Glendale Divorce: What You Need to Know Before Filing

Overview

If you are planning to file for divorce in Glendale, the good news is the Los Angeles County Superior Court offers full electronic filing. That means you can complete the entire process online without stepping into a courthouse. But online filing does not remove the legal requirements. Knowing what forms you must file and how to properly serve your spouse will prevent delays and rejections.

What you must file to start your divorce

To initiate a divorce you will need to file two core documents:

• Petition for dissolution of marriage
• Summons

If you and your spouse have children, you must also include the UCCJEA form, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act declaration. This form tells the court where the children have lived and which state has jurisdiction over custody matters.

Proper service of your spouse

Proper service is a critical step. The court will not proceed until your spouse has been properly served. Common methods include:

• Hiring a professional process server to deliver the documents
• Having your spouse sign an acknowledgement of service

Make sure the proof of service is completed and filed correctly. Incorrect or incomplete service is one of the most frequent reasons cases are delayed or rejected.

Financial disclosures are mandatory

Even if you and your spouse agree on everything, California requires financial transparency before a divorce can be finalized. The required disclosures typically include:

• A Schedule of Assets and Debts detailing property, accounts, debts, and other financial interests
• An Income and Expense Declaration outlining current income, monthly expenses, and sources of support

Without these, court approval is impossible.

These disclosures form the backbone of the court’s review. They ensure fairness and protect both parties by documenting financial circumstances. If disclosures are missing or incomplete, the court will not approve your judgment package.

Marital Settlement Agreement and the judgment package

For uncontested or amicable divorces, a carefully drafted Marital Settlement Agreement is essential. This agreement should address:

• Division of property and debts
• Spousal support, if any
• Child custody, visitation, and child support, if applicable

Once the agreement and all required disclosures are ready, you submit a judgment package to the court. A complete and well-prepared package significantly increases the chance of fast court approval and minimizes follow up requests from the court.

Common pitfalls and a real life example

One common pitfall is trying to file without all forms and disclosures. I recently saw a Glendale couple who tried to handle their case themselves. The court repeatedly rejected their filings because crucial forms were missing. After we corrected their paperwork and submitted a complete package, the court approved their divorce within days. That turnaround shows how much time and money can be saved with thorough preparation.

How we can help

We provide a fully remote, flat fee divorce service tailored for amicable couples in California. Our services include:

• Guidance on required forms for Glendale and Los Angeles County e-filing
• Preparation and review of financial disclosures
• Drafting a clear Marital Settlement Agreement
• Submission of a complete judgment package for court approval

Our approach is focused on efficiency and avoiding common mistakes that cause delays and extra costs.

Next steps

If you are ready to file for divorce in Glendale, start by gathering basic financial information and prepare to file your petition, summons, and any child custody jurisdiction forms. Make arrangements for proper service and complete the required disclosures before submitting your judgment package.

For a free consultation and help with e-filing and preparing a court-acceptable package, visit Divorce661.com. We will guide you through every step so your divorce is completed correctly and without unnecessary delays.