Step-by-Step Guide to an Amicable Divorce in Long Beach
In Long Beach you can complete your entire divorce process electronically through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. No court visits. No courtroom stress. Everything can be handled remotely and efficiently, which is exactly how we help couples get through an amicable divorce as quickly and affordably as possible.
Overview: How the fully electronic Long Beach divorce works
The process begins with filing the initial paperwork and finishes with submitting the final judgment package to start the mandatory six-month waiting period. When both parties agree on the terms, the entire case can be handled online: forms are prepared, efiled, and submitted to the court with no in-person appearances required.
Step-by-step process
- Prepare and file initial formsStart by filing the petition, summons, and any custody jurisdiction form if you have children. In California that typically means the UCCJEA form. We prepare and efile all necessary documents to get your case started correctly with the LA County Superior Court.
- Serve your spouseEven if you both agree, service is a required step. Most clients choose a notice of acknowledgement, which avoids hiring a process server and keeps the process amicable. This method lets your spouse acknowledge receipt of the paperwork voluntarily.
- Exchange financial disclosuresEvery case requires transparency. Exchange complete financial disclosures including income, expenses, assets, and debts. These disclosures are essential for fair property division, support determinations, and finalizing your settlement.
- Draft a settlement agreementWork with your spouse to draft a settlement agreement that covers property division, spousal support or child support, parenting time, and shared responsibilities. When both parties are in agreement, we can expedite the paperwork and minimize back-and-forth.
- Submit the final judgment packageOnce the settlement agreement is complete, submit the final judgment package to the court to initiate the six-month waiting period. If the waiting period has already started, we can submit the package right away so no time is wasted.
Serving your spouse the easy way
Service is required even in uncontested divorces. The notice of acknowledgement is the simplest option for amicable cases. It lets your spouse sign a form acknowledging they received the documents, which eliminates the need for a process server and reduces tension between both parties.
What to include in financial disclosures
- Income: pay stubs, tax returns, and other income documentation
- Monthly expenses: household budget and recurring payments
- Assets: bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate
- Debts: mortgages, credit cards, student loans, and liabilities
Complete and accurate disclosures are the backbone of a fair settlement. They protect both parties and increase the likelihood of court approval without complications.
Final judgment and the six-month waiting period
California requires a minimum six-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served before a divorce can be finalized. Submitting the final judgment package to the court triggers that waiting period. If that period has already begun, we will submit the package immediately so you do not lose time.
Real example: a divorce completed in two weeks
We recently helped a Long Beach couple finish their entire process in just two weeks. From filing to submitting the judgment package, everything was handled online. The court approved the paperwork without issues. That example shows how fast and simple the process can be when both parties are cooperative and the paperwork is done correctly.
Why choose a flat-fee, fully remote solution
- Flat-fee pricing with no surprise costs
- 100 percent remote and fully electronic filing through LA County courts
- Court-approved paperwork prepared correctly the first time
- Thousands of successful amicable divorces handled across California
Ready to get started?
If you want an amicable, affordable divorce without attorneys or courtrooms, visit divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We handle everything remotely for a flat fee so you can move forward with less stress and more certainty.
No attorneys, no courtrooms, no stress.
