One Day Divorce in California – All You Need to Know (2025)

The divorce process in California can be lengthy. Fortunately, there are options available to separating couples that allow them to streamline their divorce case as well as make it more cost-effective. Generally, individuals looking for the fastest form of divorce in California opt for one-day divorces. A one-day divorce in California allows couples in certain counties to receive a final judgment in just one day.

If you’re considering applying for a one-day divorce in California, it’s crucial that you understand the laws and requirements surrounding this type of dissolution.

Typical Divorce Timeline in California

To file for divorce in California, one of the spouses in the divorcing couple must meet the minimum residency requirements for the state and their local county. These requirements include one party having lived in California for at least six months, in addition to living in the county in which they are filing for divorce for at least three months.

The divorce process begins when one spouse files a divorce petition with their local court. The petition will include information about both parties as well as their requests regarding property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. Once the filing spouse has sent in their paperwork, they must legally serve it to the receiving spouse, who is given 30 days to answer.

After the served spouse has answered the petition, the discovery process begins, and both parties must begin collecting information so that they can create a divorce settlement. Generally, agreeing on the varying terms of a divorce is the longest aspect of any divorce case. This is because many couples struggle to agree on terms like child custody and property division.

Once both parties share pertinent financial documents and come to an agreement on the terms of the divorce settlement, a judge can issue a final divorce judgment. A divorce decree is final at least six months from the time a respondent was issued a summons. This is a statutory requirement that most divorces in the state must follow.

One Day Divorce in California Explained

Although the six-month waiting period for a California divorce cannot be waived, a one-day divorce provides a pathway for couples to avoid additional delays in the divorce process, which can help both parties save money and settle legal proceedings quickly.

Through the One Day Divorce Program in California, you can request an appointment with your county court and ask a judge to review your divorce settlement. If everything is fair and legal, the judge will sign the decree, ultimately making it final as soon as the six-month waiting period is over.

Who Is Eligible for a One-Day Divorce in California?

A one-day divorce is available in three California counties. Those counties include San Diego, Sacramento, and San Mateo.

To receive a final divorce judgment through the One Day Divorce Program in one of these counties, you must take the following steps:

• An official divorce petition must be filed with your local county court.
• The petitioning spouse legally serves a summons to the respondent.
• Both parties have filed the required personal and financial disclosure documents.
• Both parties have agreed on the details of their settlement and are ready for a judge to approve it.
• The terms the separating couple created are then given to a judge on a scheduled court date. If the judge approves the terms, the settlement will become final once the waiting period has been met.

Each county may have certain eligibility requirements, including a maximum income requirement, as well as specific paperwork that needs to be filed to receive a one-day divorce appointment. Residency requirements still apply when going through a one-day divorce in California.

FAQs

Q: What Is a One-Day Divorce in California?

A: A one-day divorce in California is a form of divorce that is available to eligible applicants in San Mateo, San Diego, and Sacramento counties. It allows a spouse to schedule an appointment with a county court to review and approve their divorce paperwork. If the judge approves, the divorce becomes final upon meeting the minimum divorce waiting period in California. This process helps reduce the time and cost of the divorce.

Q: Is There a Quick Divorce in California?

A: While a divorce in California cannot be finalized in less than six months, there are still options that allow couples to settle their divorces quickly. To ensure a divorce does not take longer than it needs to, you may be able to file for a one-day divorce. One-day divorces are only available to residents of certain California counties who meet specific requirements. You should consult a family lawyer if you’re curious about your eligibility.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to File for Divorce in California?

A: The cost of a divorce in California is based on multiple factors. These factors include how long your divorce takes, how contentious your divorce is, how much experience your attorney has if there are additional court and legal fees, and more. To learn more about what the overall price of your California divorce will look like, consult a skilled divorce lawyer from our firm.

Q: Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer When Going Through a Divorce in California?

A: While you are not legally required to hire a lawyer while going through a California divorce, it is incredibly beneficial to do so. By hiring an experienced family lawyer, you can receive indispensable guidance and support as you navigate the complex California divorce process. Plus, a lawyer can help you better understand whether you’re eligible for different divorce methods, helping you to streamline your case and receive a fair settlement as quickly as possible.

Trusted California Divorce Representation

Whether you’re caught in a contentious divorce or you’re looking to file for a one-day divorce in California, the team at the Law Offices of Ronda A. Middleton is prepared to help you through it. Our firm is dedicated to guiding families through complex legal matters in Orange County and beyond. Contact our office today to learn more about our California divorce services.