How long does it take for a divorce to go through?

Depending on the County, 9 to 12 months is a fair guesstimate. If no contest, 60 days to 6 months if there are children. While divorce is pending, Court has power to punish him for inappropriate behavior.

A divorce can take as little as a few days if the parties settle. Technically, a divorce should take no longer than about 222 to 250 days from filing start to the close of discovery, and then (depending upon how busy the courthouse is where your divorce is filed) about 2-4 months before the trial is scheduled. Nonetheless, some will tell you that there is no legal deadline by which a divorce case must be completed. As a practical matter, this is true. A divorce action can take as long as the parties, their lawyers, and the court will take or allow. Many times a spouse will drag a case out as long as humanly possible to gain advantage or just to make the other spouse miserable.

If you are in fear you need a restraining order right away and also contact a domestic violence agency for help. A divorce will take some and not protect you.

In California, the earliest that the divorce can be granted is six months and one day after the case is filed with the court and served on the other spouse. If there are problems or a continuing need for temporary orders (child custody, child support, spousal support, restraining orders) and no agreement is reached between the parties, it will likely take more than six months before the divorce is granted and you are free to marry again, unless you also file for a Bifurcation on Marital Status only.

In my area there are some cases that had a Final Judgment 3 days after filing in an uncontested matter, contested matters plan on 12-18 months.

It depends entirely on your issues and how quickly you can resolve them. The average dissolution takes between 6 months to 2 years.