Have you made the decision to legally end your marriage? If so, you may be wondering how long the process is going to take. Filing for divorce is a complicated process that can put your life on hold for months or even years, but having the right Pasadena lawyer by your side can make all the difference. The amount of time it takes to resolve your particular case will depend on a number of different factors, so it is important to work with a family law firm that knows how to effectively navigate each step of the divorce process. Some of the factors that you will need to take into consideration include:
#1: The Waiting Period in California
In California, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state for a period of six months before you will be able to file a divorce petition. Once the divorce papers have been served, the other spouse would have 30 days to answer. At this time, the six-month waiting period will also begin – which is the minimum amount of time that it will take for a divorcing couple to legally restore their marital status to single. Due to the mandatory waiting period in California, you can expect your divorce to take at least six months to fully resolve, although most will take longer.
#2: Contested vs. Uncontested Divorces
As you may know, you have the option to file a contested or uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce would allow a couple to negotiate the terms of their divorce without the intervention of a judge. This means that it may take less time to finalize the divorce, as long as both parties are able to cooperate. When filing a contested divorce, the couple would be required to resolve all pertinent issues in court – which may include child custody, property division and spousal support, etc. As a result, contested divorces usually take longer.
#3: The Division of Your Property
Since California is a community property state, all of your marital property will need to be divided equitably. This does not necessarily mean that your shared property and assets will be split 50/50, but rather in a manner that is equitable. It can slow down the divorce process quite a bit if you have a substantial amount of property to divide, since all assets will need to be inventoried and assigned a monetary value. This is also one of the most contentious aspects of any divorce, since both spouses may have property that they do not want to part with.
#4: Disputes Over Who Gets Custody
Another contentious aspect of divorce is the matter of child custody. No parent wants to forfeit time with their children, so it may be necessary to resolve the issue in court if both parties cannot agree on the terms of a parenting plan on their own. The situation can become even more complex if certain concerns arise. For example, one parent may have an alcohol or substance abuse problem or wish to move out of state with their children. This may prompt a period of discovery and investigation, which will ultimately prolong the divorce process.
Need help with your divorce? Contact Gille Kaye Law Group, PC.
If you are in need of an attorney in Pasadena, you should not hesitate to find out how the team at Gille Kaye Law Group, PC can assist you. Not only do we offer representation from a board certified family law expert, but we can put more than eight decades of legal experience to work for you as soon as you give us a call. Our firm has assisted countless individuals in navigating the complexities of divorce and other family law matters, so you can trust that your future will be in good hands when you come to us for help. When you fill out a case evaluation form online, your initial consultation won't cost you a thing!
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