who can outline each detail for the courts, so all there is left to do is sign the paperwork.

At the Harris Family Law Group, we assist our clients with their complete divorce, including property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support matters, when applicable.

Getting a divorce is life-changing and can be a significant challenge without the right family law attorney by your side.

Our Los Angeles divorce attorney works tirelessly to ensure our clients are aware of their legal rights and protect their best interests throughout the process.

Contact Our Los Angeles Child Support Attorneys at Harris Family Law Group Today

If you have questions about the divorce process, or are ready to file for divorce in California, contact our family law attorneys in Los Angeles at the Harris Family Law Group today to discuss the details of your case during a free consultation by calling 310-745-8644.