The Fastest Way to Get a Divorce in Long Beach
If you need to get divorced quickly in Long Beach, the most reliable path is an uncontested divorce. When both spouses agree on the terms, the process becomes smooth, largely remote, and can be finalized without courtroom appearances. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide to how a fast Long Beach divorce works and what you need to know to move through it efficiently.
Why an uncontested divorce is the fastest option
The fastest path to divorce in California is when both spouses are in agreement.
An uncontested divorce means both parties agree on division of property, debts, and any child- or spousal-support issues. When those fundamentals are agreed, the court’s job is mainly to review the paperwork and approve the judgment. That eliminates hearings, contested motions, and the delays that come with litigation.
Step-by-step: How a fast Long Beach uncontested divorce works
- Prepare and e-file the petition and summons. Los Angeles County allows electronic filing, which speeds up the start of the case and reduces paper-processing time.
- Service and notice of acknowledgement. The responding spouse signs a Notice of Acknowledgement and Receipt. That avoids using a process server and confirms they received the papers the same day the case was filed.
- Complete preliminary disclosures. Both spouses provide financial disclosures early in the process. These are required by California law and help support the settlement agreement.
- Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement and Judgment forms. Once disclosures are complete, put the agreement into the required judgment paperwork the court needs to approve.
- Signatures and notarization. Both parties sign and notarize the settlement and judgment documents. Notarized signatures allow the court to accept the paperwork without in-person hearings.
- Submit to the court for final approval. The court reviews the package and, if everything is in order, enters the judgment and finalizes the divorce.
Typical fast timeline
When everything is coordinated and both spouses cooperate, the timeline can be remarkably short. For example, a case can be:
- Filed and served on Monday
- Disclosures completed and settlement signed by Friday
- Judgment submitted for court review the following Monday
That kind of timeline requires accurate paperwork, prompt cooperation on disclosures, and familiarity with Los Angeles County e-filing practices.
What speeds the process up
- E-filing — Submitting documents electronically to the court reduces processing delays and allows faster review.
- Notice of Acknowledgement — When the responding spouse signs this form, it removes the need for a process server and speeds service.
- Complete and accurate paperwork — Courts reject or delay filings that are incomplete or improperly filled out. Knowing what the court expects avoids rejections and resubmissions.
- Remote, flat-fee full-service preparation — A predictable, managed process keeps momentum so both parties meet deadlines and sign promptly.
- No contested issues — Any dispute over assets, custody, or support turns an otherwise fast process into a lengthy litigation track.
Is a fast divorce right for you?
A quick uncontested divorce is a great option when both spouses are cooperative and the legal issues are straightforward. Typical indicators that a fast route is appropriate:
- Agreed division of property and debts
- Clear agreement on child custody and support, if applicable
- No major business, retirement, or complex asset valuation disputes
- Willingness to complete and exchange required financial disclosures promptly
If you have disputes about custody, significant retirement accounts, business interests, or complex tax implications, the case may require negotiation, valuation, and possibly court involvement, which lengthens the process.
Practical tips to keep your Long Beach divorce moving quickly
- Start with complete financial information: income, bank statements, retirement summaries, and debt lists.
- Use the acknowledgement-of-service option to avoid process-server delays.
- Sign and notarize documents promptly; remote notarization options may be available.
- File electronically with the Los Angeles County system to reduce backlog and speed review.
- Work with someone experienced in court requirements to prevent avoidable rejections.
Moving forward
If you want to finalize a Long Beach divorce quickly, an uncontested approach with accurate paperwork and e-filing is the most efficient route. For anyone seeking a fast, no-court solution, consulting with a team experienced in Los Angeles County’s e-filing and court requirements can make the difference between a drawn-out process and a one- or two-week turnaround.
For personalized guidance, consider reaching out to a divorce preparation service experienced with California uncontested cases to review your situation and confirm whether a fast path is realistic for you.