What Happens After Filing for Divorce in Riverside? | Riverside Divorce
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. Filing for divorce in Riverside County is an important step — but it’s just the beginning. In this article I’ll walk you through what needs to happen next, how to keep your case moving, common mistakes to avoid, and how professional help can get you across the finish line faster.
Why the post-filing steps matter
“Serving your spouse is the key to kickstarting your divorce process.”
That first administrative task — getting your spouse served — triggers the official timeline and unlocks the rest of the process. Miss this or delay it, and your case can stall indefinitely. Understanding the steps after filing helps you avoid unnecessary delays and ensures your divorce proceeds smoothly.
Step 1 — Service: how to officially start the clock
The 6-month waiting period in California doesn’t begin until the defendant (your spouse) has been properly served. There are two common ways to accomplish service:
- Notice of Acknowledgement — If your spouse is cooperative, they can sign a Notice of Acknowledgement of Receipt. Their signature is an easy, fast way to complete service without third parties.
- Personal service — If your spouse won’t cooperate, a third party must personally serve them with the documents. This must be done correctly and documented to be valid.
Tip: Keep proof of service and the dates. The 6-month statutory minimum only runs from the date of service, so accurate records matter.
Step 2 — Exchange mandatory financial disclosures
Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, California law requires both parties to exchange a Schedule of Assets and Debts and other financial disclosures. This is not optional — it’s a mandatory step to move your case forward.
- Schedule of Assets and Debts — Lists property, bank accounts, retirement accounts, loans, and other liabilities.
- Income and Expense Declaration — Provides a snapshot of each party’s financial situation and is used to evaluate support and settlements.
Failing to complete these disclosures can lead to delays or challenges when trying to finalize your divorce. Full transparency ensures a fair settlement and streamlines court review.
Step 3 — Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement
Once disclosures are exchanged, you can draft your Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). The MSA documents the division of assets and debts, any support arrangements, and other terms of your separation. Precision matters — vague or incomplete language can cause problems later when preparing judgment paperwork.
Suggestions for drafting:
- Be specific about assets, account numbers, and transfer dates.
- Outline payment schedules for debts or support.
- Include clear language about who is responsible for closing or transferring accounts.
Step 4 — Prepare and submit judgment paperwork via Riverside e-filing
After your agreement is finalized, prepare the judgment paperwork and submit it to the court. Using Riverside County’s e-filing system streamlines this step and often speeds up approval.
Make sure the judgment forms mirror the terms of your MSA exactly. Any discrepancy may lead to questions or revisions and delay finalization.
Common pitfalls & a real client example
One common mistake people make is assuming “the court will handle everything” once they file. I’ve seen cases sit inactive for months because no one completed the required post-filing steps.
Real client story: A couple filed on their own and waited for the court to act. Nothing happened. We stepped in, completed the disclosures, drafted their marital settlement agreement, and prepared the judgment paperwork correctly. Their case was approved within weeks — no court hearings, no drama.
Lessons learned:
- Filing is only the beginning — follow-through is essential.
- Complete mandatory disclosures promptly.
- Use accurate, enforceable language in settlement agreements.
- File judgment paperwork correctly and via e-filing to avoid extra delays.
Checklist: Keep your divorce moving
- Serve your spouse (Notice of Acknowledgement signed or personal service) and retain proof.
- Exchange Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income & Expense Declarations.
- Draft a precise Marital Settlement Agreement.
- Prepare judgment paperwork that matches the MSA exactly.
- E-file with Riverside County and monitor the case for any requested changes.
When to get professional help
Consider professional assistance if you want to avoid pitfalls and move your case efficiently. A flat-fee, full-service provider can handle service, disclosures, drafting, and e-filing so you don’t get stuck after the initial filing.
If you’re in Riverside County and stuck after filing, a short consultation can identify missing steps and get your case back on track fast.
Next steps and how I can help
At Divorce661 we offer flat-fee divorce services, 100% online support in Riverside County, and full handling of service, disclosures, agreements, and judgment paperwork. If you’d like help completing the post-filing steps and finalizing your divorce efficiently, schedule a free consultation at https://www.divorce661.com.
Closing thoughts
Don’t let your divorce sit in limbo after filing. Take the necessary follow-up steps — serve correctly, exchange disclosures, draft a complete agreement, and file judgment paperwork via e-filing. With the right process and support, you can avoid unnecessary delays and finalize your divorce without court drama.
