It depends whether you and your spouse can reach an agreement.  Some couples obtain a signed Judgment of Divorce in less than three months because they agree on how to raise their children, divide their property and secure financial independence once the divorce is finalized.  Some couples attempt to negotiate a settlement for months with no success.  If a couple cannot reach an agreement, they must ask the court for help to resolve their disagreements.   This is called litigation.  Where the couple is unable to agree on a settlement, the judge decides the terms of the divorce after a trial on all the contested issues in the case.  The litigation process can take several months or even longer to be finalized.