What a waiting period means
A waiting period is a minimum amount of time that must pass before a divorce can be finalized. It does not guarantee final approval on that date, but it sets the earliest possible finalization point.
- Some states have no mandatory waiting period after filing.
- Some states require 20, 30, 60, 90, or more days before final approval.
- Some states have a longer finalization period even after agreement is reached.
- Court calendars, judge review, missing documents, and local rules can extend the timeline.