How Long Does Divorce Take & How to Avoid Delays

Divorce can be a complicated and emotionally taxing journey. Understanding the timeline and the common pitfalls can help you navigate this challenging process more smoothly. In California, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period for divorces, but many people find themselves stuck in delays that can last months or even years. Let’s dive into how long a divorce typically takes in California and the steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays.

The Six-Month Waiting Period

California law mandates a six-month waiting period from the time the divorce papers are served until the divorce is finalized. However, this is just the starting point. The timeline can be stretched due to various factors such as paperwork errors, disputes, or court processing delays. For contested cases, the process might extend beyond a year.

The clock only starts ticking once the divorce papers are officially served to your spouse. This means that any delays in serving the papers can push back your finalization date significantly. One of our clients faced a situation where they delayed serving their papers, resulting in unnecessary setbacks. To avoid such issues, it’s crucial to file and serve your papers promptly. By doing so, you ensure that the six-month waiting period begins immediately, keeping your divorce on track.

Common Causes of Delays

Several mistakes can lead to significant delays in the divorce process. Understanding these common pitfalls can help you avoid them and expedite your divorce.

• Disputes Over Assets and Custody: Disagreements over marital assets, child custody, or support can prolong the divorce process. When both parties cannot reach amicable agreements, court battles can ensue, dragging out the timeline.
• Incomplete Financial Disclosures: One of the most common reasons for court rejections is incomplete financial disclosures. It’s essential to provide all necessary financial information to avoid delays.
• Improperly Formatted Judgment Packages: Submitting a judgment package that isn’t formatted correctly can lead to rejections from the court. Ensuring that your paperwork is accurate and complete is crucial for smooth processing.
• Failure to Keep It Amicable: If the divorce process becomes contentious, it can lead to prolonged disputes and additional court appearances, which can significantly extend the timeline.

How to Speed Up Your Divorce Process

While the divorce process can be lengthy, there are several strategies you can implement to speed it up legally and efficiently. Here are some tips to help you finalize your divorce as soon as possible:

• File and Serve Papers Immediately: As previously mentioned, your six-month waiting period starts once your spouse is served. Don’t delay in getting this done!
• Keep It Amicable: Aim for amicable agreements with your spouse. Cooperative negotiations can lead to quicker resolutions without the need for court battles.
• Complete Financial Disclosures Early: Ensure that all financial disclosures are filled out accurately and submitted early. This is often the number one reason for court rejections.
• Submit a Properly Formatted Judgment Package: Double-check your paperwork for accuracy and completeness before submission to avoid unnecessary delays.
• Use E-Filing When Available: If your court allows e-filing, use it! E-filing can cut processing times significantly.

Real Client Stories of Divorce Delays

To illustrate the importance of proper paperwork and timely actions, let’s look at a real client story. A couple decided to file their own divorce but overlooked one crucial form. As a result, their judgment was rejected twice, delaying their case for an additional five months. Once they reached out for professional help, we fixed the issue, resubmitted their paperwork, and got it approved in just a matter of weeks.

This example underscores the importance of accuracy and the potential pitfalls of attempting to navigate the divorce process without professional assistance. Mistakes can lead to prolonged stress and delays that could easily be avoided.

Why Choose Divorce661.com?

At Divorce661.com, we understand the complexities of the divorce process and aim to provide a fast, efficient, and hassle-free experience. Here’s why you should consider our services:

• Fast and Error-Free Filings: We ensure your divorce paperwork is filed quickly and accurately, minimizing the risk of delays.
• Correct Financial Disclosures: We help you complete your financial disclosures correctly to avoid court rejections.
• Utilization of E-Filing: We take advantage of e-filing where available to expedite processing times.
• 100% Remote Divorce: Enjoy a completely remote process with no court visits required, making it as convenient as possible.
• Flat-Fee Pricing: Our services come with flat-fee pricing, eliminating the burden of expensive attorney fees.

Need Help Filing for Divorce?

If you find yourself needing assistance with the divorce process, don’t hesitate to reach out to Divorce661.com for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you finalize your divorce swiftly and efficiently.

Have questions about your divorce? Feel free to drop a comment below—we’re here to help!