San Diego Divorce Checklist: Everything You Need
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re starting the divorce process in San Diego County, this checklist will walk you step-by-step through everything you need—what to file, how to serve, what disclosures are required, and how to finalize your judgment without unnecessary delays or court appearances.
Why a checklist matters
Divorce involves many moving parts: filing paperwork, serving documents, exchanging financial disclosures, drafting agreements, and submitting the judgment package. Missing one step or a required form is the most common reason couples get stuck. A clear checklist helps you move efficiently and avoid costly mistakes.
San Diego divorce checklist (step-by-step)
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1. File the Petition
Start your case by filing the Petition (the document that begins the divorce). In San Diego County this is done electronically. Along with the Petition, you’ll generally file a Summons and any local San Diego County forms that apply to your situation.
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2. Serve your spouse correctly
After filing, your spouse must be served. Service can be done by personal service (someone hands them the papers) or by having them sign a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt. Proper service is required to move the case forward and is one of the steps people most commonly get wrong.
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3. Exchange mandatory financial disclosures
Both parties must exchange financial disclosure documents before a judgment can be submitted. Key forms include:
- Schedule of Assets and Debts
- Income and Expense Declaration
These disclosures are required even in amicable cases.
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4. Draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)
The MSA memorializes everything you and your spouse agree to. Typical MSA provisions cover:
- Property division
- Spousal support (if applicable)
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support and related issues
This agreement becomes the backbone of your judgment.
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5. Prepare and submit the judgment package
Once disclosures are exchanged and the MSA is signed, prepare the judgment package with all required court forms. If everything is completed correctly, the court will approve the judgment—usually without a court appearance.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Skipping required local forms for San Diego County.
- Improper service (service not completed or not properly documented).
- Failing to exchange full financial disclosures before submitting a judgment.
- Submitting incomplete or incorrect judgment paperwork, which causes delays and can require additional filings.
Real client example
We recently helped a San Diego couple who tried to do their divorce themselves. They got stuck because they missed key forms and steps. We stepped in, completed their checklist from top to bottom, and had their judgment submitted and approved in just a few weeks—no hearings required.
How Divorce661 helps
- Document preparation tailored to San Diego County requirements
- Electronic filing and proper service guidance
- Ensure all financial disclosures and the MSA are completed and exchanged
- Prepare and submit the judgment package for court approval
- Flat-fee, 100% remote service—no surprise charges
Quick timeline and expectations
Timelines vary based on how quickly service and disclosures are completed, but when forms are complete and correct, the final judgment can be approved in a matter of weeks—without court appearances. The key is making sure each step on the checklist is done properly and in order.
Next steps
If you’re ready to move forward and want professional help navigating every step, schedule a free consultation at Divorce661.com. We’ll walk you through the process, use a proven checklist tailored to San Diego County, and handle the paperwork so you don’t have to worry about missed forms or delays.
“We’ll guide you through the entire process with a proven checklist and help you complete your divorce without court confusion or delays.” — Tim Blankenship
Final thoughts
Divorce doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right checklist and support, you can complete your divorce correctly, quickly, and with far less stress. If you want help completing your San Diego divorce from start to finish, visit Divorce661.com to get started.
