The 6-month waiting period explained

California requires a minimum 6-month waiting period before a divorce can become final. The clock starts the day your spouse is served with the divorce papers — not the day you filed.

This is set by Cal. Fam. Code § 2339. There is no shortcut for any reason — not for "uncontested" cases, not because both spouses want it, not for hardship.

During those 6 months, you can: prepare and file all your remaining paperwork, work out a parenting plan, exchange financial disclosures, negotiate a marital settlement agreement.

After 6 months, you submit the judgment paperwork (FL-170 + FL-180 + FL-190). The court signs it. You're divorced.

If you don't move in those 6 months, the case doesn't auto-finalize. You still have to file the closing paperwork. Many people get to month 6 and forget — Amie reminds you.