What If I Don’t Want to Wait Six Months for My Divorce?

Divorce can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you’re faced with California’s six-month waiting period. But don’t worry—there are effective strategies to help you navigate this mandatory timeline and expedite your divorce process. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into the ins and outs of California divorce laws, explore your options for speeding things up, and share a real client success story that may inspire you.

Understanding the Six-Month Waiting Period

First things first, let’s clarify why California imposes a six-month waiting period for divorce. This law is designed to give couples time to think about their decision. Even if both parties agree on everything, the court typically won’t expedite the timeline. This mandatory period ensures that decisions are made thoughtfully, not in haste.

The waiting period kicks off when your spouse is served with the divorce papers, not when you file your petition. This means that the sooner you serve your spouse, the sooner the clock starts ticking. So, if you want to finalize your divorce as quickly as possible, it’s crucial to act promptly.

Steps to Start the Clock ASAP

To effectively begin your divorce process, consider the following steps:

• File and Serve Your Spouse Right Away: As soon as you file your divorce petition, ensure that your spouse is served with the papers. This step is essential because the six-month waiting period only starts after service.
• Complete and Submit All Paperwork Early: Make sure all your documentation is accurate and submitted on time. Errors in documentation can lead to delays, extending your waiting period unnecessarily.
• Stay Organized: Keep all your financial and legal documents organized to avoid any last-minute scrambles that could hinder your progress.

A Real Client Story

Let’s look at a real-life example to illustrate how these actions can lead to a swift divorce. One couple filed, served, and submitted all their paperwork in just a few weeks. They did everything right from the start and, as a result, their divorce was approved exactly six months and one day later. This success story underscores the importance of following the correct procedures from the very beginning.

Consider Legal Separation

While waiting for your divorce to finalize, you might want to explore the option of legal separation. This allows you to start living apart and managing your finances independently, which can ease the transition. Legal separation can also help you establish terms like child custody and support while you wait for your divorce to be finalized.

Keep in mind that legal separation is not the same as divorce. If you choose this route, you’ll still need to go through the divorce process to officially end your marriage. However, it can be a useful step for couples who need time apart but aren’t ready to fully divorce yet.

Exploring Summary Dissolution

Another option to consider is whether you qualify for a summary dissolution. This is a faster divorce process available to couples who meet certain criteria. If you and your spouse have been married for less than five years, have no children, own no real estate, and have limited debts and assets, you might qualify for this expedited option.

While the six-month waiting period cannot be waived, summary dissolution simplifies the process significantly. It requires less paperwork and is designed for couples who can agree on the terms of their divorce. If eligible, this can be a great way to finalize your divorce more quickly.

Tips to Speed Up Your Divorce Process

Here are some practical tips to help you expedite your divorce process:

• Communicate Openly with Your Spouse: If you and your spouse can agree on the terms of your divorce, it will significantly reduce the time it takes to finalize everything. Open communication can lead to an uncontested divorce, which is typically faster.
• Hire a Professional: Working with a divorce service like Divorce661 can streamline the paperwork and ensure everything is filed correctly. This minimizes the risk of delays due to documentation errors.
• Utilize E-Filing: If available, e-filing can speed up the processing of your divorce papers. Check if your local court allows electronic filing to save time.
• Be Proactive: Respond to any requests from the court promptly. Delays in providing information or documentation can extend your waiting period unnecessarily.

Final Thoughts

While the six-month waiting period for divorce in California can be frustrating, knowing your options can help you navigate the process more effectively. By serving your spouse quickly, organizing your paperwork, considering legal separation, and exploring summary dissolution, you can work towards finalizing your divorce as soon as legally possible.

Remember, every divorce process is unique, and seeking professional guidance can make a significant difference. If you’re looking for assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to Divorce661 for a free consultation. We’re here to help you through this challenging time and ensure your divorce is finalized as quickly and smoothly as possible.

Have questions? Drop them in the comments below—we’re here to help!