California Divorce Timeline

Woodland Hills Family Law Attorney

When most people begin to consider the legal procedures and actions inherent to ending a marriage or domestic partnership, it becomes apparent that divorce is in no way a quick process. How long a divorce process will last can depend on a number of unique circumstances surrounding your case. There is also a distinct timeline to which courts adhere to, and it is important that you have a firm understanding of what you can expect.

• Six-Month Minimum – In the state of California, courts cannot enter a final divorce judgment until six months have elapsed from the date that one partner (the respondent) is served with the petition for dissolution of marriage. For simple cases, the divorce timeline and legal work can often be completed in less than six months. However, the six-month mark is the earliest point at which the court can enter the judgment and legally restore your status as a single person. At Taub & Taub, P.C., our objectives are always set on resolving your case during the six-month time period.
• Handling Additional Matters – It is inevitable that many divorce proceedings may also entail additional matters that need to be both addressed once a case is filed and managed until a case concludes. These issues include spousal support and child support, as well as where the parties involved will live, where children will live, immediate agreements concerning visitation, payment of debts, insurance, and other administrative concerns. In order to avoid lengthening the divorce process, these issues must be thoroughly and immediately addressed at the beginning.

If agreements regarding these issues cannot be reached in a timely manner, our firm can request an immediate hearing to address the matters. At this hearing, the court will resolve these issues until a final decision regarding the divorce and all related concerns can be issued. It is also important to understand that these issues are different for everyone and will vary from case to case. This is why it is highly recommended that you receive the personalized assistance our firm can provide.

Working Toward Swift and Successful Resolutions

Being proactive and planning your case ahead of time will nearly always prove invaluable in expediting your legal proceedings. Consulting legal counsel as early as possible can also save you a great deal of time, money, and frustration as you navigate through the court process. At Taub & Taub, P.C., our main priorities revolve around meeting your needs and realistic goals, as well as doing everything we can to complete the legal process and secure a judgment as quickly as possible.