The final moments of a divorce can feel like they stretch on forever.
After all the emotional and legal hurdles you may have already endured—dividing assets, setting up custody arrangements, and more—you’re left waiting for one last step: the judge’s signature.
It’s that final stamp that makes your divorce official. But how long does this part actually take?
At Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC, we understand how anxious this waiting period can be. After guiding numerous clients through the California divorce process, we’ve seen firsthand how timelines can vary.
Let's go over what factors affect the wait time and what you can do to speed things along.
The Standard Timeline
In California, there’s a mandatory waiting period of six months from the date of service of the divorce papers. This is the minimum amount of time that must pass before a divorce can be finalized.
However, this doesn’t mean that exactly six months after filing, a judge will sign the decree. It simply means that this is the soonest a judge can sign. Depending on several factors, the wait could be longer.
The six-month waiting period is designed to give couples a chance to reconcile. But, if both parties are certain about moving forward, it’s easy to get anxious and wonder why the process is so drawn out. That’s where other variables come into play.
Factors That Can Delay the Process
While six months is the legal minimum, there are other elements that can stretch out the wait for your divorce decree.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on all major issues—like property division and child custody—tends to move faster. In these cases, the judge can sign off relatively quickly after six months.
On the flip side, a contested divorce, where disputes arise over any of these topics, often takes much longer. Additional hearings, negotiations, and even mediation can push back the final decree.
Court Backlog
California’s court system handles a significant number of divorce cases. Depending on where you file, your local court may have a backlog of cases waiting to be reviewed. A high volume of cases can slow down the timeline for your judge to review and sign the paperwork.
Complexity of the Case
If your divorce involves high-value assets, detailed custody arrangements, or any other complexities, it’s likely that the judge will take extra time to review everything before finalizing the decree.
High-asset divorces, in particular, can take longer because the court needs to ensure that all property and financial matters are properly addressed.
Errors or Incomplete Paperwork
Mistakes on the paperwork are surprisingly common. Whether it’s missing signatures, incorrect forms, or other errors, even a small oversight can cause a delay. In these cases, the court will send the forms back for correction, which can push your timeline back by weeks or even months.
What You Can Do To Expedite the Process
If you’re eager to wrap up your divorce and move forward with your life, there are a few things you can do to keep things on pace.
Aim for an Uncontested Divorce
The more issues you and your spouse can agree on before the final decree, the quicker the process can move. Working together to settle things like property division, child custody, and spousal support can significantly cut down the time it takes for the judge to finalize everything.
Double-Check Your Paperwork
Before submitting your forms, make sure everything is accurate and complete. Double-check signatures, form numbers, and other small details. This simple step can prevent delays caused by the court requesting corrections.
Hire an Experienced Attorney
An experienced family law attorney can help anticipate potential delays and guide you through the paperwork and court procedures. They’ll ensure everything is submitted correctly and keep the process moving smoothly.
If you’re unsure about what steps to take or how to handle your case, having professional guidance can save you both time and stress.
Ready To Move Forward?
Waiting for your divorce to be finalized can feel like being stuck in limbo. With the right steps, you can minimize the delays and get that final decree signed as quickly as possible.
If you’re ready to move forward with your divorce, Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC is here to help. Our team of family law attorneys has extensive experience handling divorce cases in California, and we’re ready to assist you with your case.
Contact us today at (855)-426-9111 for a consultation, and let’s work together to get you through this final step toward a fresh start.
