The process of divorce in California typically depends on which divorce process you use. The process of a mediated divorce is very different from that of a litigated (courtroom) divorce. Your attorney should explore your options and help you decide which would work best for your situation. Likewise, the length of time it takes to complete a divorce case will vary depending on the circumstances and process used. Mediations are often shorter in duration than litigated divorces. In any case, California requires a six-month waiting period (after the responding spouse receives the Petition for Divorce) before a divorce decree will be granted (six months and one day after the Petition was served is the earliest date the judge can terminate marital status).In every California divorce case, there are mandatory forms that must be completed in every case. These include but are not limited to petitions and responses, financial disclosures, and the settlement agreement or divorce judgment.