California Divorce Guide
Complete guide to divorce laws, costs, timeline, and process in California
Updated for 2026 with state-specific AI predictions
Updated for 2026 with state-specific AI predictions
12-18 months
Average Duration
$17,500
Average Cost
6 months
Residency Req.
6 months
Waiting Period
Verified95
California Divorce Quick Facts
Property Division
Community PropertyGrounds
No-fault onlyAlimony
Duration of marriage, standard of living, earning capacityChild Support
Statewide guideline calculatorWhat Makes California Divorce Unique
50/50 property split by default
Mandatory 6-month waiting period
No fault divorce only (irreconcilable differences)
Community property includes retirement accounts
Spousal support based on half the marriage duration
Presumption of 50/50 custody if both parents fit
California Divorce Process Timeline
- Week 1-2
Filing
Meet residency requirement (6 months), file petition, serve spouse - Month 1-3
Response & Discovery
Spouse responds, both parties exchange financial information and documents - Month 3-8
Negotiation
Settlement discussions, mediation if required, division of assets and debts - Month 9-12
Finalization
Court approval, waiting period (6 months), final decree entered
Find California Divorce Professionals
Family Law Attorneys
150+
Mediators
45+
Divorce Coaches
60+
CDFAs
30+
Therapists
80+
Get Your California Divorce Prediction
See your settlement amount, timeline, and custody outcome
Based on California laws and historical cases
Based on California laws and historical cases