Tobey Maguire’s divorce from jewelry designer Jennifer Meyer is finally complete, nearly 10 years after the couple announced their separation in 2016. Though the timeline from separation to divorce was ten years, their divorce case itself did not actually take 10 years. Meyer did not file for divorce until 2020, and Maguire did not file his response until 2025. Their unusually long road from separation to becoming legally single offers an interesting look at how separation, filing for divorce and legally ending a marriage are not necessarily the same thing in California.
What Was the Timeline of the Maguire-Meyer Divorce?
According to recent reporting from People, Maguire and Meyer married in 2007 and separated in June 2016. At the time of their separation, the parents of two said their priority remained raising their children together with “love, respect and friendship.”
Their legal timeline moved much more slowly:
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Meyer filed for divorce in October 2020, approximately four years after the separation.
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Maguire filed his response in July 2025.
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Meyer subsequently asked the court to bifurcate their marital status.
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The court granted that request and restored the parties to the status of single persons in September 2026.
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Other issues remain to be resolved, with the former couple agreeing to use a private judge for remaining disputes.
Public reporting establishes that timeline, but it does not establish a single reason why the couple waited four years after separating to file for divorce or why the case remained pending for years afterward.
How Long Does a California Divorce Normally Take?
California imposes a minimum waiting period for divorce, but six months is a minimum—not a guarantee that a divorce will be completed within six months.
The California Courts guide to the divorce process explains that a California divorce takes at least six months. During the process, spouses generally must address issues such as property and debts, support and, when applicable, child custody and support.
Tobey Maguire’s divorce demonstrates the other extreme: a couple can remain separated for years before filing and can have a divorce case remain pending well beyond California’s minimum waiting period.
What Is Bifurcation in a California Divorce?
One of the most interesting aspects of the Maguire-Meyer case is bifurcation.
California allows spouses in some cases to end their marital status before every other issue in the divorce has been resolved. The California Courts explanation of bifurcation describes it as splitting legal issues so that some can be decided separately.
For example, spouses may ask the court to terminate their marital status while they continue working on unresolved property, financial or other issues.
That is what happened here. People reports that Meyer’s request to bifurcate marital status was granted, allowing Maguire and Meyer to become legally single while other matters remained unresolved.
Why Would Divorcing Spouses Use a Private Judge?
Another unusual feature of the case is the parties’ agreement to use a private judge for remaining disputes.
California expressly recognizes privately compensated temporary judges. Under California Rule of Court 2.830, “privately compensated” means the temporary judge is paid by the parties.
A private judge is different from simply hiring a mediator. California Courts explains that spouses who reach an agreement can resolve issues themselves or with help from a mediator. If they cannot agree, a judge can ultimately decide disputed issues.
In Maguire and Meyer’s particular case, court documents reported by People state that they agreed to appoint a private judge to mediate remaining disputes as they work toward completing their larger settlement. The public reporting does not establish why they selected that option.
Does an Amicable Relationship Guarantee a Fast Divorce?
Not necessarily. Meyer has spoken publicly about having a very positive relationship with Maguire. In 2025, she described him as her “best friend” and praised him as a father and co-parent, according to People’s reporting on the former couple.
Their case illustrates that becoming separated, filing for divorce, resolving every outstanding issue and becoming legally single can occur at very different times—even when former spouses maintain a positive relationship.
Talk to a Solano County Divorce Attorney
Every divorce has its own timeline. Some spouses can reach agreements relatively quickly, while others may need additional time to address property, support, custody or other unresolved issues. California also provides options such as mediation and bifurcation that may be appropriate depending on the circumstances.
The Law Office of David Knecht represents clients in divorce and other family law matters in Vacaville, Fairfield, Solano County and surrounding areas. Contact our office at (707) 451-4502.
