How Long Does a Divorce Take in Fresno, CA? 2025

Getting a divorce can be an incredibly emotional and exhausting experience that leaves you feeling overwhelmed. This is especially true if you’re worried your divorce may drag on longer than expected, leaving you wondering, “How long does a divorce take in Fresno, California?” Fortunately, a Fresno divorce attorney can answer these types of questions.

How Long Does a Divorce Take in Fresno, California?

In 2022, 673,989 marriages in the United States ended in divorce. There are many factors that impact how long a divorce may take in Fresno, California. These include whether the divorce is contested or uncontested, whether you need to spend time on property distribution, and whether you must come to an agreement about child custody and visitation rights. All of these steps can be incredibly complex without the help of a divorce lawyer.

The first and most important thing you must know is that, regardless of whether or not you and your spouse agree on every aspect of your divorce, California law requires a six-month waiting period from the day you file for divorce. Even if both you and your spouse are in perfect agreement in regard to every aspect of your divorce, you will still have to wait for this legal duration to pass.

Variables That May Impact Your Divorce Timeline

While everyone must wait six months, some divorces end up taking longer due to variables unique to each situation. Here are some examples of things that may add to your divorce timeline:

• The type of divorce: A divorce in California can be contested or uncontested. Simply put, the main difference between these two categories is whether both parties are in favor of getting divorced and agree on various factors, including property division, spousal and child support, and child custody.If you or your spouse wants to remain married or disagrees with the other party, the divorce is considered “contested.” This may lengthen the amount of time it takes to finalize your divorce, as mediators and other court officials may need to be brought in to provide clarity and mediation.
• Property distribution: California Code, Family Code – FAM § 2500, also known as the “50/50 law,” demands that all community property must be divided evenly between both parties in the event of a divorce.This means that whether or not you intended to share your property with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, it is legally considered to belong to you both unless the assets were yours prior to the start of your marriage or were set apart from community property by a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement. Disagreeing on who gets what can elongate the duration of your divorce proceedings.
• Child-related decisions: In California, Family Code § 3040 declares that both parents have an equal opportunity to file for custody of their shared child. If you or your spouse wants full legal and/or physical custody, but both parties cannot come to a full agreement, this can complicate your divorce proceedings. The court may need to get more involved, and you may need to bring in a mediator if a legal agreement cannot be reached.

What Comes Next?

A smart next step would be to hire a divorce lawyer. They will be able to answer all of your important questions and advise you as you try to pin down a potential timeline.

Once you have hired a Fresno divorce lawyer, you will need to schedule an appointment with a local courthouse. County of Fresno Family Court Services is located at 1130 O Street.

FAQs

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Divorce Lawyer in California?

The final cost of a divorce lawyer tends to vary case by case in California. This is due to the unique factors that each divorce presents. There are, however, some consistent contributing factors, such as how long your divorce takes and how complicated it is. At Chase Family Law, your lawyer does all they can to help you reach an outcome you feel is worthy of every second and cent you may spend.

What Is the Quickest Way to Get a Divorce in California?

If you want a speedy divorce in California, the most effective thing you can do is attempt to come to an agreement with your spouse on every aspect of your divorce. This is often easier when you are able to maintain a civil and respectful relationship with them, especially when it comes to issues like property distribution and child custody rights. You may also benefit from the help of a divorce lawyer since they will be able to help you stay on track and avoid mistakes.

How Long Does It Take to Finalize a Divorce in California if Both Parties Agree?

The divorce proceedings are often much simpler and, therefore, much faster when both parties agree on all aspects of their divorce. While this is the fastest method, California still requires a six-month waiting period to pass before your divorce can officially be finalized. While this may feel like a lot of time, there is a lot to accomplish and prepare for during this six-month window.

Will My Divorce Take Longer If I Do Not Hire a Divorce Lawyer in California?

Even though every case is different, most individuals find that they benefit from the assistance of a divorce lawyer when getting divorced in California. Hiring a lawyer can help you avoid common missteps and potential setbacks that could lead to an unnecessarily long divorce process. If you would like your case to be quick and simplified, hiring a divorce lawyer can be a monumental help.

Get More Information About Your Fresno Divorce Today

Divorce can be a complex and time-consuming process to go through, especially when you try handling it by yourself. Fortunately, with the help of a Fresno divorce lawyer, you can avoid common mistakes that could set you back in a variety of ways.

At Chase Family Law, our experienced attorney is more than happy to walk alongside you throughout the divorce process. With us by your side, you’ll have an advocate who is knowledgeable and skilled when it comes to legal matters, but also compassionate and considerate when pursuing your preferred outcome. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.