Divorce in California: Step-by-Step Guide
Not every divorce needs to be messy, expensive, or drawn out. If you and your spouse agree on the terms, or you have a good idea that your spouse is not going to battle with you in court, we can help streamline the divorce process for you: Saving you time, money, and emotional stress.
The Decision to File for Divorce
Divorce is a significant life transition, often marked by emotional challenges and legal complexities. For many, the process can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to balance personal healing with the demands of paperwork and court procedures.
Divorce cases in California take a minimum of six months; and unfortunately, some cases can take even longer. Common mistakes can cause a simple case to go awry: incorrectly submitted documents, missing local court forms, late deadlines, and other unexpected errors can result in unnecessary delays and end up prolonging of your case.
With so many moving parts to manage, our singular goal is to help you complete this transition as easy and stress-free as possible.
What Does the Divorce Process look like?
A divorce case in California is actually very linear in procedure, and if done right, can be actually be very straightforward. Here’s how it generally works:
Initial Consultation and Case Discussion: We will discuss the basic facts about your marriage: length of the relationship, shared assets or debts, whether minor children are involved, and more. We’ll give you an idea of what to expect for the process, cost and timeline of your case.
Case Document Preparation, Forms, Declarations and Notices: We prepare your Petition for Dissolution Packet with all your requested outcomes, including Summons, Declarations, Disclosures, Exhibits, Notices, and local forms required by your courthouse. If you need to file separate Request for Order (FL-300) for emergency property control, custody or support-related requests, we can help with that too. Every set of documents is tailored to your case and compliant with local court rules and procedures.
Court Filing and Respondent’s Response, If Any: Once your Petition Packet is finalized, we file it in the appropriate California Superior Court and walk you through the proper method to serve your spouse. What happen next depends on your spouse: whether they choose to respond, or not. Regardless of the outcome, we will provide you step-by-step support depending on the service you choose.
Possibility of a Prove-Up or Default Hearing: If your case proceeds by default or if you and your spouse have a written agreement, the court may require a prove-up hearing before granting your divorce. This court appearance allows you to present your proposed judgment and confirm under oath that all required steps have been completed. Although we are not an attorney’s office and cannot represent you at the hearing, our office will sit-in with you during the hearing to observe the Judge’s requests and remarks. Prior to your hearing, we also get you set up and prepared so that you feel at ease and confident about what to expect. In many cases, this is the final step before receiving your official judgment of dissolution.
Judgment and Granting of Order
Once all issues are resolved (whether by agreement, default, hearing, or court decision), a final judgment packet must be submitted for the Judge to sign. If submitted correctly, the Judge will issue a dissolution order that officially terminates the marriage, making you are officially divorced.
Keep in mind that under California law, every divorce case must go through a mandatory six-month waiting period before it can be finalized. This is often referred to as the "cooling-off period." If everything is done correctly, and there’s no dispute or back-and-forth with your spouse, your case may qualify as an uncontested default. If it is, our seasoned paralegal can potentially help you get your case completed as soon as six months and one day from the date of service of the Petition Packet.
Why Choose a Paralegal for Your Divorce?
Flat-fee pricing and flexible service options. No billable hours. Unlike hiring an attorney, which can quickly become expensive, working with a paralegal gives you the support you need at a more affordable rate. In many cases, involving a lawyer too early can escalate tension. If the other party senses a legal fight, they may feel pressured to hire an attorney themselves, even if they weren't planning to contest. That dynamic can make things more difficult than necessary, especially if you believe the other person is open to resolution.
Focused Expertise in Local Courts: Having been in and out of Southern CA Courthouses for the past decade, we carry a deep knowledge of family law divorce procedures and requirements in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura County courthouses. With our experience, we may be able to get your case completed as soon as feasibly (and legally) possible.
We offer flexible, step-by-step support throughout your entire case, no matter what happens. As a paralegal service, we’re here to assist you at every stage, regardless of how your case evolves. If your situation becomes more complex, such as when the other party files a response or hires an attorney, you’re free to retain legal counsel at any time. Should you need legal advice, we have a trusted network of experienced family law attorneys who can provide hourly consultations, take over your case entirely, or assist in negotiating a marital settlement agreement on your behalf. If your case does end up being simple, we can continue with taking you through to the end, which ultimately saves both you and the other party thousands in attorney’s feed. At the end of the day, it’s up to you.
A Path Forward
Divorce marks the end of one chapter and also the beginning of a new one. We’re here to simplify the legal side of divorce so you can focus on building a future that feels brighter and more aligned with your goals. Reach out today, and let us help you take the next step with confidence and peace of mind.
or, give us a call at (714) 248-6064
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