Every state in the U.S. has a set of laws that courts must adhere to when it comes to divorce. What this means for couples is that getting a divorce isn’t as easy as agreeing to end the marriage and signing a paper. In California, couples have several legal requirements that they must satisfy before they can file for divorce and courts can consider granting it.
The following are the legal requirements in California for a couple considering a divorce:
- Couple must present a legal reason for the divorce to the courts.
- One spouse has to have been a resident of the state for no less than six months.
- One spouse has to have been a resident of the county the couple are filing in for no less than three months.
- Couples must wait at least six months from the date paperwork has been received by the respondent or from the date they first appear in court for the divorce to be finalized.
If a couple meets these requirements, then they can file for divorce and possibly have it granted by the California courts. How long this process will take depends on the couple and the issues they may have to iron out before things can be finalized. For some couples, it may only take a few months, but for others, the divorce process can take years.
If you and your spouse are considering a divorce, you may want to speak to an attorney. Divorce laws vary from state to state, so if you want to ensure your divorce happens in a timely manner, then you will want to speak to someone who may be familiar with these laws. An attorney may be able to help with process and keep you on track so you can get your divorce granted.
