How Long Divorce Takes In Stanislaus County

When someone contacts us about their case, one of the first questions we hear is: how long will this take? The answer depends on many factors, but we can offer a clear outline of the timeline in Stanislaus County, California, based on local practice and state law. Contact our Stanislaus County, CA divorce lawyer to learn more about the process!

Minimum Waiting Period

In California, every divorce must wait at least six months from the date the other spouse is served with the divorce papers (or files a response) before the court can enter a final judgment. That means even in the smoothest, uncontested case, you won’t be able to finalize sooner than six months.

Steps That Add Time

Before hiring a divorce attorney, it’s important to know what factors may affect the total time it takes to complete the process:

• Filing and service: The case begins when a party files a petition and serves the other spouse. The served spouse must respond (or default) within a set time (usually 30 days). Delays in service or response can extend the clock.
• Disclosure and exchange of financial documents: Both sides must exchange declarations, income statements, and lists of assets and debts. If one party stalls or disputes what must be disclosed, it can slow things down.
• Agreement or court hearings: If the spouses can reach an agreement on the division of property, support, custody, and related issues, the process moves faster. But if there is disagreement or a need for hearings, a judge will schedule dates for settlement conferences or trials. Our attorney, Bernie J. Kempen, can help you and your spouse avoid going to court through mediation.
• Judgment preparation and entry: Even after agreement or a ruling, completing judgment documents, gaining court approval, and processing the signed judgment takes time. The court must review all paperwork, sign it, and then enter the judgment. Until that happens, the divorce is not final.

Typical Timeframes In Stanislaus County

For an uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all issues and cooperate, you might complete the process in six to eight months. If the case is contested—meaning there are disputes over child custody, support, property division, or spousal support—the timeline could stretch to nine to twelve months or more, depending on how many motions, hearings, or trial dates are needed. In rare cases with many contested matters, it could extend beyond a year.

The Stanislaus County Superior Court offers self-help resources and procedural support, which can be helpful, especially in uncontested divorces, but it’s recommended to still have our lawyer on your side.

Why Timing Matters

Longer cases create stress, uncertainty, and often increased expense. Parties must live with temporary orders, interim support, and uncertainty about property and parenting rights until the final judgment is entered. Our experienced team can help speed up the process while providing you with realistic divorce expectations.

We’ve seen that clients who are organized, cooperative, and proactive tend to move through the process more quickly. Contact our Attorney Bernie today! Our attorney has been providing legal assistance to individuals and families for over a decade, and he’s ready to hear your story.