How Long Do I Have to Live in California Before I Can File for Divorce?
Posted on Jun 12, 2023 12:29pm PDT
Moving to a new state can be overwhelming, especially if you are going
through a
divorce. If you have recently moved to California and are looking to file for
divorce, you're likely wondering how long you need to live here to
establish residency before you can file. This blog post aims to provide
you with all the information you need to know.
Tips for Meeting the Residency Requirements to File for Divorce in California
In California, the residency requirements to file for divorce are not easy
to meet. There are rules that you need to follow, and it takes time.
Understanding California's residency laws is crucial if you want to
file for divorce successfully. So, let's dive into what you need to know:
-
You need to physically live in California for at least six months to file
for divorce. This time is calculated from the moment you establish residency in the
state. This means that the day you physically arrive and start living
in California is day one. You would need to maintain your residency in
California for the next six months without interruption.
-
The county where you live in the state should be your home county. You need to have lived in that county for at least three months before
filing for divorce. If you recently moved to California, you would need
to wait until you meet the three month residency requirements for the
county you live in before you can file.
-
The courts in California require that you are legally separated for six
months before a divorce judgment is entered. This means that after filing your divorce case, you and your spouse would
need to live in separate homes for at least six months. It's essential
to note that the actual time can be longer or shorter than six months,
depending on your situation.
-
Meeting California's residency requirements doesn't mean that you
can file for divorce right away. You would need to file the necessary forms with the court and provide
proof of your residency to establish jurisdiction. It's essential
to speak with your
family law attorney to be sure of what documents you need to provide.
-
The waiting period for divorce in California is six months from the date
of service of the divorce papers. However, keep in mind that the divorce process can take longer than six
months. Factors that can affect how long the divorce process can take
includes discovery, negotiations, and the complexity of the case.
Now you have an idea of how long you need to live in California before
you can file for divorce. Remember, the process can take time, so plan
accordingly and seek legal advice to ensure your divorce process is successful.
The information provided above is crucial to establish residency to file
for divorce in California. If you follow these rules, you will be able
to file for divorce successfully.
Looking for a way out of your marriage in California? Arnold Law Group, APC
can help. With over 30 years of combined experience, our family law attorneys
have the knowledge and expertise to assist you. Contact us today to schedule
a confidential consultation with our experienced and discreet divorce lawyers in Fresno. Call us at 559.900.1263 or reach out to us online.