Navigating the Default With Agreement Divorce Process in Los Angeles County

Divorce can be a daunting process, especially when it comes to handling the paperwork. If you’re in Los Angeles County and are seeking a default with an agreement divorce—where there are no assets, debts, children, or spousal support—this guide will walk you through the necessary steps and forms required to finalize your divorce smoothly.

Understanding the Basics of a Default With Agreement Divorce

A default with agreement divorce is a streamlined process for couples who can amicably agree on the terms of their separation without extensive conflict. This type of divorce is particularly beneficial as it minimizes the need for lengthy court appearances and complicated negotiations.

When both parties are in agreement, and there are no children, assets, or debts involved, the process can be straightforward. However, it’s essential to ensure that all forms are correctly completed and submitted to the court to avoid delays.

Preparing Your Judgment Forms

The first step in this process is to ensure that you have completed all preliminary documents, including disclosures. Once that is done, you can focus on preparing the judgment forms. Here’s how to get started:

Marking the Dissolution

Begin by marking the dissolution as a default or uncontested case. This indicates that one party has been served, either personally or via a Notice and Acknowledgment. Write the date of service in the appropriate section.

Filling Out the Forms

For LA County, you will need to complete several forms:

• Form FL-180: This is your primary judgment form.
• Form FL-343: This form serves as an attachment regarding spousal support.
• Form FL-345: This pertains to the property order.

Remember, even if there are no assets or debts, you still need to attach a property order to the judgment. Many individuals overlook this step, thinking it’s unnecessary.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Form

Let’s dive deeper into each of these forms and what needs to be filled out.

Form FL-180 (Judgment)

This form acts as a cover sheet for your judgment. Ensure you check the boxes indicating this is a default case and that there are no children or spousal support involved. The court will fill in certain sections, so don’t worry about leaving some areas blank.

Make sure to list the names of both parties involved in the divorce and indicate that jurisdiction over spousal support has been terminated.

Form FL-343 (Attachment for Spousal Support)

Even though there’s no spousal support in your case, you must indicate that jurisdiction over this issue has been terminated for both parties. The language on this form can seem complex, but simply marking the appropriate boxes suffices.

Form FL-345 (Property Order)

When dealing with a default with agreement divorce, you will state that there are no community or separate property assets or debts. Just mark the appropriate boxes indicating there are none for both parties.

Although it may feel redundant, attaching this property order is crucial, as it formally documents the absence of any property that needs to be divided.

Finalizing the Judgment Package

Once you have filled out the necessary forms, it’s time to compile everything into a judgment package. This package should include:

• Form FL-180
• Form FL-343
• Form FL-345
• Signature page: This page should include a spot for the judge’s signature, as there is no designated area on the other forms.

Additional Required Documents

Besides the main forms, you will also need to include several procedural documents:

• Form FL-144: Stipulation and Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure.
• Form FL-165: Declaration regarding service of documents.
• Form FL-170: Declaration for Default.
• Form FL-190: Notice of Entry of Judgment.

Each of these forms serves a specific purpose, so ensure that you fill them out properly and sign where required.

Submitting Your Judgment Package

Once your judgment package is complete, it’s time to submit it to the court. Make sure to bring the original forms along with copies for the court to stamp. Ideally, you should submit all documents simultaneously to avoid unnecessary delays.

When submitting your package, ensure that you also include any required filing fees, unless you have applied for a fee waiver.

What Happens Next?

After submission, the court will process your judgment package. This can take some time, so be patient. Once approved, you will receive a Notice of Entry of Judgment, which signifies that your divorce is finalized.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even a small error can delay the divorce process. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Failing to attach the property order.
• Not signing all required documents.
• Overlooking the need for notarization on certain forms.
• Missing deadlines for filing documents.

By being meticulous and double-checking your forms, you can avoid these common mistakes.

Seeking Professional Help

If you find the paperwork overwhelming or feel uncertain about the process, consider reaching out to a professional. A legal document assistant or divorce paralegal can help you navigate the forms, ensuring everything is completed correctly and submitted on time.

For those in Los Angeles County, there are services available that specialize in amicable divorces, providing guidance and support for a smooth process.

Conclusion

Completing a default with agreement divorce in Los Angeles County can be straightforward if you follow the necessary steps and ensure all forms are correctly filled out. Remember to take your time, avoid common mistakes, and reach out for help if needed. With patience and diligence, you can finalize your divorce amicably and move on to the next chapter of your life.