Los Angeles County Divorce: Step-by-Step Guide | Divorce661
Introduction
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Los Angeles County, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process so you know what to expect and what to prepare. I specialize in amicable, flat-fee divorces handled 100% remotely—no court appearances, no surprises.
Overview: What to expect in LA County
Divorce in California is straightforward when both parties are informed and cooperative. The process is driven by paperwork, timelines, and mandatory disclosures. In Los Angeles County you can eFile many documents, receive a case number quickly, and often get judgments approved by the court within weeks—although California law requires a statutory 6-month waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
Step 1 — File your initial paperwork
The case officially starts when you file the initial documents with the appropriate family law courthouse in Los Angeles County. Key forms include:
- Petition (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage)
- Summons
- Declaration under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) — required if you have children
File these documents with the court (many LA County courthouses accept eFiling). After filing you’ll receive a case number and court-stamped copies to use for service and future filings.
Step 2 — Serve your spouse
You cannot move the case forward until the other party has been properly served. Important points:
- Service must be performed by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case.
- Once served, file a Proof of Service with the court to document that service was completed.
- The date of service starts the mandatory 6-month waiting period—the earliest your divorce can be finalized under California law.
Step 3 — Financial disclosures
Both parties are required to prepare and exchange financial disclosures even if you agree on everything. These provide the court and the other party with complete information about your finances so any settlement is fair and enforceable.
- Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure — lists assets, debts, income, and expenses.
- Required whether or not you’re in full agreement.
- Complete, accurate disclosures reduce delays and the chance the court will reject a proposed judgment later on.
Step 4 — Prepare and submit your final judgment package
When disclosures are exchanged and terms are agreed, prepare the final judgment package. Typical contents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement or Stipulated Judgment that both parties sign
- Mandatory court forms required for judgment approval
- Any supporting documents (e.g., property deeds, support worksheets)
In Los Angeles County we can eFile the entire package. If the paperwork is completed accurately and all signatures are in place, the court will review and approve the judgment. In many cases, approvals happen within a couple of weeks. Remember: even after approval you must wait the 6-month statutory period from the date of service before the dissolution becomes final.
No court appearances, no confusion, and no wasted time.
Real case highlight: How fast it can move
Recently we helped a couple in Los Angeles County who were in complete agreement. We handled the documents, filed the case, completed disclosures, and submitted the final judgment—all within three weeks. The court approved their judgment shortly after. Now they are simply waiting out the mandatory 6-month clock before the divorce is final.
Common questions and practical tips
- How long does a divorce take? The minimum is 6 months from the date your spouse is served. If you and your spouse cooperate, the paperwork portion can be completed in weeks; the legal finalization must respect the 6-month waiting period.
- Do I need to go to court? Not necessarily. Many amicable cases are resolved without court appearances if all forms are completed and the court approves the stipulated judgment.
- Who can serve papers? Any non-party over 18. Professional process servers are commonly used for reliability and proof.
- Are financial disclosures mandatory? Yes—both parties must exchange them, regardless of agreement.
- What if we disagree? Disputes about property, support, or custody can extend the timeline and may require hearings or mediation.
Checklist: Documents you’ll need
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- UCCJEA declaration (if children)
- Proof of Service form
- Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (income, assets, debts, expenses)
- Marital Settlement Agreement / Stipulated Judgment
- All mandatory court forms for final judgment
How Divorce661 helps
At Divorce661 we specialize in amicable, flat-fee divorces throughout Los Angeles County. We handle every step remotely—drafting paperwork, eFiling with the court, preparing disclosures, and assembling the final judgment package. Our goal is to make the process fast, clear, and affordable so you can move on with your life.
Ready to start your divorce and get it done right the first time? Visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll guide you through every step, prepare all the paperwork, and handle the filings so you don’t have to leave your home.
Conclusion
Filing for divorce in Los Angeles County doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow the four core steps—file the initial paperwork, serve your spouse, exchange financial disclosures, and submit a complete final judgment package—and you’ll avoid common delays. If you want help to complete the process efficiently and correctly, reach out for a free consultation and let us handle the details.
If you’re ready to start your divorce and want it done right the first time, visit divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation.