Step-by-Step Guide to an Amicable Divorce in San Bernardino

Introduction

I’m Tim Blankenship of Divorce661. If you and your spouse are in agreement, an amicable divorce in San Bernardino County is the fastest, simplest, and most affordable path forward. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide I use with clients to complete an uncontested divorce—explaining what to file, how to serve, which financial disclosures are required, and how to submit your final judgment so the court can approve it quickly.

Overview: The Five Key Steps

1. File the initial documents
2. Serve your spouse
3. Exchange financial disclosures
4. Draft and sign the Marital Settlement Agreement
5. Submit the completed judgment package

Step 1 — File Your Initial Documents

The process begins with filing the Petition and Summons. If you have children under 18, you must also file the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) declaration so the court knows where the children have lived and which state has custody jurisdiction.

One advantage for many clients is that San Bernardino County Superior Court accepts filings remotely. At Divorce661 we e-file the documents on your behalf, which means you don’t need to go to the courthouse in person. Proper initial filing ensures the case is opened correctly and the clock for the statutory waiting period begins.

Step 2 — Serve Your Spouse

Once the Petition and Summons are filed, your spouse must be served. If your spouse is cooperative, the easiest method is to use a Notice of Acknowledgement and Receipt by Mail. This lets them acknowledge receipt of the documents without formal personal service.

If your spouse is not cooperative, arrange for personal service by a process server or sheriff. After service, a Proof of Service form is filed with the court to confirm service was completed in accordance with California rules.

Step 3 — Exchange Financial Disclosures

Even when the divorce is amicable, both parties are required to exchange full financial disclosures. This is non-negotiable and protects both spouses by ensuring agreements are informed and enforceable.

• Schedule of Assets and Debts: Lists all community and separate property and each debt.
• Income and Expense Declaration: Shows current income, monthly expenses, and employment information.

These disclosures are important for property division, support calculations, and creating a fair settlement. Failing to properly disclose assets can invalidate a later agreement or create legal problems down the road.

Step 4 — Draft and Sign the Marital Settlement Agreement

The Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) is the heart of an uncontested divorce. It documents your mutual agreement on:

• Division of property and debts
• Spousal support (if any)
• Child custody and visitation (if applicable)
• Child support and health insurance arrangements

Once both parties sign the MSA, the terms become the basis for the final judgment. At this point we prepare the judgment paperwork so the court can enter the terms as a finalized order.

Step 5 — Submit Your Completed Judgment Package

After the MSA and all supporting forms are assembled, submit the complete judgment package to the court. If everything is accurate and complete, San Bernardino courts typically approve amicable judgments within a few weeks.

Keep in mind the statutory waiting period: you’ll still need to wait the six-month minimum before the divorce becomes final, but the paperwork can be processed and approved well in advance so nothing is left to do when the waiting period ends.

Real Client Example

We recently assisted a San Bernardino couple who completed all five steps in under 30 days. Their judgment was approved quickly by the court, and they are now simply waiting out the six-month minimum before their divorce is final. This shows how efficient an uncontested process can be when the paperwork is handled correctly.

Why Use a Full-Service, Flat-Fee Provider?

Handling filings, service, disclosures, and judgment preparation correctly is essential to avoid delays or mistakes. At Divorce661 we offer:

• Flat-fee pricing—no hourly attorney costs
• 100% remote service across California
• Complete handling of paperwork, filings, and proof of service
• Experience to make sure the court accepts your judgment the first time

Important Tips for an Amicable Divorce

• Be thorough with financial disclosures—full transparency prevents future disputes.
• Put important agreements in writing (property splits, support, custody schedules).
• Use proper service procedures and file Proof of Service to keep your case moving.
• Confirm local court procedures; even amicable cases must meet California’s legal requirements.

“Done right the first time—fast, stress-free, and court-approved.” — Tim Blankenship

Conclusion and Next Steps

An amicable divorce in San Bernardino can be fast and low-cost if you follow the right steps: file correctly, serve properly, exchange full financial disclosures, sign a clear Marital Settlement Agreement, and submit a complete judgment package. If you want help navigating the process, schedule a free consultation with Divorce661. We handle everything—from paperwork to court filings—so you can finalize your divorce the easy way.

Contact

Visit Divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation and learn more about our flat-fee, full-service divorce solution in California.