Filing for Divorce in San Bernardino: Do’s and Don’ts
I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re preparing to file for divorce in San Bernardino County, getting things right from the start will save you time, money, and a lot of frustration. Below I lay out the essential do’s and don’ts based on what I see most frequently in the courts and from clients I help every day.
Why getting it right matters
San Bernardino courts are strict about paperwork and procedure. Small mistakes—incorrect forms, missing disclosures, or improper service—can stop your case in its tracks. I’ve seen clients wait months thinking their divorce was finalized when, in fact, a simple misstep prevented anything from moving forward.
“We’ve seen too many cases sit for months because people didn’t know they had to take the next step.”
Do’s: What you must do when filing
1. Complete all required forms correctly
Make sure the initial paperwork is filled out accurately. The basics include:
- Petition (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- UCCJEA (child custody jurisdiction form) when children are involved
San Bernardino courts expect properly completed and signed documents. Even small errors can lead to rejections or delays.
2. Exchange financial disclosures
Do not skip financial disclosures—even if you and your spouse agree. Both spouses are required to exchange:
- Schedule of assets and debts (FL-142)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
The court will not approve a judgment without these disclosures. They provide the information the court uses to evaluate support, property division, and final orders.
3. Serve your spouse properly
Service is a critical procedural step. If your spouse is cooperative, you can use the Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt method by mail. If not, you must use a neutral third party to personally serve the documents and then file a valid Proof of Service with the court.
4. Actively move your case forward
Filing the petition is only the first step. After service you must file disclosures, respond to any requests, and submit the judgment paperwork. The court does not automatically progress your case—you have to take each required step.
Don’ts: Common mistakes to avoid
1. Don’t submit incomplete or incorrect forms
Avoid guessing or leaving blanks. Incomplete or improperly filled forms are a primary reason documents are rejected by the clerk’s office.
2. Don’t skip financial paperwork
Even in uncontested cases, the exchange of financial disclosures is mandatory. Skipping them will prevent final orders from being approved.
3. Don’t assume service was done correctly without proof
If you don’t have a properly filed Proof of Service, the court has no record that your spouse received the papers. That alone can stop your case.
4. Don’t wait and hope the court will finish the process for you
“They hadn’t served their spouse properly and nothing moved forward.”
I’ve helped clients who waited six months thinking their divorce was finalized. The reality: a missing procedural step kept everything on hold.
Real client example
A recent San Bernardino client filed the petition on their own and then stopped, believing the divorce was complete. After six months nothing had moved—because the spouse was never served properly. We stepped in, corrected the service and filing defects, completed the disclosures, and prepared the final judgment paperwork. The judgment was approved once the process was corrected.
How Divorce661 can help
At Divorce661 we handle every step so you don’t have to guess or risk rejection. Our flat-fee service includes:
- Preparing and filing paperwork
- Serving your spouse and filing proof of service
- Completing and exchanging financial disclosures
- Preparing the final judgment and getting it submitted
We offer 100% remote divorce services across California and are experienced with San Bernardino court requirements. Our goal is to keep your case moving and make the process as stress-free as possible.
“We’ll keep your case moving and make the process as stress-free as possible.”
Step-by-step checklist for filing in San Bernardino
- Prepare the Petition and Summons and any child-related forms (UCCJEA).
- File your forms with the San Bernardino Superior Court.
- Serve your spouse properly (acknowledgement by mail if cooperative, otherwise personal service by a third party).
- File Proof of Service with the court.
- Exchange financial disclosures: Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income & Expense Declaration.
- Respond to any court requests or opposition from your spouse.
- Prepare and file the final judgment paperwork once all requirements are met.
Conclusion and next steps
If you’re ready to file for divorce in San Bernardino County and want it done right the first time, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. Flat-fee pricing and full-service support can help you avoid delays and make sure all court requirements are met.
Website: https://www.divorce661.com
