Contra Costa Divorce Timeline: What to Expect
I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re starting the divorce process in Contra Costa County, one of the first questions on your mind is likely: how long will this take? While every case is unique, there is a typical timeline you can expect—especially if your divorce is amicable and both parties work together to move things forward.
Quick overview: the legal minimum and what it means
The official minimum waiting period in California is 6 months.
That six-month waiting period is the legal minimum. Your divorce cannot be finalized any sooner than six months from the date your spouse is served or files a response, whichever comes first. That said, many of the steps that make up the remainder of the process can be completed well before the six months expires, so you can avoid surprises and have everything ready when the court’s waiting period ends.
Step-by-step timeline for an amicable Contra Costa divorce
1. Filing the initial paperwork
The process begins when you file the petition (and any required supporting forms such as the UCCJEA if applicable), along with the summons. Once those documents are filed, the next critical step is service.
2. Service and when the clock starts
Your spouse must be properly served with the filed papers. The six-month waiting period begins as soon as service is complete or when the spouse files a response—whichever happens first. Proper service is essential; mistakes here can cause delays or complications later.
3. Preliminary financial disclosures (required)
While the six-month clock is running, both parties must complete and exchange preliminary financial disclosures. These typically include:
- Schedule of assets and debts
- Income and expense declaration
Even in fully agreed, uncontested cases, these disclosures are mandatory and cannot be skipped. Getting them done quickly reduces friction and supports a smooth settlement and judgment preparation.
4. Settlement agreement and judgment paperwork
If both parties reach agreement, the next step is to prepare and submit the judgment paperwork to the court. Contra Costa County is known for reviewing properly completed judgment forms quickly. However, if paperwork contains errors or missing forms, the court will reject the submission—potentially delaying your case by weeks or months.
5. Court review and finalization
Provided the forms are complete and correct, the court can approve the judgment paperwork well before the six-month date. Still, the divorce itself cannot be finalized until the statutory six months have passed.
Real example: how this can look in practice
We recently worked with a Contra Costa couple who moved very quickly. Their petition was filed and the other spouse served within a few days. They completed disclosures and drafted a settlement agreement within the first month. We filed the judgment paperwork as soon as the court allowed—31 days after filing—and the court approved it within a few weeks. Although the divorce couldn’t be officially finalized until the six-month mark, everything else was completed in advance, giving them peace of mind and preventing last-minute delays.
Common causes of delays — and how to avoid them
Delays largely come from paperwork errors, missing forms, improper service, or failing to complete mandatory disclosures. To help your case stay on track:
- Double-check every form before filing—small mistakes lead to rejections.
- Complete and exchange disclosures early. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Use a checklist for required documents (petition, summons, UCCJEA when needed, schedules, income/expense declarations, settlement and judgment forms).
- Serve properly. Follow the rules for service so the six-month clock starts cleanly.
- Consider professional help to prepare and review forms if you’re unsure. Precision matters in Contra Costa County.
How Divorce661 helps speed the process
At Divorce661 we focus on moving an amicable divorce through the timeline as quickly and efficiently as possible. We handle:
- Preparation and filing of all required documents
- Tracking deadlines and coordinating service
- Preparing judgment paperwork the right way to avoid court rejections
Because Contra Costa reviews properly completed judgments quickly, having everything in order early can remove stress and prevent unnecessary waiting.
Next steps and where to get help
If you want help staying on schedule and finalizing your divorce without delays, visit Divorce661.com and schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through the timeline, prepare every document, and make sure your divorce moves forward smoothly from start to finish.
Summary
Keep in mind the key points: the legal minimum waiting period is six months, preliminary disclosures are mandatory, and properly completed judgment paperwork can be approved well in advance of the statutory waiting period—if you avoid common mistakes. With the right preparation and attention to detail, your Contra Costa divorce can proceed efficiently and predictably.
