How to File for Divorce in San Bernardino Without a Lawyer
I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in San Bernardino County but want to avoid steep attorney fees, you’re in the right place. California law lets you represent yourself — and if your divorce is amicable, the process can be handled correctly and affordably without ever stepping foot in court. That said, success comes down to one thing: precision.
Why You Can File Without a Lawyer
California permits self-representation in family law matters. For couples who agree on the terms of their separation, this makes a lawyer-free divorce a realistic option. The benefits are clear:
- Significant savings on attorney fees
- Faster resolution when both parties cooperate
- Remote, paper-light process thanks to e-filing
But being allowed to do something and doing it successfully are different things. Follow the process precisely to avoid delays and rejections.
Step-by-Step: The Divorce Process You Can Do Yourself
1. Prepare and File the Correct Forms
Everything begins with the right paperwork. Prepare the summons, petition, and any local forms required by San Bernardino County. Accuracy matters — names, dates, and county-specific details must be exact.
- Download and complete the state forms and any San Bernardino local forms.
- Double-check every field for accuracy.
- eFile the documents according to the county’s requirements.
Precision is your foundation. Small mistakes on these initial forms often lead to rejections later.
2. Serve Your Spouse Properly
Serving the other party correctly is mandatory. If the service is improper, your case cannot move forward.
- Use an approved method of service (personal service is common).
- Make sure proof of service is completed accurately and returned to the court.
- If your spouse signs a waiver of service, use the correct form and file it timely.
Serving the papers may seem simple, but mistakes here are frequent and avoidable with attention to detail.
3. Exchange Financial Disclosures
California requires both parties to exchange financial disclosures early in the process. This transparency is essential for agreeing on property division, debt allocation, and support.
- Prepare Income and Expense Declarations.
- Include pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements as required.
- File proofs of exchange with the court when necessary.
Missing or incomplete disclosures are a common reason courts reject final judgments. Don’t skip them.
4. Submit a Final Judgment That Gets Approved
When you and your spouse agree on terms, prepare a final judgment/package for submission. The court will review the documents, and if everything is correct, the judge will sign the judgment without a hearing.
Key points:
- Ensure all disclosures are attached or referenced as required.
- Use the correct judgment and decree formats accepted by San Bernardino County.
- Double-check signatures, dates, and notary requirements.
San Bernardino e-Filing: What You Need to Know
San Bernardino County has a strict e-filing system. Even minor errors — wrong formatting, missing disclosures, misnamed files — can lead to electronic rejections. Be meticulous about:
- File naming conventions and document types
- Uploading complete sets of documents (no missing pages)
- Conforming to local rules for judgments and attachments
Precision is your best ally here. Treat every uploaded document as if a judge will review it line by line.
Common eFiling Errors to Avoid
- Missing or incomplete financial disclosures
- Incorrect file formats or corrupted uploads
- Wrong document titles that don’t match local e-filing categories
- Incorrectly completed proofs of service
- Failing to include all required attachments for a final judgment
Real Client Example: Multiple Rejections — Then Approval
One client attempted to file their divorce alone but received multiple rejections on their judgment. The issues were small but critical: incomplete disclosures, formatting errors, and missing attachments. We stepped in, corrected each error, and submitted a clean packet. The result? Their divorce was approved quickly — without any attorneys or court appearances.
“We corrected their errors, ensuring a smooth approval without attorneys or court appearances.”
This example shows that most problems are fixable — but fixing them early saves time, money, and stress.
How Divorce661 Can Help — Without Charging Attorney Fees
At Divorce661 we provide a full-service, attorney-free solution designed for amicable divorces in California. Our services include:
- Flat-fee pricing — no surprise costs
- Preparation and eFiling of all required documents
- Guidance on proper service and financial disclosures
- 100% remote support across California
- Help submitting a final judgment that gets approved the first time
If you’d like professional guidance but still want to avoid hiring an attorney, we offer a free consultation to review your case and outline next steps.
Schedule a free consultation: https://divorce661.com/divorce661-consultation/
Visit our website: https://divorce661.com
Quick Checklist Before You File
- Have all state and local San Bernardino forms completed and double-checked
- Confirm proof of service method and prepare necessary forms
- Prepare and exchange complete financial disclosures
- Format and name eFiled documents according to county rules
- Attach or reference all required documents in your final judgment
- Consider a professional review if you’re unsure — it can prevent costly rejections
Conclusion: Start Smart — Be Precise
You can file for divorce in San Bernardino without a lawyer — especially if your split is amicable. But the key is following the process precisely. Accurate forms, proper service, complete financial disclosures, and correct e-filing are non-negotiable. If you want to save money while avoiding delays and rejections, take the time to do it right or get professional help that doesn’t involve hiring an attorney.
Take the first step today: get a free consultation at Divorce661.com and let us help you navigate your divorce journey smoothly and stress-free.
