How to File for Divorce in Riverside Without a Lawyer

Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re considering filing for divorce in Riverside County and want to avoid high attorney fees, this guide walks you through the exact steps to file “in pro per” (representing yourself) and get it done right the first time. Accuracy and transparency are the keys to a smooth, stress-free process.

Why File Without a Lawyer?

Filing for divorce without an attorney can save you thousands in legal fees while giving you full control over your case. For many amicable couples, a DIY approach — when done correctly — is faster, less stressful, and far more affordable. That said, small paperwork mistakes or missed procedures can create delays. The goal is to get it right the first time.

Step-by-Step: The DIY Divorce Process in Riverside

Below are the essential steps to file for divorce in Riverside County without a lawyer. Follow them carefully and pay close attention to details on each form.

1. Prepare and File the Initial Documents

• Petition (Form FL-100 or local equivalent): This starts your divorce case and outlines what you are asking the court to do (dissolution, asset division, custody requests, etc.).
• Summons (Form FL-110): Official notice to your spouse that a divorce case has been filed.
• UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act): If you have children, you must file the UCCJEA to establish jurisdiction for child custody matters.

2. Serve Your Spouse Properly

Proper service is essential. If your spouse is not correctly served, the court may reject your filing or delay the case. Service rules vary, but generally:

• Use a non-party adult or professional process server to deliver documents.
• File a proof of service (Form FL-115) with the court.
• If your spouse cannot be located, explore alternative service methods with the court clerk before proceeding.

3. Exchange Financial Disclosures

Transparency through mandatory financial disclosures prevents disputes later and speeds up finalization. Exchange these documents with your spouse:

• Income and expense declaration
• Schedule of assets and debts (all accounts, property, retirement, and liabilities)
• Pay stubs, tax returns, and documentation for major assets or debts

Failure to disclose fully can result in rejected paperwork, delays, or court intervention.

4. Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement

If you and your spouse agree on issues like property division, debts, child custody, and support, put that agreement in writing as a Marital Settlement Agreement. This document becomes the basis for your judgment.

5. File Judgment Paperwork to Finalize

Once disclosures are exchanged and your settlement is complete (or the court has ruled on unresolved issues), file the judgment paperwork to finalize the divorce. Precise completion of these forms is what makes the process official and final.

Common Mistakes That Cause Rejections

• Minor errors on forms (wrong dates, missing signatures, incorrect names)
• Failing to file required child forms like the UCCJEA
• Improper service or missing proof of service
• Incomplete or missing financial disclosures
• Using outdated or county-specific forms incorrectly

These small mistakes are often why DIY divorces get rejected — and why accuracy matters so much.

Real Client Example: Jane

One client, Jane, tried filing her own divorce in Riverside but had her paperwork rejected twice because of small errors. With professional assistance, we corrected the forms, refiled, and had her divorce approved in just a few weeks — no court appearance, no attorneys, and far less stress. That experience highlights how a little expert guidance can prevent delays and wasted time.

How Divorce661 Can Help

We offer flat-fee divorce services tailored for amicable cases in California. Here’s what we handle so you don’t have to:

• Preparing and filing all required forms
• Guiding proper service and filing proof
• Preparing financial disclosures and reviewing settlement agreements
• Handling judgment paperwork to finalize the divorce
• 100% remote service and a free initial consultation

Our goal is to ensure everything is done right the first time so you avoid costly delays and extra stress.

Recap: Key Takeaways

1. File the correct initial documents: petition, summons, and UCCJEA (if you have children).
2. Serve your spouse properly and file proof of service.
3. Exchange full financial disclosures to ensure fairness and transparency.
4. Draft and file your marital settlement agreement and judgment paperwork accurately.
5. Get professional assistance if you hit roadblocks—small errors cause big delays.

Ready to Take Control?

If you want to file for divorce in Riverside without a lawyer but want the confidence that everything will be done correctly, visit divorce661.com for a free consultation. We’ll guide you step-by-step to a smooth, stress-free divorce — done right the first time.