When is the Divorce Actually Final?

In California the earliest day on which a marriage may be terminated is at least six (6) months and one day FROM the date that:

the spouse or partner who started the divorce had the other spouse or partner served with the petition for divorce and the court summons,

OR
when the other spouse or partner responded to the petition (if he or she
responded at all).

The divorce is final AFTER:

A judge signs the divorce Judgment (Form FL-180).
A court clerk mails the divorce judgment to each spouse or partner, with the date that the judgment was filed stamped in the upper right corner.

NOTE: The divorce does not become final automatically at the end of six (6) months:
One of the spouses or partners has to prepare the judgment form, with appropriate attachments, and have it signed by a judge. Then a copy of the judgment has to be given to the other spouse or partner.

Save a copy of the signed Judgment form so that you can show how and when your marital or domestic partnership status ended (you got a divorce).

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