How Long Does a Divorce Take in Orange County? 2026

  • David Goldberg,
  •   Divorce
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If you are considering filing for divorce in California, you may be wondering: How long does a divorce take in Orange County? While the divorce process is fairly straightforward, understanding the timeline for divorce can help allay the stress and anxiety involved in such an important life decision.

At The Goldberg Legal Group, we know California divorce law. Our proven track record of serving Orange County citizens with trustworthy, respected legal representation speaks for itself. When you are considering filing for divorce, an informed decision is a legally sound one, helping prevent costly mistakes that might impact your future.

The Divorce Process in California

Every divorce in California requires a mandatory 6-month waiting period, which begins the moment the respondent is served with divorce papers. During the waiting period, both parties are required to submit documentation to the court: financial statements, inventories of personal property and real estate, a list of other assets, and any outstanding debts.

If minor children are involved, the court requires parenting classes and a parenting plan that addresses the children’s needs, including visitation schedules, childcare, medical care, and child support. After the 6-month waiting period is over, if the divorce is uncontested, it goes before a judge, who renders a final decision, and the divorce is settled and finalized.

If the divorce is more complex and contested, proceedings can take significantly longer, as both parties may be required to undergo mediation and ongoing negotiations overseen by a neutral third party. It’s advisable to approach mediation with a cooperative spirit, as disputes and conflicts delay resolution.

Issues That Can Delay a Divorce

While divorce has been declining since the 1980s, divorce is still one of the most common legal issues family lawyers address. There were over 1 million divorce cases in the US in 2025, according to the Pew Research Center, and many of them were contested divorces.

Divorce is never easy, even when both parties are amicable. It’s a distressing, emotional process that can bring up unresolved issues. While the vast majority of divorces resolve within a year or two, certain factors can delay a resolution, including:

  • High asset divorces, in which marital property is significant and carries a high material value. These divorces require a detail-oriented, forensic approach to determine a fair settlement.
  • Child custody disputes can create an emotionally charged, highly stressful divorce process that requires oversight from court-appointed guardians ad litem to protect the best interests of the child.
  • Spousal support negotiations, including alimony. In long-term marriages where one spouse earns more than the other, alimony may be ordered by the courts, and disputes over the amount of spousal support and the length of time during which the spouse receives ongoing support.
  • Court backlogs and paperwork errors. Divorce is a high-volume legal issue, with the vast majority of superior courts processing several thousand divorces a year. Scheduling final hearings may prove challenging, even in simple divorces, and clerical errors and inadequate documentation can further delay the process.

When You’re Ready to Move Forward, Hire a Divorce Lawyer With Experience

One of the most valuable actions you can take when considering divorce is to meet with a qualified divorce and family law attorney to assess your situation before you take action. Decisions you make now can impact you for years to come. At The Goldberg Law Group, our comprehensive, client-first approach can help you obtain the most efficient divorce possible.

When you’re ready to learn more, contact us for your free consultation.