Full Answer
Every state imposes a mandatory waiting period between filing and finalization — typically 60 to 90 days, though some states require six months. Even fully agreed uncontested divorces cannot move faster than that minimum.
Contested divorces involve discovery (exchange of financial information), depositions, settlement conferences, possible custody evaluations, and a trial date that may be set six months to a year out. Most settle before trial, but only after both sides have spent on litigation.
The biggest predictor of timeline is whether the spouses can agree. If you can resolve property, custody, and support through negotiation or mediation, you save months and tens of thousands of dollars.
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