The waiting period begins in a California divorce once the divorce papers are filed and served. Thus, even if you are your spouse are separated for years, the waiting period does not start until the divorce action is filed and the papers are properly served upon the other party. In California, the waiting period for a divorce begins on the date that the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is served on the other spouse. This waiting period is six months, during which time neither spouse can remarry. It is important to note that the waiting period does not mean that the divorce will be finalized after six months – it is simply the earliest date that a divorce can be granted. The actual length of time it takes to finalize a divorce in California can vary depending on the complexity of the case and whether the spouses are able to reach a settlement.