What do I Need to Know About Time Limits in California Divorce?

Divorce can be a frightening and confusing aspect, with many people changing their minds along the way. This is why the state of California has each couple think about their decision for six months before they grant a final judgment. When you go into the divorce process, do not expect to be divorced for at least six months – in fact, you should always plan for longer because it is difficult to complete all the necessary legal steps in a short amount of time. Today we will tell you more about the waiting period and why it is necessary.

The Waiting Period 

The moment that you file for divorce to ensure that your spouse receives a copy, the six month waiting period begins. Your spouse has 30 days to answer the petition which means that, if he takes the entire 30 days, you will only have 5 months left to resolve issues if you want an immediate divorce. While you are waiting, a series of things will take place that are standard for divorce. You must attend custody mediation if there are children involved, you must file mandatory financial disclosure statements, and you will want to negotiate a marital settlement if possible.

When you reach an agreement, you can go forth with finalizing your divorce as long as the six months have passed. You do not automatically become divorced on the day of six months. You will then go forth with submitting your marital agreement to the court and the judge will decide whether or not to approve your paperwork. When the judge adds his or her signature, this is when you will be officially divorced.

As you can see, there are many steps involved in the divorce process, making it complicated at times. This is why it is a good idea to speak with an experienced divorce attorney. Give us a call today, as we have the experience and compassion to handle your case and help you through the difficult times. Divorce is hard, but we can lessen the load on your life.