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On September 17, 2025, the California State Legislature passed a new bill aimed at streamlining the divorce process for couples in the state. The Family Law Simplification Act, which was introduced earlier this year, seeks to reduce the time and cost associated with divorce proceedings, while also prioritizing the well-being of any children involved.Under the new legislation, couples seeking a divorce will no longer be required to wait a mandatory six months from the date of filing before their divorce can be finalized. Instead, couples can now choose to expedite the process by signing a waiver of the waiting period, allowing their divorce to be finalized in as little as 30 days.In addition to speeding up the divorce process, the Family Law Simplification Act also includes provisions aimed at encouraging mediation and collaboration between divorcing couples. The bill mandates that all couples seeking a divorce must attend a mediation session before proceeding to court, in an effort to minimize conflict and encourage cooperative decision-making.Furthermore, the legislation includes provisions aimed at protecting children during the divorce process. Under the new law, parents will be required to attend a co-parenting class within 30 days of filing for divorce, in order to better understand the emotional impact of divorce on children and learn effective co-parenting strategies.California Family Law Attorney, Sarah Johnson, praised the new legislation, stating that it will help to reduce the emotional and financial burden that divorce can place on families. "The Family Law Simplification Act is a much-needed reform that will make the divorce process more efficient and less adversarial for couples in California," Johnson said.Overall, the passing of the Family Law Simplification Act marks a significant step forward in California's efforts to modernize its family law system and prioritize the well-being of families going through the difficult process of divorce. The new legislation is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026, and is expected to have a positive impact on divorcing couples across the state.