How to File for Divorce in Glendale Without a Lawyer

If you live in Glendale and want to avoid paying thousands in attorney fees, you can file for divorce without ever stepping into a courtroom. The Los Angeles County Superior Court supports full electronic filing, which makes a lawyer free divorce faster, less stressful, and entirely remote when the case is amicable.

Overview: How the process works

The simplified, lawyer free route follows a few clear steps:

• File your petition and summons through the L.A. County e-filing system
• Serve your spouse properly so the court can proceed
• Exchange mandatory financial disclosures
• Prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement if the divorce is uncontested
• Submit the final judgment package to the court for approval

No hearings, no court appearances, just a seamless process.

Step 1: File your petition and summons

Start by filing the petition for dissolution of marriage and a summons with the Los Angeles County Superior Court via the court’s electronic filing system. E-filing lets you begin the case from home and avoids in-person courthouse trips.

If you have children, you will need to include the jurisdiction and custody form required by the court. This form helps the court confirm it has authority to make decisions about custody and visitation.

Step 2: Serve your spouse

Once the petition is filed, your spouse must be officially notified. You have two common options:

• Process server: Hire a professional to personally serve the papers. This is the most common and reliable method.
• Notice of Acknowledgment and Receipt: If your spouse agrees, they can sign an acknowledgement and receipt to confirm they were served without a third party.

Proper service is crucial because the court will not move forward until the other party has been officially notified.

Step 3: Exchange financial disclosures

Financial disclosures are mandatory in California divorces, even when both parties agree. These disclosures ensure transparency about income, assets, debts, and expenses and protect both parties during settlement and at the time the court signs the judgment.

Both parties must exchange the required paperwork within the timelines set by the court. Skipping or delaying disclosures can cause objections or rejections from the court and slow down finalization.

Step 4: Prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement and final judgment package

For uncontested divorces, the key document is the Marital Settlement Agreement. This agreement outlines how you and your spouse will divide property, handle debts, and resolve child custody and support if applicable.

Once the agreement is signed, you prepare the final judgment package and submit it to the court for approval. In many amicable cases, the court will approve the judgment without a hearing, meaning no court appearance is necessary.

How long does it take and what does it cost?

An amicable, properly prepared case can be finalized in a matter of weeks rather than months. Costs vary, but a lawyer free path with flat-fee document preparation and e-filing services typically saves a significant amount compared with hourly attorney fees.

We recently helped a Glendale client who wanted to avoid attorney fees and handle their case quickly. They were in full agreement, and we completed everything — from filing to judgment — for one flat fee. Their divorce was finalized in just a few weeks.

Why choose a remote, flat-fee service

• Flat-fee pricing prevents surprise bills and hourly overages
• 100 percent remote filing and communication saves time and travel
• Experienced preparation and review reduces the chance the court will reject paperwork
• Fast turnaround for amicable cases so you can move on sooner

If you want to avoid legal jargon, missed steps, and unnecessary expense, a full-service document preparation and e-filing option handles the technical details so you can focus on the next chapter of your life.

Ready to start your lawyer free divorce?

Schedule a free consultation and learn how to file and finalize your Glendale divorce quickly, correctly, and affordably. Visit divorce661.com to get started and see how a flat-fee, 100 percent remote approach can save you time and money.