What Happens After Filing for Divorce in Long Beach
Filing for divorce is a big step, but what comes next matters just as much. After you file, the court assigns a unique case number. That number is your key to tracking the case and making sure every piece of paperwork is filed correctly. Don’t lose it. Keep it handy for all correspondence and filings.
Immediate steps after filing
Right after filing, you need to make sure two core processes begin without delay: serving your spouse and exchanging financial disclosures. Both are required before the court can move forward with your case.
1. Serving your spouse
Serving divorce papers is not a formality. It is a legal requirement. Your case cannot proceed until your spouse has been properly served.
You have two primary options:
- Personal service — papers are personally delivered to your spouse by a process server or other authorized person.
- Notice of acknowledgement — if your spouse agrees to accept and sign an acknowledgement of receipt, this can substitute for personal service.
Act promptly. Many cases stall because service is delayed or overlooked. Ensure your spouse receives the documents so the process continues smoothly.
Serving your spouse is not optional. Your case can’t move forward until this step is completed.
Common service pitfalls
- Assuming the other party will sign an acknowledgement without asking
- Using an improper method of service
- Misplacing the case number or filed copies tied to service
Financial disclosures: mandatory and nonnegotiable
Financial transparency is required in every divorce. Both parties must exchange a preliminary declaration of disclosure that details assets, debts, income, and expenses. Even if you and your spouse are in full agreement, this exchange is nonnegotiable.
Skipping disclosures can lead to problems later, including challenges to the settlement or delays in finalizing the divorce. Complete, accurate disclosures protect both parties and reduce future disputes.
Preparing your settlement agreement and judgment package
Once disclosures are exchanged and terms are agreed, you must prepare your settlement agreement and the judgment package for the court. The court does not automatically finalize divorces. Properly completed paperwork must be submitted to obtain the final judgment.
Make sure your settlement agreement is complete and the judgment package is filled out correctly. Errors or missing documents will delay the finalization.
Common mistakes that stall Long Beach divorces
Here are recurring issues that cause unnecessary delays:
- Assuming the court will finalize the divorce without submitting the judgment package
- Failure to serve the other party in a timely or legally correct way
- Skipping or improperly completing financial disclosures
- Misfiled or incomplete paperwork tied to the case number
For example, a Long Beach couple thought the court would finalize their divorce after six months and waited. Their case sat idle for months. When we stepped in, corrected the paperwork, and submitted the required documents, the divorce was finalized in a matter of weeks.
Checklist to keep your case moving
- Keep your court-assigned case number accessible at all times
- Serve your spouse promptly by personal service or obtain a signed notice of acknowledgement
- Exchange complete preliminary declarations of disclosure detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Prepare and file a properly completed settlement agreement and judgment package
- Confirm filings are accepted and track any additional court requirements
How professional help can speed things up
If you want to avoid the common delays and mistakes, getting experienced, full-service assistance helps. Flat-fee, remote support that understands Los Angeles County e-filing and the Long Beach process can handle filing, service, disclosures, and the final judgment for you so you do not have to appear in court.
For a free consultation and help moving your case forward, visit divorce661.com. We handle everything from service to final judgment so your divorce does not stall.
