How to Finalize a Divorce in Long Beach in 6 Weeks
If you and your spouse are in full agreement on property, support, and custody, you can move through the divorce process in Long Beach much faster than most people expect. Thanks to Los Angeles County electronic filing, we can complete filing, disclosures, and settlement paperwork remotely and efficiently—often within weeks rather than months. The final judgment still follows California law, but with the right preparation your case can be ready to finalize as soon as the waiting period ends.
Why electronic filing matters
Electronic filing, or eFile, transforms the way a divorce case progresses. Instead of taking time for in-person courthouse trips and paper processing, everything can be filed, signed, and submitted online. That means:
- Remote handling of the entire case from start to finish
- No standing in line at the courthouse
- Faster document processing and court review
- Clear tracking of filings and deadlines
The key requirement: full agreement
A fast divorce is only possible when both spouses agree on the major issues: division of property, spousal support, child custody, visitation, and child support. When there are no contested issues, you can prepare a full settlement and submit a judgment package quickly.
This is the power of agreement in action.
Typical timeline for a fast, amicable case
Below is a practical timeline for an amicable divorce using eFile in Los Angeles County. Timelines vary by case complexity, but this shows how quickly things can move when both parties cooperate.
- Week 1: File the petition and important documents electronically. Serve the other spouse and begin the statutory waiting period clock.
- Weeks 1 to 3: Exchange financial disclosures and negotiate settlement terms. Because everything is remote, document exchange and signature gathering can move fast.
- Weeks 2 to 6: Finalize and sign the settlement agreement. Prepare and submit the judgment package to the court electronically so it is ready for entry when the waiting period ends.
- Six-month mark: California law requires a mandatory six-month waiting period before the court can enter a judgment. If your case is fully prepared and the court has approved the paperwork, the divorce will be finalized automatically at this point.
In other words, we can often have everything done and ready within about six weeks, and then your case sits ready to be entered at the legally required six-month date. In one real example, a Long Beach couple completed everything in just over two weeks. Their case was court-approved and will finalize exactly at the six-month mark with nothing left to do.
Who is a good fit for this fast process?
- Couples who agree on division of assets and debts
- Parents who can agree on custody and child support terms
- Simple financial situations without complex business valuations or hidden assets
- Couples willing to complete disclosures and sign documents remotely
What we handle for you
When you work with a full-service, flat-fee provider, you avoid the hassle of preparing forms, filing with the court, and tracking deadlines yourself. Services typically include:
- Preparation and electronic filing of all required forms
- Drafting a settlement agreement tailored to your situation
- Collecting signatures and filing the judgment package
- Remote support and guidance through every step of the process
Common questions
Can my divorce be finalized sooner than six months?
No. California law requires a six-month waiting period before the court can enter a final judgment. What we can do is get everything completed, submitted, and court-approved well before that date so your divorce finalizes as soon as the waiting period ends.
What if we cannot agree on something?
If there are contested issues, the timeline extends. Contested matters often require additional filings, hearings, and possibly court appearances, which means the fast track described here no longer applies.
Do I still need to go to court?
For amicable cases handled remotely through eFile, most clients avoid in-person court appearances. The court can review documents electronically and enter judgment once the legal waiting period has passed.
Ready to get started?
If you want a fast, amicable divorce in Long Beach and meet the criteria above, schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation and how to move forward. With proper planning and full agreement, your case can be filed, settled, and ready to finalize quickly—so you can move on with your life.
Visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation and learn more about flat-fee, done-for-you divorce services.