How to Finalize Your Divorce Quickly in Los Angeles County

I’m Tim Blankenship of Divorce661. If you want to finalize your divorce as fast as legally possible in Los Angeles County, this guide breaks down exactly what to do, step by step. I’ll explain the six‑month rule, why that doesn’t mean you have to be idle, and how uncontested cases can be completed quickly using e‑filing and remote services.

Understand California’s six‑month waiting period

California law requires a minimum waiting period before a divorce can be final. That six‑month clock starts the day your spouse is properly served with the divorce paperwork. In short:

• The earliest finalization date is six months from the date of service.
• That timeline is a legal minimum — the court will not enter a final judgment before that date.

“The earliest your divorce can be finalized is 6 months from the date of service.”

“Properly served” usually means the other party was given the paperwork according to California service rules (personal service, substituted service, or accepted service in some cases). Service must be documented so the court can confirm the six‑month clock start date.

You don’t have to wait to do everything else

Waiting for the six months to pass doesn’t mean you should wait to prepare documents, exchange financial disclosures, or sign settlement paperwork. The faster you complete and file the final judgment package, the smoother the administrative part of the process will be. If everything is ready and approved early, the court simply sets the judgment to finalize on the six‑month date.

How uncontested divorces move fastest

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues — property division, debt allocation, spousal support (if any), and child custody/support (if applicable) — your divorce is uncontested. Uncontested cases avoid hearings, contested motions, and long court calendars. That’s why they’re the fastest route to finalization.

Example: we helped a couple in Los Angeles County file their case on a Monday, complete all forms and disclosures by Friday, and submit their full judgment package the following week. The court approved it within days. Now they’re simply waiting for the six‑month mark — no hearings, no extra paperwork, nothing left to do.

Step‑by‑step checklist to finalize your divorce quickly

1. Prepare and file the petition and initial forms. Start the case with the correct forms and filing fee (or fee waiver if eligible).
2. Serve the papers properly. Make sure service complies with California rules and file proof of service.
3. Complete financial disclosures early. Exchange income and asset reports (Schedule of Assets and Debts, Income and Expense Declaration) promptly — these are required for final judgment.
4. Negotiate and sign a Marital Settlement Agreement. Put your agreement in writing and have both parties sign.
5. Prepare the judgment package. This includes the Judgment, Notice of Entry of Judgment, any property transfer documents, and related forms.
6. E‑file or submit the judgment to the court. Courts increasingly accept e‑filing; early submission speeds approval.
7. Confirm court approval and note the six‑month finalization date. Once approved, the court will set the judgment to become effective on the six‑month anniversary of service.

Quick timeline example

• Day 1 (Monday): File petition and serve respondent.
• Week 1 (by Friday): Complete disclosures and sign settlement agreement.
• Week 2: Submit full judgment package to the court for approval.
• After court approval: Wait until the six‑month date — case is final automatically on that date.

Tips to avoid delays

• Double‑check all forms before filing — missing or incorrect information causes rejections and delays.
• File proof of service promptly and correctly.
• Complete and exchange financial disclosures as soon as possible; courts won’t approve judgment without them.
• Use e‑filing where available — it speeds court review and reduces mail/processing delays.
• Avoid contested issues when possible — disputes create hearings and lengthen the timeline dramatically.

How Divorce661 can make the process faster

At Divorce661 we specialize in fast, flat‑fee uncontested divorces in Los Angeles County. We handle every step remotely: filing, service, financial disclosures, judgment preparation, and court submission. Using e‑filing and a streamlined workflow, we reduce back‑and‑forth and get your documents approved as quickly as the court allows.

• Flat fee pricing — no surprise bills.
• 100% remote service with L.A. County e‑filing.
• We prepare and submit your full judgment package so there are no loose ends.
• Free consultation to explain your timeline and next steps.

Conclusion — move forward with confidence

Finalizing a divorce quickly in Los Angeles County is entirely possible if you know how the six‑month waiting period works and take action immediately. Complete your disclosures, sign your agreement, and submit your judgment early so the court can approve everything and simply set the finalization date. For assistance and a free consultation, visit divorce661.com — we’ll walk you through the process, handle the paperwork, and help you reach the finish line as fast as the law allows.