How long does getting a divorce take? There is not a definitive answer for everyone. A lot of factors come into play such as where you live, how quickly the pair can come to agreement on terms of the divorce, and more. 

Here are a few things that affect the overall timing.

How Long Does a Divorce Take – Waiting Period Requirements

One factor that plays into the time required for a divorce is the waiting period.

A waiting period is often referred to as a “cooling off” period. It is the length of time required by certain states before a divorce can be filed or finalized. This gives the couple time to work things out. Sometimes divorce papers are submitted as part of an emotional outburst, and this helps rectify things before they’re set in stone.

Every state has a different waiting period. Some, such as Nevada, are very short. You only have to wait 14-28 days after filing the divorce papers before it can be finalized. Others take much longer. In California, you need to wait 6 months and 1 day after the papers were filed until you can get a divorce.

This is generally a good thing, because it ensures the couple is ready for this major life change before it legally happens. Some families are able to work things out and stay together, and this long timeline gives them a better chance of that happening. 

How Long Does a Divorce Take – Separation Requirements

A separation requirement is the amount of time the two people must be separated before getting a divorce. The reason for this is similar to the waiting period. It gives the couple some time to re-evaluate and determine if divorce is what they really want.

Not all states have a separation requirement. In that case, the couple can actually still live together during the divorce. This usually happens if children are involved, so at least they can still have both parents around. In California, it’s possible for people who are divorced to keep living together. 

What Else Affects How Long a Divorce Can Take?

Besides the waiting period and separation requirements, the main thing affecting how long a divorce takes is the back and forth between the spouses and their attorneys. There are generally disagreements regarding a few factors

There is no blanket black-and-white policy with how to manage these. Each divorce situation is different, and sometimes it can take months to come to an agreement. Even though some people are able to figure these things out and be divorced quickly, others draw it out to get as much as possible from the separation. 

Are you ready to file for divorce or has your partner filed papers? Give us a call at 714.456.9118 or send us an email at info@voneschlaw.com. We look forward to helping you through this difficult situation. 

Courtesy of Cuselleration

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