Glendale Divorce Checklist: Everything You Need
Filing for divorce in Glendale can feel overwhelming, but having a clear checklist from the start prevents delays, rejections, and unnecessary expense. Los Angeles County uses a fully electronic filing system, so every document must be formatted and completed correctly. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide that covers what you need, common pitfalls, and how to move your case to judgment as efficiently as possible.
How Glendale divorces are handled
Glendale divorce cases are processed through the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The court requires online filing for nearly all documents. That means paperwork must comply with court formatting rules, be uploaded in the correct places, and include required signatures and proof of service. If something is missing or formatted incorrectly, the court will reject the filing and send it back for correction.
Step-by-step divorce checklist
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Initial forms
Start with the foundational documents:
- Petition (Petition for Dissolution or Legal Separation)
- Summons
- UCCJ form if you have children (used to address child custody jurisdiction)
These forms begin the case and identify the relief you are seeking. Make sure names, dates, and county information are accurate and consistent across all forms.
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Service of process
Your spouse must be properly served. Options include:
- Service by a professional process server or sheriff
- Signing a Notice of Acknowledgement and Receipt (if your spouse agrees to accept service)
After service, file the Proof of Service or Acknowledgement with the court. Missing or incorrect proof of service is a frequent reason for rejection.
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Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure
Both parties must complete and exchange disclosures early in the case. These include:
- Schedule of Assets and Debts — list all bank accounts, retirement plans, real estate, vehicles, credit cards, loans, and any other assets or liabilities.
- Income and Expense Declaration — detail monthly income sources and living expenses.
Complete, accurate disclosures protect you from future disputes and help the court approve any settlement more quickly.
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Marital Settlement Agreement (if you reach agreement)
If both spouses agree on division of property, support, and custody, put those terms into a written Marital Settlement Agreement. Key items to cover:
- Division of community and separate property
- Spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation schedule
- Child support calculations and payment details
- How and when property will transfer
Clear, specific language reduces court questions and speeds approval.
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Judgment package and court approval
Once forms and disclosures are complete and any settlement is signed, prepare the judgment package. Typical contents include:
- Judgment and Notice of Entry of Judgment
- Marital Settlement Agreement or proposed orders
- Declaration of Disclosure proof
- Any necessary orders for property transfers or child support
Submit the package electronically for the judge to review. If everything is in order, the court will sign off and the divorce becomes final.
Filing fees and fee waivers
The current filing fee for divorce in Glendale is $435. That fee applies when initiating the case. If you cannot afford the fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver based on low income, receipt of public benefits, or demonstrated financial hardship. To request a waiver, complete the court’s fee waiver forms and provide supporting documentation of income or benefits. If approved, the court will waive filing fees so you can proceed without upfront cost.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Submitting incomplete or improperly formatted documents — the court will reject filings that do not meet electronic filing standards.
- Failing to include proof of service — always upload the Proof of Service or Acknowledgement after service is completed.
- Incomplete disclosures — missing schedules or inaccurate income and expense statements delay agreement approval.
- Unclear settlement language — vague terms lead to judge requests for clarification and possible rejections.
One couple attempted to file on their own and had their judgment rejected twice because a few checklist items were missed. Correcting those errors and resubmitting the complete package resulted in an approval within days. The lesson: a thorough checklist and careful review before submission save time and stress.
Tips for preparing the Schedule of Assets and Debts
- Gather recent statements for all financial accounts, retirement plans, investment accounts, mortgage statements, and loan documents.
- Include approximate values and any account ownership details.
- Document debts with account numbers and balances as of the date you file.
- If valuations are uncertain, note that in the schedule and be prepared to provide appraisals or updated statements.
Why a flat-fee, full-service option can help
A flat-fee, full-service divorce option handles the entire process online: drafting forms, filing with the court, preparing disclosures, assisting with fee waivers, and submitting the judgment package. Advantages include:
- Predictable cost instead of hourly billing
- No court appearances when the case is uncontested
- Local court expertise — services tailored to Los Angeles County filing rules
- Reduced risk of rejection because filings are reviewed against a proven checklist
Printable quick checklist
- Prepare Petition and Summons
- Complete UCCJ form if children are involved
- Serve spouse and file Proof of Service or Acknowledgement
- Exchange Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure
- Prepare Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income and Expense Declaration
- Draft and sign Marital Settlement Agreement if applicable
- Assemble and submit Judgment package for court approval
- Apply for a fee waiver if eligible
If you prefer to avoid common pitfalls and get your Glendale divorce completed without stress, consider using a full-service, flat-fee option that specializes in Los Angeles County filings. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, visit divorce661.com
