How to File for Divorce in Los Angeles Without a Lawyer

I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Los Angeles County but want to avoid steep attorney fees, you can absolutely handle the process yourself—especially when the divorce is amicable. Below I’ll walk you through the practical steps, required forms, timelines, and tips so you can file and finalize your divorce without hiring an attorney.

Quick overview: Can you file without a lawyer?

Yes. California law allows you to represent yourself. Many people complete an uncontested divorce by preparing the paperwork, serving the other party correctly, exchanging mandatory financial disclosures, and submitting a stipulated judgment or marital settlement agreement. If everything is in order, the court can approve the judgment without you ever stepping into a courtroom.

Step-by-step: What to do

1. Prepare the initial court forms

   These are the documents that open the case. At a minimum you will need:

   • Petition for Dissolution (the main form that starts the divorce)
   • Summons (notifies the other party of the case)
   • UCCJEA declaration (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) — required if you have children

   Gather any additional local forms the Los Angeles County courthouse requires.

2. File with the court (Los Angeles County)

   Los Angeles County allows electronic filing, so you can get your case started remotely. File the completed initial forms at the correct county courthouse or use the county’s e-filing system.

3. Serve your spouse properly

   After filing, the other party must be legally served copies of the filed forms. Important rules:

   • Service cannot be done by you.
   • A server must be over 18 and not a party to the case.
   • After service, you must file a Proof of Service with the court.

4. Start the six-month waiting period

   Once proper service is completed and proof filed, the court’s mandatory six-month waiting period begins. That’s the earliest a California divorce can be finalized.

5. Complete and exchange financial disclosures

   Both parties must exchange financial information so each side knows the full picture before finalizing the divorce. These disclosures are required even in amicable cases:

   • Schedule of Assets and Debts
   • Income and Expense Declaration
   • Any supporting documents (pay stubs, tax returns, account statements)

   The court requires these disclosures to promote fairness and transparency.

6. Prepare your final paperwork

   Once disclosures are exchanged and you’ve agreed on terms, prepare the documents to submit the final judgment:

   • Marital Settlement Agreement or Stipulated Judgment outlining property division, debts, support, custody and visitation (if applicable)
   • Required Judicial Council forms to submit your judgment for approval

   If the forms are correct and the court accepts them, your divorce can be finalized without any court hearing.

Why people run into delays (and how to avoid them)

Paperwork rejection is the most common delay. Forms may be rejected for incomplete information, incorrect formatting, or missing supporting documents. That’s why accuracy matters: a single rejected filing can add weeks or months to the process.

“No court, no stress, and no attorney fees.”

In one recent example, a couple tried to file on their own but had paperwork rejected multiple times. We reviewed and corrected their forms, refiled the case, and had their judgment approved within two weeks.

When you might still need help

An uncontested, amicable divorce is the best scenario for a DIY approach. If you and your spouse disagree on major issues—child custody, spousal support, complex asset division, or debt allocation—consulting an attorney or mediator is advisable. But for straightforward cases, a licensed legal document preparer or an experienced service can save time and money while ensuring filings meet court standards.

How Divorce661 helps

At Divorce661 we specialize in helping clients file and complete their divorces without hiring an attorney. We are a licensed and bonded legal document preparation firm that can handle every step for you, including:

• Preparing and reviewing initial court forms
• E-filing with Los Angeles County courts
• Coordinating proper service and filing proof of service
• Preparing required financial disclosure forms
• Drafting marital settlement agreements and submitting final judgments

Everything is handled remotely, quickly, and for a flat fee—no surprise costs. If you want real support but don’t need (or want) an attorney, this option can get you through the process professionally and efficiently.

Next steps and resources

If you’re ready to move forward, here’s a short checklist to get started:

1. Decide whether your divorce is amicable and suitable for DIY filing.
2. Gather essential documents: IDs, marriage certificate, pay stubs, tax returns, account statements.
3. Prepare initial forms (Petition, Summons, UCCJEA if applicable).
4. File with Los Angeles County (consider e-filing).
5. Arrange for proper service and file Proof of Service.
6. Exchange financial disclosures and draft a Marital Settlement Agreement.
7. Submit final judgment paperwork to the court after the six-month waiting period.

For a free consultation and help preparing your filings, visit Divorce661.com. If you prefer a hands-off option, we can manage the entire process remotely and make sure your divorce is handled correctly from start to finish.

Conclusion

Filing for divorce in Los Angeles without a lawyer is realistic for many couples, especially when the divorce is uncontested. The keys are accurate paperwork, proper service, complete financial disclosures, and a clear agreement on terms. With careful preparation—or the help of a licensed document preparation service—you can finalize your divorce efficiently and affordably.