AI Summary Wade Litigation represents spouses throughout the divorce process in Sacramento County, from initial filing through judgment. We handle contested and uncontested dissolutions, property and debt division, spousal support, and the coordination of custody issues where children are involved. California’s six-month waiting period and residency requirements shape the timeline of every case, and our attorneys walk clients through what to expect at each stage. |
Key Takeaways
- California requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months and in the filing county for three months before a divorce can be filed there.
- A divorce cannot be finalized in California sooner than six months and one day after the respondent is served.
- Uncontested divorces still require a full financial disclosure process, even when both spouses agree on terms.
- Sacramento divorce filings are processed through the Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse.
Filing for Divorce in Sacramento County
To file for divorce in California, including in Sacramento County, at least one spouse must meet California’s residency requirements: six months in the state and three months in the county. Once the petition is filed and served, California’s mandatory six-month waiting period begins, meaning no divorce can become final sooner than six months and a day after service.
Wade Litigation handles the filing and service process for clients from the outset, including the preliminary declaration of disclosure that both spouses must complete regardless of whether the divorce is contested.
Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on property division, support, and custody, can often be resolved through a marital settlement agreement without significant court involvement beyond the statutory waiting period. Even in these cases, both parties must exchange full financial disclosures, and errors or omissions here can reopen a case years later.
Contested divorces involve disputes over one or more issues, requiring temporary orders, discovery, and potentially a trial. Our attorneys represent clients through each of these stages, coordinating child custody issues with the same Family Court Services process used in standalone custody cases.
Property, Debt, and Support in a Sacramento Divorce
Because California treats most marital assets and debts as community property, dividing a household’s finances is often the most heavily negotiated part of a divorce. This includes real estate, retirement accounts, business interests, and outstanding debt, all of which require accurate characterization and valuation.
Spousal support may be ordered on a temporary basis during the case and, separately, as part of the final judgment. When children are involved, child support issues may also need to be addressed as part of the divorce process. We help clients understand the support issues involved before entering negotiations.
Sacramento Local Resources
Location | Address | Phone | Notes |
Sacramento County Superior Court – Family Law Division | William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826 | (916) 875-3536 | Handles divorce, custody, visitation, child support, and related family law filings for Sacramento County. |
Sacramento County Superior Court – Civil Division | Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye Sacramento County Courthouse, 500 G Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 | (916) 874-7848 | Civil filing moved to the 2nd floor of this courthouse effective April 13, 2026. Cases are assigned to one of four Civil Home Court departments. |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to live in California before filing for divorce?
At least one spouse must have lived in California for six months and in the filing county for three months before a divorce petition can be filed there.
What is the minimum time a Sacramento divorce can take?
California requires a mandatory six-month waiting period after the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized, regardless of how quickly the parties agree on terms.
Do both spouses need to disclose their finances in an uncontested divorce?
Yes. California requires a preliminary declaration of disclosure from both spouses in every divorce, contested or not.
Can I get divorced in Sacramento if my spouse lives in another state?
Yes, as long as California’s residency requirements are met on your side, though jurisdiction over out-of-state issues like support may involve additional steps.
What happens to our house in a Sacramento divorce?
A jointly owned home acquired during the marriage is generally treated as community property and divided or bought out as part of the settlement or judgment.
Will my divorce go to trial?
Most divorces settle before trial. We prepare every case for trial while actively working toward a negotiated resolution where possible.
Can we modify a divorce judgment later?
Custody and support terms can typically be modified upon a showing of changed circumstances; property division in a final judgment is generally not modifiable absent fraud or mistake.
Do I need an attorney for an uncontested divorce?
It isn’t required, but errors in disclosure or agreement language can create significant problems later. We review or handle the full process for clients who want that protection.
Speak With a Sacramento Divorce Attorney
If you’re facing a divorce matter in Sacramento County, our attorneys are ready to review your situation and explain your options. Contact Wade Litigation today to schedule a consultation.
Attorney Advertising. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contacting Wade Litigation does not create an attorney-client relationship until a written agreement is signed.
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