Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of preparing your California divorce judgment forms. If you’ve made it to this stage, you’ve likely filed your papers, served them, and perhaps even faced a few court hearings. Now, you’re at the judgment phase, which is essentially the final agreement, often referred to as a stipulation.

Let me share a quick story. A client recently walked into my office after attempting to handle their own divorce. They had been to the self-help center, but when it came time to prepare the judgment, they were overwhelmed. They brought in a stack of documents—about 40 or 50 pages—and simply dropped it on my desk, exclaiming, “I can’t deal with this anymore. Can you help?”

This scenario is all too common. Many people reach out to us at various stages of their divorce, whether at the beginning, in the middle, or at the end when they feel they’ve hit a wall. The judgment phase can be particularly daunting. So, if you’re considering going it alone, let’s break down the steps to prepare your judgment forms correctly.

Understanding the Judgment Phase

The judgment phase is the culmination of your divorce process. It’s where all the agreements regarding custody, support, and asset division are finalized. The court expects you to navigate this phase, but it can be quite complex.

Before diving into the preparation, it’s essential to understand that this process requires careful attention to detail. Let’s get into how to prepare your forms effectively.

Gathering Your Documents

First things first, you need to gather all your documents. For your judgment submission, you will require:

• An original form.
• Four copies of every document.

Having four copies simplifies the submission process. While some forms might only need two or three copies, it’s generally safer to prepare four. This way, you won’t have to scramble if the court requires additional copies.

Preparing Envelopes for Submission

Next, you need to prepare envelopes. You will need three sets of envelopes addressed from the court:

• Two large envelopes (9×12) for the judgment itself.
• One regular envelope for the notice of entry of judgment.
• If applicable, an additional envelope for the request to enter default (form FL-165).

Make sure these envelopes are addressed correctly, with proper postage affixed. The court will use these to send back the necessary documents, so double-check that everything is accurate.

Understanding the Judgment Forms

Now, let’s talk about the forms you’ll need to fill out. The most crucial forms include:

• Judgment (FL-180)
• Declaration for Default (FL-170)
• Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)

If you have minor children, you’ll need to include additional forms related to child custody and support. Each form has specific requirements, so take your time to fill them out correctly.

Submitting Your Forms

When you’re ready to submit your forms, make sure to bring everything together. You’ll need to submit the original documents along with your copies and the prepared envelopes to the court clerk. Don’t forget to include the postage for the return envelopes.

After submitting, the clerk will process your documents. Typically, the judge will review the paperwork and sign it if everything is in order. In most cases, you won’t need to attend a hearing unless there are specific questions or issues regarding your submission.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

As you prepare your judgment forms, be aware of common mistakes that can lead to delays or rejections:

• Incomplete forms: Always double-check that every required field is filled out.
• Incorrect postage: Make sure you weigh the documents to ensure you have sufficient postage.
• Missing signatures: Every form must be signed where required.

Taking the time to avoid these pitfalls can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

What to Do If You Get Stuck

If you find yourself struggling at any point in this process, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Many people feel overwhelmed, and it’s perfectly okay to ask for professional assistance. You can always contact our service for guidance, whether it’s a quick question or more in-depth help.

Remember, it’s better to seek help early than to wait until you’ve already submitted incorrect forms and faced rejection from the court.

Final Thoughts

Preparing your California divorce judgment forms doesn’t have to be an insurmountable task. By following these steps and staying organized, you can navigate this phase with confidence. Keep in mind that while you can go through this process alone, professional help is always available if you need it.

If you’re looking for more resources or need assistance, feel free to visit our website, Divorce661.com, or call us at 661-281-0266. Our team is here to support you in your divorce journey.