What Happens After Filing for Divorce in Contra Costa? | Contra Costa Divorce

I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you just filed for divorce in Contra Costa County, you probably have questions about what happens next and how to keep your case moving. In this article I’ll walk you through each step after filing, common mistakes that stall cases, and how to get your divorce finalized quickly and with less stress.

Quick overview: The next steps after filing

• You’ll receive a case number and your filed documents back from the court.
• Your spouse must be served with the paperwork (or sign a notice acknowledging receipt).
• Both parties must exchange mandatory financial disclosures.
• If you agree on terms, prepare and file your final judgment (judgment package) with the settlement.

Step 1 — Case number and returned documents

After the court accepts your filing, you’ll get a stamped copy with a case number. That case number is how the court will track everything, so keep it handy. The next important action is making sure your spouse receives the papers — without that, nothing moves forward.

Step 2 — Serving your spouse: do it correctly

Serving the other party is crucial. If your spouse is cooperative, they can sign a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt so you don’t have to arrange formal personal service. If they won’t cooperate, you must have someone else serve them in person.

• Who can serve: typically any non-party adult (process servers or the sheriff are common choices).
• What’s required: personal service (handing the papers to the person) or a signed acknowledgement if they agree to accept the documents.
• Why it matters: improper service is a common reason cases stall or are rejected by the court.

Step 3 — Mandatory financial disclosures (do not skip)

Both parties must exchange detailed financial disclosures even if your divorce is amicable and you’ve already agreed on everything. These disclosures include income, assets, debts, and monthly expenses. Accuracy and completeness are essential.

• What to include: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account info, lists of debts and expenses.
• Why they’re mandatory: California requires financial transparency so the court (and both parties) can verify fair division and support obligations.
• Consequences of missing or inaccurate disclosures: delays, reopened negotiations, and potential court sanctions.

Step 4 — Preparing and submitting your judgment package

If you and your spouse agree on the terms of the divorce, the next move is preparing the final judgment package. This is the set of documents the court will sign to finalize your divorce.

• Include your settlement agreement for court approval.
• Double-check every form for correct dates, signatures, and the required attachments (like the financial disclosures).
• Submit the packet per court rules — incorrect or incomplete paperwork is a major reason for stalled cases.

Real client example: stalled case turned into finalized divorce

Here’s a short example I’ve seen: a client filed correctly but didn’t know how to serve their spouse or complete the financial disclosures. Months went by with no activity. We stepped in, served the spouse, completed and filed the disclosures, prepared the judgment package, and got the divorce finalized quickly. The difference was following each required step in order and making sure the paperwork was complete.

“Don’t let your divorce case stall out.”

Common pitfalls that delay finalization

• Assuming an agreement eliminates the need for disclosures.
• Improper or incomplete service of process.
• Submitting incomplete or incorrectly filled judgment packages.
• Missing signatures, dates, or attachments required by the court.

How Divorce661 helps

At Divorce661 we guide you through each required step after filing so your case doesn’t get stuck. Our services include:

• Step-by-step guidance after filing
• Flat-fee divorce services for amicable couples in California
• 100% remote support and e-filing expertise
• Fast, professional preparation of disclosures and judgment packages

Actionable checklist: Next steps right now

1. Confirm your case number and keep a copy of your stamped filings.
2. Ask your spouse to sign a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt if they’ll cooperate.
3. If not cooperative, arrange personal service (process server or sheriff).
4. Start gathering financial documents for mandatory disclosures: pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, debts, and expenses.
5. If you have an agreement, prepare the judgment package and double-check every form before filing.
6. If you’re unsure, schedule help so mistakes don’t cost you time and money.

Conclusion and next step

Filing is only the beginning. Serving your spouse and exchanging accurate financial disclosures are the two most important steps to keep your case moving. If you and your spouse agree on terms, preparing and submitting a complete judgment package will get your divorce finalized faster.

If your case has stalled or you want to make sure you don’t miss any steps, schedule a free consultation with Divorce661. We’ll help you get your case back on track quickly and stress-free. Visit divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation and take control of your divorce process today.

Website: divorce661.com