How Long Will It Take For My Divorce To Be Final In California?

divorce

When a couple gets married, they’re not usually planning on eventually going through a divorce. Unfortunately, though, people and relationships can change. When this occurs, and a marriage is no longer working, one or both parties might decide it’s time to dissolve the marriage.

To uncomplicate a challenging process, it’s crucial that each spouse hire an experienced Torrance attorney like the ones at Bruce A. Mandel Divorce & Family Law.

With over 27 years of experience assisting men and women in divorce proceedings, we’re well aware of how confusing the legal system can be. That’s why we help take you through the steps to get things done as quickly and efficiently, as possible.

You may be wondering, though—just how long does it take to finalize a divorce in California? The answer might surprise you.

6-Month Waiting Period For A Torrance Divorce

Unlike most other states, California has enacted a mandatory 6-month ‘cooling-off’ period before couples are allowed to finalize their divorce.

This time frame permits couples to think about their impending divorce and decide if it’s really what they want. The six months begins from the date that the petitioning spouse files the divorce paperwork.

During the wait, couples will also work to reach agreements about family issues, including:

While the judicial system does insist on couples following through with the court-mandated waiting period, different outcomes can happen once the six months are over.

Are You Automatically Divorced After Six Months In California?

When a couple’s 6-month waiting period has concluded, their eligibility for a finalized divorce will be reliant on whether they were able to make decisions about their marriage. If so, their divorce can be completed.

If they can’t agree on how to move forward, however, the couple can request a courtroom hearing with an attorney like Bruce A. Mandel Divorce & Family Law by their side. They will then undergo litigated divorce proceedings before a judge.

There are also instances where a couple has made most of their decisions before the six months are over but still have a few more to finalize. In this instance, they can choose a ‘bifurcate divorce’.

This process entails terminating the marriage with the knowledge that the couple plans to finalize the remaining issues post-divorce through negotiations or litigation. Some of the remaining issues could be child custody, property division, and spousal support.

Simplify Your Divorce With An Experienced Family Law Attorney

While there’s no getting around the 6-month required waiting period, it’s still vital that both spouses hire a knowledgeable divorce attorney.

The team at Bruce A. Mandel Divorce & Family Law believes in providing the best legal support for their clients. Our Torrance lawyers can streamline your divorce proceedings and simplify a potentially complicated situation.

If the time has come for you and your partner to divorce, give us a call to schedule a initial consultation today.

And don’t forget to follow us on Facebook to learn more about our firm!

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