How long does it take to get a divorce in San Diego? There are obviously many factors to consider when providing an estimate of the time it will take to complete a divorce. The first factor to consider is the “residency requirements” associated with a divorce. One or both of the spouses must reside in the State of California for at least six months and be a resident of the County where the divorce is filed for at least three months prior to filing. California also establishes a mandatory “six month waiting period” to ensure the couple have ample opportunity to reconcile if possible. The Judge may not issue permanent orders and finalize your divorce until six months have passed from the date your case was filed. The shortest time it will take to get a divorce in San Diego is six months.
If both parties are in complete agreement the process can be relatively simple and straight forward. The real answer to the question of “How long does it take to get a divorce in San Diego?” begins with another question: how much disagreement exists between the parties? The time it will take to complete your divorce and the cost associated with your divorce are directly related to the amount of disagreement between you and your soon-to-be former spouse as well as your ability to work through these issues and ultimately reach an agreement or settlement.
It may also surprise you to know that while 80% of the divorce in California are filed by one of the parties (without an attorney) less than 50% of these cases can actually be completed without both parties seeking legal counsel. Those who attempt to manage the divorce process find it can take a year or longer to get through the process, ensure all paperwork is properly and legally structured and enforceable so that a Judge may actually complete your divorce.
The real answer to the question “how long does it take to get a divorce in San Diego?” is actually this: it depends upon you, your former spouse, and the time required to completely resolve every issue associated with your divorce including but not limited to:
- Division of assets and debts including retirement
- Child custody and parenting time
- Valuation and division of a business or professional practice
- Resolution of the need for, duration and amount of child support and/or spousal support
Protect your own interests and contact us or call 760-389-3927 to schedule an appointment for a remote or socially distanced consultation with one of our experienced Certified Family Law Specialists.