How to Finalize Your Divorce Quickly in San Diego County
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re filing for divorce in San Diego County and want to finish as quickly as legally possible, this guide is for you. In this post I’ll walk you through a practical, step-by-step strategy to avoid unnecessary delays, get your paperwork right the first time, and have your final judgment submitted well before the mandatory waiting period ends.
Understand California’s 6-Month Waiting Period
California requires a minimum 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized. That clock starts when your spouse is served with the papers or signs a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt. Importantly, the six months is a minimum—your divorce cannot be entered as final sooner than that—but you can and should complete everything else during that time.
Key point: The waiting period doesn’t mean you have to sit idle. Doing the heavy lifting early lets your divorce be finalized as soon as the six-month window opens.
Step-by-Step Plan to Finalize Fast
- Hire someone who knows the local rules. County rules and filing requirements differ. Working with a pro who files correctly the first time prevents rejections and weeks of delay.
- File the initial paperwork quickly. At Divorce661 we typically prepare and electronically file the initial forms within 24 hours of engagement. Filing early starts the administrative process and allows you to move immediately to the next steps.
- Complete service of process. Get your spouse properly served or have them sign the acknowledgement form. The six-month clock runs from service or signed receipt.
- Complete mandatory financial disclosures. Both parties must exchange financial disclosures—these are essential. Don’t skip or half-complete them. Accurate, timely disclosures keep the case moving.
- Draft and execute a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). If you’re amicable on terms, put the agreement in writing. The MSA becomes the basis for your judgment and eliminates contested courtroom battles.
- Prepare the final judgment package. Assemble the signed MSA, judgment forms, notices, and any supporting declarations. The goal is to have this package ready and submitted before the six-month waiting period expires.
- Submit to the court early. When everything is complete, file your final judgment package so the court can act promptly once the statutory waiting period has passed.
Common Causes of Delay—and How to Avoid Them
- Rejected filings: Incorrect forms, missing signatures, or failing to follow local formatting rules can result in rejection. Each rejection adds weeks or months.
- Incomplete disclosures: Missing or inconsistent financial information triggers requests for supplementing disclosures or disputes.
- Attempting a DIY without full knowledge: Misunderstanding county requirements or procedural steps can create costly back-and-forths with the court.
- Service mistakes: Improper service methods or delays in service push back the start of the waiting period.
How to avoid these delays: double‑check everything, follow San Diego County court rules, and let an experienced professional handle filings and service methods that comply with local practices.
Real Case Example
We recently helped a San Diego couple file their divorce, complete all forms, exchange disclosures, and submit their judgment in just three weeks. Because everything was done correctly and early, the court approved the judgment right after the six‑month window opened—making their divorce final as fast as legally permissible.
“Our goal is to have everything submitted to the court long before the six-month waiting period ends.”
Why Working with a Pro Makes a Difference
- Save time: Professionals know how to prepare and submit paperwork correctly to avoid rejections.
- Reduce stress: You won’t have to guess what forms to use, how to serve, or how to prepare disclosures.
- Remote, flat-fee options: Many services (including ours) handle the entire process remotely for a predictable price—no surprise fees or court appearances.
- No court visits: For uncontested divorces, the whole process can often be handled without either party appearing in court.
What to Expect — Realistic Timeline
- Day 0–7: Prepare and file initial papers electronically.
- Week 1–4: Serve your spouse and exchange mandatory financial disclosures.
- Week 2–6: Draft and sign the Marital Settlement Agreement and finalize the judgment packet.
- Month 6: Once six months have passed since service, the court can sign the judgment. If everything was submitted early and correctly, approval is typically quick.
Note: timelines vary by case and complexity, but the key takeaway is to complete everything else before the six-month wait ends so your case can be finalized immediately once eligible.
Conclusion and Next Steps
If you and your spouse are in agreement, there’s no reason to let avoidable paperwork issues stretch your divorce out for months. Do the work early, follow the court’s rules, and avoid common mistakes. If you want help getting everything done right and fast, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through each step, handle filings and service, and make sure your divorce is done right—and done fast.