The process of getting a divorce begins once you file your petition. Before your divorce is finalized, all the issues must be resolved, either by default, agreement or through contested court proceedings (hearings and/or trial). You must have prepared and filed all of the necessary paperwork and paid all the applicable fees. Every case takes a different length of time to resolve. The process may take several months if the case is uncontested, or it could take much longer if there are complex issues. DO NOT ASSUME THAT YOU ARE DIVORCED UNTIL THERE IS A JUDGMENT SIGNED BY A JUDGE AND PROCESSED BY COURT STAFF. In all cases, your marital status cannot be terminated any earlier than six months after your spouse is either served with the divorce papers or files a response to the action. Additional information on the dissolution (divorce) process can be located on the California Courts website under the "Self-Help" section. Click here.