How to Speed Up Your Divorce Process in Los Angeles County
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re in Los Angeles County and want to get divorced as fast as California law allows, this guide is for you. California law imposes a mandatory six‑month waiting period, but with strategic planning and timely action you can complete every step long before that clock runs out—so the court has nothing left to do but enter the final date. Below I’ll walk you through exactly how the process works, the common pitfalls to avoid, and practical steps to move your case quickly and smoothly.
How the six‑month waiting period actually works
California requires a mandatory waiting period that begins when your spouse is served with the divorce paperwork or when they file a response. You cannot shorten this statutory waiting period. That said, the waiting period only limits how soon the final dissolution date can be entered; it does not prevent you from completing every other step in the process before that date.
In other words: if you file, serve, exchange disclosures, sign a marital settlement agreement, and submit a complete judgment package early, the court can approve the paperwork quickly. Once the judge has approved the judgment, the only thing left is the official final date — which must comply with the statutory waiting period.
Step‑by‑step: How to speed up your divorce
- File and serve immediately. The six‑month clock starts when the other party is served or files a response. Get the filing done right away so the clock is running while you complete the other steps.
- Complete financial disclosures early. Delays in disclosures are the single biggest cause of stalled divorces. Prepare and exchange your financial documents as soon as possible.
- Negotiate and finalize a marital settlement agreement quickly. If you and your spouse can agree on property division, support, custody (if applicable), and debts, get the agreement drafted, signed, and notarized without delay.
- Prepare a judgment and submit it to the court. When the court has a complete and accurate judgment package, approval can happen in weeks rather than months.
- Stay on top of any court requests. If the court asks for a clarification or additional paperwork, respond promptly so there are no lingering issues.
What to include in your financial disclosures
Make these documents ready before you file or immediately after—this prevents the most common bottleneck:
- Recent pay stubs and proof of income
- Last two years of tax returns
- Bank statements (checking, savings)
- Retirement account statements and pensions
- Mortgage statements, property deeds, vehicle titles
- Credit card and loan statements
- Any business financials (if applicable)
What a marital settlement agreement should cover
A clear, signed marital settlement agreement (MSA) is the heart of a fast, uncontested divorce. The MSA should address:
- Division of assets and debts
- Spousal support (if any)
- Child custody and child support (if applicable)
- Who pays fees and costs
- Any specific timelines or responsibilities for completing transfers or sales
When the MSA is complete and signed by both parties, you can submit it with the judgment package for court approval.
Real client story: a divorce completed in six weeks
We recently helped a couple in Los Angeles County complete every step of their divorce in just six weeks. They filed, served, exchanged disclosures, signed a marital settlement agreement, and submitted a fully prepared judgment. The court approved the judgment quickly because there were no outstanding items to resolve—now the couple is simply waiting for the official final date required by statute.
The key takeaways from their case:
- Preparation and clear communication between the parties cut out unnecessary back-and-forth.
- Timely and accurate financial disclosures prevented evidentiary disputes.
- A well‑drafted settlement agreement removed ambiguity and allowed the judge to sign off without further hearings.
Common causes of delay — and how to avoid them
- Late or incomplete disclosures: Gather and exchange documents early.
- Unclear settlement terms: Use precise language in your agreement to avoid court questions.
- Failure to respond to court requests: Monitor your case and respond quickly to any orders.
- Not using e‑filing or remote services: Where available, electronic filing and remote handling save time.
How Divorce661 helps you move faster
At Divorce661 we offer a flat‑fee FastTrack divorce service designed for amicable cases in California. We handle:
- All filings and service
- Preparation and exchange of disclosures
- Drafting and finalizing the marital settlement agreement
- Preparing the judgment package and submitting it to the court
Everything is handled remotely—no court appearances for you. Our goal is to eliminate the usual delays and make sure the court has a complete package to approve as soon as possible.
What to expect after you submit the judgment
Once the court receives a complete, error‑free judgment package, a judge can approve and sign it in weeks. However, remember the statutory waiting period: even if the judge signs the judgment quickly, the official final date must comply with California’s six‑month rule. If all requirements are met, the only remaining step is waiting for that final effective date.
Practical tips to keep your case moving
- Start the process immediately—file and serve without delay.
- Collect and exchange financial documents right away.
- Agree on settlement terms and sign the agreement promptly.
- Use a flat‑fee, remote service if you want a predictable, court‑free process.
- Keep communication civil and focused—amicable cases move much faster.
Ready to speed up your divorce?
If you want help filing fast and avoiding delays, schedule a free consultation with us at Divorce661. We’ll walk you through the steps, handle the paperwork, and keep your case moving so you can get on with your life sooner.
Visit Divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation: https://www.divorce661.com
— Tim Blankenship, Divorce661
