How to File an Online Divorce in Riverside County
I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Riverside County but want to avoid courthouse trips, there’s good news: Riverside County accepts online filing, and if your case is amicable you can complete the entire process remotely. Below I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process I use with clients so you can get divorced accurately, affordably, and without a single court appearance when possible.
Why choose an online divorce in Riverside County?
Filing online saves time, travel, and often money — especially for uncontested divorces where both parties agree on the key issues. Riverside County’s eFile system lets you submit documents electronically from anywhere, and when paperwork is prepared correctly the court can review and approve the judgment without a hearing.
Step-by-step: How the online process works
1. Prepare the initial forms
The process starts with three core forms:
- Petition — the document that starts the divorce case and states your requests (custody, property division, support, etc.).
- Summons — informs the other party that a case has been filed and lists important deadlines.
- UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) — required if you have children to establish jurisdiction and provide the court with a history of the children’s residences.
These forms must be completed accurately. Even in agreed cases, complete and accurate filings prevent delays and potential problems down the line.
2. File electronically with Riverside County Superior Court
Once your initial forms are ready, you file them using the Riverside County eFile system. This lets you submit documents from home or an office — no courthouse visit is needed to get the case started.
3. Legally serve your spouse
Electronic filing does not replace the requirement to legally serve the other party. Service must be completed either:
- In person by a third-party process server or sheriff,
- By mail with a signed acknowledgment of receipt, or
- By other legally recognized methods under California law.
After service is completed, you must file a Proof of Service through the court’s eFiling portal to show the court that your spouse has been properly served.
4. Exchange financial disclosures
Both parties are required to complete and exchange financial disclosure documents. The main disclosures include:
- Schedule of Assets and Debts — lists property, accounts, debts, and other assets.
- Income and Expense Declaration — shows monthly income, expenses, and supporting information for child or spousal support calculations.
These disclosures must be accurate and complete even when you and your spouse agree on terms. Full disclosure protects both parties and helps the court approve your agreement more quickly.
5. Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement
If you and your spouse agree on division of property, support, custody, and other issues, the next step is to memorialize those agreements in a Marital Settlement Agreement (sometimes called a marital settlement or parenting plan). This document becomes part of the judgment.
6. Submit your judgment package for court review
When disclosures are exchanged and the settlement agreement is ready, you submit a judgment package to the court through eFile. The court will review the paperwork and, if everything is filled out correctly, approve and enter the final judgment — often without a hearing.
“As long as everything is filled out correctly, the court will review and approve your divorce without needing a hearing.”
Real example: a fully remote Riverside divorce
We recently helped a couple in Riverside who lived in different cities and wanted a fast, easy divorce. From initial filing to final judgment we managed their case electronically. They never stepped foot in a courtroom and the case was finalized successfully. That’s the kind of outcome we strive for when cases are uncontested and paperwork is completed correctly.
Tips for a smooth online divorce
- Be thorough and accurate: Incomplete or incorrect forms are the most common cause of delays.
- Meet disclosure requirements: Delayed or missing financial disclosures can derail an otherwise uncontested case.
- Use proper service methods: Make sure you follow California rules for service and file proof of service promptly.
- Agree in writing: A clear marital settlement agreement reduces the chance of later disputes.
- Consider professional help: Even in amicable cases, having forms prepared and reviewed by experienced professionals reduces risk and speeds approval.
What Divorce661 provides and how to get started
At Divorce661 we specialize in 100% online divorce services for couples in Riverside County. We prepare, file, and manage your entire case remotely — from the Petition and UCCJEA to Proof of Service, financial disclosures, the marital settlement agreement, and the judgment package.
If you want to start your divorce online and have it done right the first time, schedule a free consultation at Divorce661.com. We’ll take care of the paperwork so you can move forward without courthouse confusion or costly mistakes.
Website: https://www.divorce661.com