Los Angeles, CA family law attorney Robyn Santucci talks about how long it takes to get a divorce. Once a divorce is filed, a mandatory waiting period of six months is imposed. This period acts as a cooling-off phase to provide an opportunity for potential reconciliation. However, in practice, the process of disclosing and valuing assets, awarding those assets, and working toward a resolution—whether through stipulation or preparation for trial—generally requires a minimum of one year. Some divorces can extend significantly longer, particularly if there are complex asset divisions or custody issues involved. The overall duration ultimately depends on the specific circumstances of each case.