A lot of times new divorce clients will come into our office wishing for their divorce to be finalized as soon as humanely possible. We’ll hear comments like “so, can I be divorced by next week?” The truth is that California has a waiting period before a judge will officially and legally divorce the married couple. The waiting period isn’t short either - a married couple has to wait at least 6 months before a judge will officially declare the couple divorced. This waiting period is sometimes known as the “cooling off” period, and its purpose is for the couple to seriously think through their decision to divorce. California implements this rule mainly to ensure the couple is not just making a rash, quick decision, among other reasons.