How to Avoid Common Mistakes in San Diego County Divorces

Introduction

I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. In my video I walk through the most common mistakes people make when filing for divorce in San Diego County and how to avoid them. Filing can be straightforward if you know what the court expects—one small paperwork error or process misstep can cause costly delays, rejections, or even force you to start over. Below I’ll explain the pitfalls I see most often and give practical steps to get your case approved the first time.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Skipping or mishandling mandatory financial disclosures

In California, both spouses must complete and exchange financial disclosures—this is a legal requirement even when you agree on everything. Missing, incomplete, or improperly exchanged disclosures are the top reason judgment packages are rejected by the court.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Prepare complete disclosures that clearly list assets, debts, income, and expenses.
• Exchange disclosures with your spouse according to the timeline required by law.
• Keep copies of everything exchanged and document delivery methods (mail, e‑file, etc.).
• If you’re unsure what to include, get a professional review to ensure nothing is omitted.

2. Filing outdated or incorrect forms

San Diego County requires electronic filing and expects current versions of all documents. Using an old form, missing a required attachment, or submitting the wrong version can get your filing rejected. Worse, the court often doesn’t tell you exactly what went wrong, which forces guesswork and delays.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Download forms from the San Diego Superior Court website or your e‑filing service to ensure they’re current.
• Follow the e‑filing vendor’s checklist and attach every required exhibit.
• Double-check form versions and file names before submission.

3. Serving documents incorrectly — and resetting the six‑month clock

Proper service is a technical requirement. You can’t serve your spouse yourself, and if service isn’t done according to the rules, the mandatory six‑month waiting period doesn’t begin. I often see people who think they’re six months into the process only to find out the clock never started.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Use a qualified process server, sheriff, or an appropriate third party (someone over 18 who is not a party to the case) to serve documents.
• Follow the specific service methods allowed in California and San Diego County.
• File proof of service promptly and accurately so the court records show that service occurred correctly.

4. Submitting generic settlement agreements

Generic templates are tempting, but San Diego courts require precise language when dividing assets, assigning debt, or addressing support. A vague agreement can be rejected—or worse, signed off by the court and leave one party unprotected.

How to avoid this mistake:

• Draft a tailored settlement agreement that lists specific assets, account numbers (where appropriate), ownership percentages, and how debts will be paid.
• Address tax treatment, retirement accounts, and any contingencies (e.g., sell/transfer timelines).
• Include detailed support provisions if applicable and describe enforcement or modification expectations.
• Have the agreement reviewed by a professional familiar with San Diego court expectations.

“One small mistake in the paperwork or process can lead to costly delays, court rejections, or even starting over from scratch.”

Real Client Example

A San Diego couple tried to handle their own divorce but had their judgment rejected three separate times. The problems were incomplete disclosures and an agreement that lacked the necessary legal detail. After months of frustration they came to us at Divorce661. We corrected the paperwork, resubmitted everything properly, and had their judgment approved in just two weeks.

Practical Checklist to Get It Right the First Time

• Prepare and exchange full financial disclosures for both parties.
• Use the current court forms and file electronically per San Diego County rules.
• Arrange proper service through an approved third party and file proof of service.
• Draft a detailed, case‑specific settlement agreement—don’t rely on a generic template.
• Keep detailed records of all filings, exchanges, and communications.
• When in doubt, have a knowledgeable professional review your paperwork before submission.

How I Can Help

At Divorce661 we help San Diego couples avoid these mistakes from the start. We handle filings, disclosures, service, and court documentation so your case is approved the first time—without the guesswork or back and forth with the court.

What we offer:

• Flat‑fee divorce help—no hourly surprises.
• 100% remote process for San Diego County.
• Full handling of filing, service, disclosures, and judgment paperwork.
• Free consultation to walk you through the process and answer questions.

Conclusion

Divorce in San Diego County doesn’t have to be a paperwork nightmare. Knowing the mandatory steps, using current forms, serving documents correctly, and drafting a detailed settlement agreement will save you time, money, and stress. If you want to do it right the first time, visit Divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation and get professional help from the start.