If you are contemplating a California divorce, you may wonder how the process stacks up against other states. Reader’s Digest recently published an article comparing divorce in states across the Nation as being the fastest and slowest states for divorce.
This article summarizes some of the key points of this article and examines how California divorce compares.
Fastest States:
- New Hampshire: Finalizes divorces in as little as 30 days with no mandatory separation period.
- Alaska: Divorce can be completed in 30 to 45 days, with minimal residency requirements.
- Nevada: Residency requirement of six weeks, fast process for uncontested divorces.
Slowest States:
- Vermont: Divorce can take up to 450 days with a six-month separation period.
- Rhode Island: May take 510 days due to long waiting periods.
- Arkansas, South Carolina: Slower timelines due to mandatory separation periods and court backlogs.
How California Matches Up:
- California did not make the list of fastest or slowest, but it is one of the slower states for divorce due to the six-month waiting period.
- Unique aspects: California’s divorce laws can affect both the length and complexity of the process.
- Six-month waiting period: Makes it one of the slower states for divorce, allowing time for reconsideration even if other issues are resolved.
- No-fault divorce laws: Couples can cite irreconcilable differences without proving fault, unlike in states requiring evidence.
- Community property rules: Can complicate divorces, as assets acquired during marriage are split equally, potentially leading to disputes over financial contributions.
- Child custody and support: Determined based on the child’s best interests, with courts encouraging co-parenting, but disagreements may require court intervention and can potentially slow the process.
- Summary dissolution: Offers a quicker resolution for short marriages, no children, and minimal property, though complex cases require careful legal handling.
Smart Moves to Speed Things Along:
- Agree on key issues: Uncontested divorces, where couples agree on property division, child custody, and spousal support, move faster.
- Complete paperwork accurately: Properly filing documents without errors can prevent unnecessary delays.
- Consider mediation: Resolving disputes outside of court through mediation can expedite the process.
- Use a streamlined process: If eligible, take advantage of summary dissolution.
Consult an Experienced Divorce Attorney
An experienced family law attorney can assist you to successfully navigate the divorce process in California. The attorneys here at the Law Offices of David Knecht are experienced in all aspects of family law and can help you succeed in getting the divorce terms you seek in an expeditious timeline. Serving Vacaville and Fairfield clients. Contact us today at 707-451-4502.