Los Angeles, CA family law attorney Robyn Santucci talks about how long it takes to get a divorce. She remarks that once a divorce is filed, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period. This period is often referred to as a “cooling-off” phase, giving spouses the opportunity to consider whether reconciliation is possible. In practice, however, the full divorce process typically extends beyond that timeframe. The steps of disclosing assets, valuing them, dividing property, and either reaching a stipulated agreement or preparing for trial generally take at least a year. Cases can last even longer when complex assets are involved or when custody disputes arise, as the timeline ultimately depends on the specific issues in each matter.