⚡ The Fastest Way to Get a Divorce in San Diego County | San Diego Divorce
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. California law includes a mandatory six-month waiting period for divorces, but there’s a big difference between waiting and dragging out the process. If you’re pursuing an uncontested divorce and want to move quickly, you can file, exchange documents, and even submit your final judgment long before that six months are up — as long as you understand the steps and act fast.
Why an uncontested divorce is the fastest path
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on the major issues: property division, debts, support, and any custody or visitation arrangements. When there’s agreement, the process becomes largely administrative instead of adversarial. That eliminates court hearings, lengthy negotiations, and many of the common delays that turn a simple divorce into a protracted one.
Quick overview: the key steps to expedite your divorce
- e-File the petition
- Serve your spouse and obtain immediate acknowledgment/receipt
- Exchange and complete mandatory disclosures
- Prepare and sign the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
- Submit the final judgment/judgment package to the court
Step 1 — e-File your petition
E-filing saves time and reduces errors. Filing electronically gets your case in the queue immediately and lets you track progress without multiple trips to the courthouse. Accurate initial filings set the tone for a speedy process.
“Start by e-filing your divorce petition. This digital approach saves time and ensures accuracy.”
Step 2 — Serve your spouse and start the six-month clock
California’s six-month waiting period is measured from the date your spouse is properly served (or files their response). You don’t have to wait to complete the rest of the paperwork — you just can’t enter a final judgment until the statutory time has passed. That’s why same-day or same-week service and an immediate signed receipt are critical: they start the clock so everything else can be completed during that time.
Step 3 — Complete mandatory disclosures promptly
Both parties must exchange financial disclosures. These typically include:
- Preliminary and final declarations of disclosure
- Schedules of assets and debts
- Income, tax returns, and property valuations (as applicable)
Incomplete or late disclosures are one of the most common causes of delay or rejection. Respond quickly and be thorough.
Step 4 — Draft and sign the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
The MSA is the heart of an uncontested case. It spells out how you’ll divide assets and debts, handle spousal or child support, and set custody/visitation if children are involved. The clearer and more specific the MSA, the less likely the court will request revisions.
Step 5 — Submit the judgment package to the court
Once disclosures and the MSA are complete and signed, submit the judgment package (including the Request for Entry of Judgment or Judgment package) to the court. Even though the court cannot enter judgment until the six-month waiting period has passed, you can and should submit the papers early so they’re ready for processing as soon as the clock allows.
Real client example: how fast it can be
We worked with a San Diego couple who needed a fast, clean resolution. We filed their petition on a Monday, coordinated same-week service and acknowledgments, and had their disclosures and MSA signed within a week. Their judgment package was submitted in under three weeks. The court entered the judgment once the mandatory waiting time elapsed. Their case shows what’s possible when both parties cooperate and the paperwork is handled correctly from day one.
Tips to avoid delays and common pitfalls
- Agree on key terms early — don’t leave major items unresolved.
- Double-check names, dates, and case numbers on every form.
- Provide complete financial disclosures—omissions often trigger requests for more information.
- Use e-filing and electronic signatures when available.
- Respond promptly to requests from your spouse or your attorney—speed matters.
Why work with Divorce661?
At Divorce661 we specialize in fast, amicable, flat-fee divorces in San Diego County. Our process is 100% remote—no courtroom appearances required for uncontested cases. We focus on accurate filings, complete disclosures, and court-approved judgment packages so you don’t waste time with rejections or unnecessary appointments.
- Flat-fee pricing—no hourly charges
- Remote process—handle everything online or by phone
- Fast turnaround with accurate paperwork
- Experienced with San Diego County requirements
Conclusion — move forward without unnecessary delay
Yes, California imposes a six-month waiting period, but that doesn’t mean your divorce has to drag on for months beyond that. With an uncontested approach, e-filing, same-day service, swift disclosures, and a clear Marital Settlement Agreement, you can have your case ready for the court well before the waiting period ends. If you want to explore a fast, amicable divorce in San Diego County, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you move to the next chapter efficiently and professionally.
