How to Get a Divorce Without Court in Contra Costa County
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re thinking about getting divorced in Contra Costa County but want to avoid court, you’re not alone—and the good news is you absolutely can complete your entire divorce without ever stepping foot in a courtroom, as long as your case is amicable and you follow the correct process.
Who can finish a divorce without going to court?
Most amicable divorces in California—and especially in Contra Costa County—do not require a court appearance. If you and your spouse can agree on the key issues (division of property and debts, support, and parenting arrangements if you have children), the court will typically let you finalize everything through paperwork alone.
Overview: The no-court divorce process
Below is a straightforward roadmap you can follow to complete your divorce entirely on paper and electronically.
- File the initial documentsStart by filing the required forms with the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Contra Costa allows electronic filing (e-filing), which speeds things up and makes the process more convenient.
- Serve your spouse properlyAfter filing, the other party must be properly served with the paperwork. Follow California’s service rules carefully—improper service can delay or invalidate the process.
- Complete financial disclosuresBoth parties must exchange financial disclosures. These documents show income, assets, debts, and expenses. Full, accurate disclosures are critical for a court to approve a settlement package without a hearing.
- Prepare a settlement agreementIf you’re in agreement, draft a settlement agreement (also called a marital settlement agreement or judgment package) that outlines all terms—property division, support, custody/parenting time, and any other agreements.
- Submit a complete judgment packageFile the signed settlement agreement along with the required judgment forms and declarations. If the package is complete and complies with court rules, the judge can sign off on your divorce without a hearing or in-person appearance.
Important details to get right
- E-filing: Take advantage of Contra Costa’s electronic filing system to save time and avoid trips to the courthouse.
- Proper service: Make sure service is performed according to California law; missing this step is a common reason cases require court intervention.
- Complete disclosures: Incomplete or inaccurate financial disclosures can trigger court review or objections from your spouse.
- Clear settlement language: Ensure your settlement agreement is clear, comprehensive, and signed by both parties to minimize follow-up questions from the court.
Real client example
“Once they hired us, we walked them through the paperwork, filed everything electronically, and had their case approved without a single court date.”
We recently helped a couple in Contra Costa County who were worried they’d need to appear in court to finalize their divorce. After they hired us, we prepared and e-filed their documents, guided them through service and disclosures, and submitted a complete judgment package. The court approved their divorce without a single hearing. They handled everything from home—quickly and with zero stress.
Why use a service like Divorce661?
- Flat-fee, full-service support: Predictable pricing and help with every step from filing to judgment.
- 100% online process: You can complete your divorce from home—no court appearances required for amicable cases.
- Contra Costa experience: We know local procedures and e-filing best practices to help your case move smoothly.
Next steps
If you’re ready to complete your divorce without going to court in Contra Costa County, schedule a free consultation at Divorce661.com. We’ll review your situation, explain the forms and timeline, and help you prepare a complete judgment package so your case can be approved without a hearing.
Conclusion
Getting divorced in Contra Costa County doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need to go to court. If your case is amicable and you follow the proper steps—file the right documents, serve your spouse correctly, exchange full financial disclosures, and submit a clean settlement/judgment package—the court can finalize your divorce on paper. If you want help navigating the process efficiently and affordably, visit Divorce661.com and let us guide you through each step.