How to Get a Divorce in Riverside Without Going to Court
I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re in Riverside County and your divorce is amicable, you don’t have to spend time in court. In this article I’ll walk you through how a court-free divorce works in Riverside, what paperwork you’ll need, how to serve your spouse, and how technology makes the whole process simple, efficient, and far less stressful.
Why choose a court-free divorce?
- More control over outcomes — you and your spouse decide the terms.
- Lower stress — no courtroom appearances or hearings.
- Cost savings — flat fees and no hourly attorney billing for typical uncontested cases.
- Faster resolution — with the right paperwork and cooperation, the process can be completed remotely.
How the court-free process works in Riverside
Riverside Superior Court supports electronic filing (eFile), which allows cases to be filed and documents submitted online. If both parties are in agreement, you can prepare the required paperwork, file it electronically, serve your spouse properly, exchange required disclosures, and submit your final judgment documents — all without a court appearance.
Step-by-step overview
- Prepare the initial documents (petition, summons, and any child-related jurisdiction forms).
- File the case using Riverside’s eFile system.
- Serve your spouse correctly and obtain proof of service or acknowledgement of receipt.
- Exchange mandatory financial disclosures.
- Draft a Marital Settlement Agreement and the proposed final judgment.
- Submit everything electronically for the court to review and enter judgment.
Essential paperwork you’ll need
These documents form the backbone of an uncontested, court-free divorce:
- Petition: The formal request to the court to end the marriage.
- Summons: Notifies the other spouse of the legal action and any deadlines.
- Child jurisdiction form: If children are involved, a jurisdictional affidavit is required so the court can determine proper authority over custody and related matters.
- Financial disclosures: Income, assets, debts and related documentation that both parties must exchange.
- Marital Settlement Agreement: The written agreement that lays out property division, support, custody and visitation (if applicable).
- Proposed Judgment: The final document the court will sign if everything is in order.
Serving your spouse — the easiest, most transparent way
Proper service is critical. For amicable cases, the simplest option is mailing the documents and using a Notice of Acknowledgement and Receipt (signed by the recipient) to show proper service. This method promotes transparency and fairness and avoids the expense and confrontation of a process server when both parties are cooperative.
Financial disclosures — why they matter
California requires both parties to exchange financial disclosures so the court (and each spouse) can see the full picture. This includes income, assets, liabilities, and other relevant financial information. Exchanging disclosures early and accurately prevents delays and reduces the risk of later disputes or challenges to the agreement.
Drafting your agreement and getting the judgment
The Marital Settlement Agreement should be clear, comprehensive, and reflect what both parties agreed to. Once signed and included with the proposed judgment, the court can review the paperwork electronically and enter a judgment without any hearing if everything complies with the law and local court rules.
“Their divorce was approved with zero courtroom time.”
Real client story: A Riverside couple who completed everything online
A couple in Riverside came to us with one goal — stay out of court. They were on the same page, we filed their case, served the spouse by mail using the acknowledgement receipt, drafted the agreement, and submitted all materials electronically. The judge approved the judgment without any in-person hearings. Technology and clear communication made the entire process seamless.
How Divorce661 helps
At Divorce661 we offer a flat-fee, court-free divorce service across Riverside County. We handle:
- Filing your case electronically with the court
- Preparing and organizing the required paperwork
- Guidance on serving your spouse and obtaining proof of service
- Preparing the Marital Settlement Agreement and proposed judgment
- Coordinating financial disclosure exchange
Our goal is to take the paperwork and stress off your plate so you can move forward with dignity and clarity.
Ready to start?
If you want a smooth, court-free divorce in Riverside, schedule a free consultation at Divorce661.com. We’ll review your situation, explain the required documents, and outline the next steps so you can decide with confidence.
Final thoughts
An amicable, well-documented divorce can be completed without stepping into a courtroom. With the right paperwork, proper service, and timely financial disclosures, you and your spouse can control the outcome, reduce costs, and finish the process online. If that sounds like the right path for you, reach out and we’ll help you get started.
