Santa Clarita Divorce Checklist: Everything You Need

If you are getting ready to file for divorce in Santa Clarita, a clear checklist will make the process far less stressful. Below is a step-by-step guide covering every document and action you will need to complete your divorce from start to finish.

Quick overview

• File the initial paperwork with the court to open your case and receive a case number.
• Serve your spouse with the filed documents and file proof of service with the court.
• Complete and exchange required financial disclosures.
• Prepare a settlement agreement and judgment forms that resolve property, custody, support, and other issues.
• File the final paperwork to obtain a judgment of dissolution.

Step 1 — Filing the initial paperwork

Start your case by filing the necessary forms at the family law clerk in the county where you or your spouse reside. The primary documents are:

• Petition initiating the divorce.
• Summons notifying the other party of the case.
• UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) form if you have children. This identifies jurisdictions where the children have lived.

After filing, the court will assign a case number. Keep that number handy — you will use it on all subsequent filings.

Step 2 — Serving your spouse

After your documents are filed you must serve the other party with the filed copies. Serving can be done in two common ways:

• Personal service — a third party (not you) hands the documents to your spouse in person.
• Notice of Acknowledgement and Receipt — when your spouse is cooperative, they can sign a form acknowledging receipt of the documents.

Whichever method you use, you must file a Proof of Service with the court to show that your spouse was properly notified.

Step 3 — Financial disclosures (required in every case)

California requires both parties to exchange financial information in every divorce, even when the divorce is amicable and the parties already agree. The two main disclosure documents are:

• Schedule of Assets and Debts — a full accounting of community and separate property, bank accounts, retirement, real estate, debts, and other assets.
• Income and Expense Declaration — documents current income, monthly expenses, and other financial details used to evaluate support issues.

These disclosures provide transparency and are required before a court will finalize property division, spousal support, or child support. Failing to complete them can delay or invalidate your agreement.

Step 4 — Drafting your settlement agreement and judgment forms

When issues are resolved, the agreement and judgment forms put your decisions into legally enforceable language. Typical topics covered include:

• Division of property and debts
• Child custody and visitation
• Child support calculations and payment terms
• Spousal support or waive of support
• Any other terms the parties agree on (health insurance, tax deductions for children, retirement account splitting, etc.)

Drafting these forms correctly is critical. Errors or omissions can cause the court to reject the paperwork or later create disputes. Make sure your judgment and settlement documents clearly reflect the parties’ intentions and include all required language for the court.

How quickly can this be done?

It depends on cooperation, accuracy of paperwork, and court processing times. In an amicable, well-prepared case everything can move quickly. For example, one Santa Clarita couple completed their divorce from filing to approved judgment in less than two weeks. All documents were e-filed and approved without a single court appearance.

How professional help can make the process smoother

When you work with an experienced service that handles every step, you reduce the risk of missing forms, filing errors, or delays. Professional services typically provide:

• End-to-end handling of forms, filing, and court submissions
• Electronic filing to speed up the process
• Guidance on proper service and proof of service
• Preparation of settlement and judgment forms that meet court requirements

When every step is handled correctly, paperwork is more likely to be approved the first time and without in-person court appearances.

Next steps and resources

Use this checklist to prepare before you file. Gather supporting documents such as pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, property deeds, and retirement account statements ahead of time to complete your Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income and Expense Declaration.

If you want help making sure your divorce is handled smoothly from start to finish, consider scheduling a consultation with a service that handles filings, disclosures, settlements, and judgments so you do not miss anything and your paperwork gets approved the first time.