Fast-Track Divorce in Los Angeles –
If you’re searching for a “quick divorce in Los Angeles,” you’re not alone. Many of our clients want to resolve their divorce as efficiently as possible while still protecting their rights. The good news? With the right strategy, some LA couples can finalize their divorce in as little as 6 months and 1 day – California’s mandatory minimum waiting period. Here’s what you need to know about fast-tracking your divorce in 2025.
California’s 6-Month Waiting Period: The Starting Point
First, understand that no divorce in California can be finalized faster than 6 months and 1 day from:
– The date your spouse is served with papers, OR
– The date your spouse files a response
This is state law (California Family Code §2339), not something any attorney can bypass. However, what happens during those 6 months makes all the difference.
3 Paths to a Faster Divorce in Los Angeles
1. Summary Dissolution (The Fastest Option)
Requirements:
– Married less than 5 years
– No children together (born or adopted)
– Limited shared assets/debts (<$47,000 in debt, <$47,000 in community property)
– Both agree to divorce
Timeline: Typically completes right at the 6-month mark
2025 Update: The asset/debt thresholds increased from $45,000 to $47,000
2. Uncontested Divorce with Agreement
For couples who:
– Agree on all terms (assets, debts, support if applicable)
– Are willing to cooperate
– May have children or more complex assets
Timeline: 7-9 months typically (when properly managed)
Key to Speed:
– Complete all financial disclosures upfront
– Use e-filing (now available at all LA County courthouses)
– Have attorneys draft documents correctly the first time
3. Default Divorce (When Spouse Doesn’t Respond)
If your spouse:
– Is properly served but fails to respond within 30 days
– You can request default judgment
Timeline: About 7 months (6-month wait + processing time)
Caution: Must follow strict service and notice procedures
5 Strategies to Accelerate Your Divorce
1. File Electronically
– eFiled cases process 2-3 weeks faster than paper filings
– Available at Stanley Mosk, Van Nuys, and other LA courts
2. Complete Your Financial Disclosures Early
– Use Form FL-142 (we provide templates to clients)
– Include all required documentation upfront
3. Consider Mediation
– Resolve issues in 2-4 sessions rather than months of back-and-forth
– Average cost: $5,000-$10,000 (often cheaper than litigation)
4. Request a Waiver of Final Declaration
– Eliminates one court appearance
– Only available for truly uncontested cases
5. Work With an Attorney Who Knows Your Courthouse
– Each LA court has different:
– Processing times
– Local rules
– Judge preferences
When You Can’t Speed Up the Process
Some situations inherently take longer:
– Complex asset division (businesses, investments, etc.)
– Child custody disputes
– Spousal support disagreements
– One spouse delaying proceedings
In these cases, focus on:
✔ Getting temporary orders in place quickly
✔ Protecting your rights during the process
✔ Avoiding mistakes that could extend the timeline
Why Rushing Can Backfire
We’ve seen clients who tried to go too fast end up:
– Signing unfair agreements to “get it over with”
– Overlooking important tax implications
– Creating ambiguous terms that lead to future disputes
How We Help Clients Achieve Efficient Divorces
At Hayat Family Law, we specialize in:
✅ Proper document preparation to avoid delays
✅ Strategic negotiation to resolve issues quickly
✅ Courtroom experience to navigate local procedures
✅ Protecting your rights while moving the process forward
For a personalized assessment of your timeline, call us at (310) 917-1044.
