Proper Order When Submitting Divorce Judgment Forms in California

When preparing to submit your divorce judgment in California, it’s crucial to understand the proper order for your documents. Many individuals struggle with this process, often leading to rejections due to incorrect form submissions or ordering. In this article, we will break down the necessary steps to ensure your divorce judgment package is submitted correctly and efficiently.

Understanding the Divorce Judgment Package

The divorce judgment package is a critical part of the divorce process in California. It’s essential to have all the documents prepared in the correct order to avoid delays and potential rejections from the court. If you’ve recently had your divorce case rejected, or if you’re preparing to submit your judgment, keep reading to ensure everything is in order.

The FL-180 Form

The first document you need is the FL-180, which serves as the cover sheet for your judgment. This form discusses various areas relevant to your divorce, including:

• Children
• Parentage
• Child Support
• Spousal Support
• Property Division
• Attorney’s Fees and Costs

These items are listed on the second page of the FL-180, specifically under items J through N. You will use this as a guide to determine the order of your documents.

Order of Documents

Let’s assume you have several aspects to address in your divorce, such as child custody, child support, spousal support, and property division. Here’s the order you should follow when assembling your judgment package:

1. FL-190: Notice Regarding Responsibility for Children
2. FL-341: Child Custody and Visitation Attachment
3. FL-342: Child Support Order
4. FL-343: Spousal Support Order
5. FL-345: Property Division Order

Each of these documents must be stapled together, with the FL-180 on top as your cover sheet. This forms the core of your judgment package.

Additional Documents to Include

Besides the core judgment package, several other documents need to be submitted individually. These include:

• Request for Default (if applicable)
• Notice of Entry of Judgment
• Stipulation Waiver
• Final Declaration of Disclosure
• Declaration for Default and Uncontested Dissolution or Legal Separation

Each of these documents should also be submitted with three copies. They are separate from the actual judgment package, which is why it’s important to keep them organized and not to staple them together.

Common Reasons for Rejections

Many clients experience rejections when submitting their divorce judgments. The most frequent issues arise from incorrect ordering of documents or failure to include necessary forms. Here are some common rejection reasons:

• Failure to use the FL-180 as the top form.
• Incorrect order of documents.
• Missing forms, such as the FL-190 or FL-192.
• Insufficient copies of each document.
• Stapling all documents together when they should be separate.

If you receive a rejection, you will typically get a three-page rejection sheet from the court outlining the specific issues. It’s essential to address each of these points before resubmitting your judgment package.

Managing Your Submission

To streamline your submission process, follow these practical steps:

1. Prepare all necessary forms and ensure they are filled out correctly.
2. Organize documents in the correct order as outlined above.
3. Make three copies of each document.
4. Submit the judgment package with the core forms stapled together and the additional documents submitted separately.
5. Include prepaid envelopes addressed to yourself and the other party for the court to return copies.

This approach can help you avoid mistakes and ensure that your submission is processed smoothly.

Final Thoughts

Submitting your divorce judgment in California doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following the proper order and ensuring all documents are correctly filled out and organized, you can significantly reduce the chances of rejection. If you have any questions about the process or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help.

For more information, visit our website at divorce661.com or contact us directly at 661-281-0266. We’re here to help you navigate your divorce process successfully!