How to File for Divorce in Contra Costa Without a Lawyer | Contra Costa Divorce

Introduction

Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Contra Costa County and want to avoid the high cost of hiring an attorney, this guide walks you through the exact steps to get divorced without a lawyer—quickly, affordably, and with the right paperwork. I created this to help couples who can handle an amicable divorce on their own but want to avoid common delays and court rejections.

Can you file for divorce without a lawyer?

Yes. In California you have the right to represent yourself in a divorce; this is known as filing “in pro per.” If you and your spouse are in agreement about dividing property, support, and parenting responsibilities, you don’t have to spend thousands on attorney fees. What you do need is correctly completed paperwork that meets Contra Costa County court requirements.

If your case is amicable and you and your spouse agree on how to divide property, support, and parenting responsibilities, you don’t need to spend thousands on legal fees.

Step-by-step: How to file for divorce in Contra Costa without a lawyer

1. Complete the Petition and Summons

Your divorce begins by filling out the Petition (Form FL-100) and the Summons (Form FL-110). These are the foundational documents that start the case and tell the court and your spouse what you are asking for.

2. Add child-related jurisdiction forms if needed

If you have children, include the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) form so the court knows where the children have lived and which jurisdiction applies to custody matters.

3. File and serve the papers

Once the Petition and Summons (and any child forms) are filed with the court, your spouse must be properly served. If your spouse is cooperative, they can complete and sign a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt so you don’t need formal service by a process server.

4. Exchange financial disclosures

Both parties must complete and exchange financial disclosures—even when you are in agreement. This typically includes a Declaration of Disclosure (Form FL-140), Schedule of Assets and Debts, and Income and Expense Declaration. Financial disclosures are a required step before a court will approve a judgment.

5. Create a Marital Settlement Agreement

Draft a marital settlement agreement that outlines how you will divide property and debt, any spousal support, and parenting responsibilities or custody arrangements. This agreement becomes the basis of your judgment if the court approves it.

6. Submit the Judgment Package

After disclosures and the settlement agreement are completed, assemble and submit your judgment package for court review. This package includes the judgment (proposed court order), proof of service or acknowledgment, disclosures, and supporting attachments. If everything complies with Contra Costa’s local rules, the court will sign the judgment and finalize the divorce.

Common mistakes that cause delays (and how to avoid them)

• Incomplete or incorrect forms: Courts reject filings that are missing required information or have format errors. Use current California forms and follow Contra Costa local requirements.
• Skipping financial disclosures: Even if you’re in agreement, failing to exchange disclosures will prevent the court from approving a judgment.
• Improper service: Service must follow statutory rules unless the spouse signs a proper acknowledgment of receipt.
• Not e-filing or following local e-filing rules: Many courts require or prefer e-filing—knowing the process avoids rejections and delays.

Real client example

We recently worked with a Contra Costa couple who attempted to file on their own. Their judgment was rejected twice because the paperwork didn’t meet the court’s requirements. After they hired us, we corrected the errors, e-filed the documents properly, and their case was approved in under two weeks—without either of them stepping into a courtroom.

How Divorce661 helps

At Divorce661 we specialize in helping people get divorced without hiring a lawyer. We handle every step of the paperwork, ensure your filings meet Contra Costa County court requirements, and keep your case moving forward without delays. Our services include preparing, filing, serving, and finalizing your divorce on a flat-fee basis so you avoid hourly attorney costs.

What we offer

• Flat-fee divorce services—no hidden costs
• Preparation and review of all necessary forms
• E-filing with the court and correction of common errors
• Full service from start to finish—100% online

Next steps

If you want to file for divorce in Contra Costa County without an attorney and want to make sure it’s done correctly the first time, schedule a free consultation with us. We’ll guide you through the process affordably, efficiently, and completely online.

Visit Divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation or to learn more: divorce661.com

Final thoughts

Filing in pro per is a practical option for amicable, uncomplicated divorces. The key is attention to detail: correct forms, proper service, complete financial disclosures, and a clear marital settlement agreement. Do it right the first time and you’ll save time, money, and frustration.

If you have questions about filing for divorce on your own, drop them in the comments or reach out through Divorce661.com—we’re here to help.