How Long Does Divorce Take in San Diego County?
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re filing for divorce in San Diego County, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long is this going to take? Whether your case is amicable or contested, understanding the timeline is critical so you can plan ahead and avoid unnecessary delays. Below I’ll walk you through the timeline, common pitfalls, and how to move your case through as quickly as possible.
Why the timeline matters
Knowing how long divorce takes helps you plan finances, living arrangements, and the emotional transition. It also helps avoid unnecessary delays that often come from incomplete paperwork or missed deadlines. The calendar is not just a guideline — in California there are legal minimums and local court processing times you need to account for.
California’s mandatory 6‑month waiting period
In California, all divorces are subject to a mandatory 6-month waiting period.
This is the most important rule to understand: from the date your spouse is properly served or signs an acknowledgement of receipt, the court will not finalize your divorce until six months have passed. That waiting period applies to every case, no matter how simple or amicable it is.
Important: The six-month period is a legal minimum. It prevents final judgment before the statutory time has run, but it does not guarantee your divorce will be finalized the moment six months pass — unless you’ve completed the required paperwork and submitted everything properly.
The fastest possible timeline: what cooperation looks like
If both spouses are cooperative and in full agreement, you can complete the necessary paperwork quickly. Here’s what that fast path typically involves:
- Filing the petition and serving the other spouse
- Completing and exchanging mandatory disclosures
- Negotiating and signing a marital settlement agreement
- Preparing and submitting the final judgment package to the court
When those steps are completed early, you can submit the judgment package to the court before the six-month mark so the court can approve it as soon as the waiting period ends — no court appearance required in many uncontested cases.
Real client example
We recently helped a San Diego couple file, serve, complete disclosures, sign their agreement, and submit their judgment package within two weeks. Because their paperwork was complete and properly prepared, their divorce was approved as soon as the six-month mark hit — no delays, no court, no stress. That’s how fast it can be when everything is done right.
Why most divorces take longer
Most divorces take longer than the legal minimum, and the causes are typically avoidable:
- Incomplete or incorrect paperwork that the court rejects
- Failure to complete mandatory disclosures on time
- Confusion about next steps or not knowing which forms are required
- Disputes that turn an otherwise uncontested case into a contested one
- Delays in service or failure to file proof of service
When paperwork isn’t complete or people are unsure how to navigate the process, a case can easily stretch out for a year or longer.
San Diego County processing expectations
Local courts vary in how quickly they review documents. In San Diego County, the court typically reviews and approves properly prepared, uncontested judgments within about 24 weeks if everything is done correctly. Remember: the court cannot enter final judgment until the six-month statutory waiting period has passed, so proper timing of your filing and submission is essential.
How Divorce661 helps speed things up
At Divorce661 we specialize in fast, affordable uncontested divorces across California, including San Diego County. We focus on removing the common administrative obstacles that slow people down:
- We prepare and check all paperwork to meet court requirements
- We handle filing and coordinate service
- We make sure disclosures are completed and exchanged correctly
- We assemble and submit the final judgment package so it’s ready when the six-month clock runs out
Our flat-fee, 100% remote service is designed so cooperative couples can finalize their divorce as quickly as legally possible without surprise fees or missed steps.
Practical checklist to move your divorce along
- Serve your spouse properly or obtain an acknowledgement of receipt — this starts the six-month clock.
- Complete and exchange all mandatory disclosures as soon as possible.
- Negotiate and sign a written agreement covering property, debts, support, and any custody arrangements.
- Prepare the judgment package and submit it to the court ahead of the six-month deadline so it can be approved immediately after the waiting period.
- Confirm the court accepts your documents and follow up promptly on any requested corrections.
Conclusion and next steps
If you want your divorce in San Diego County to finalize as fast as legally possible, planning and correct paperwork are everything. The six-month waiting period is mandatory, but with organized, complete paperwork you can ensure the court finalizes the divorce right when that window closes.
If you’d like help moving through this process efficiently, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll help you complete your case correctly, file everything on time, and be ready the moment that six-month window closes.
