How to Prepare Divorce Documents for San Bernardino County Court | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

How to Prepare Divorce Documents for San Bernardino County Court

I’m Tim Blankenship of Divorce661. In this guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to prepare divorce paperwork for San Bernardino County so your case isn’t delayed or rejected. I explain the required forms, the mandatory disclosures, how service works, what goes into your judgment package, common mistakes to avoid, and what we do to help clients get their divorces approved quickly.

Overview: The process in a nutshell

Filing for divorce in San Bernardino County follows a predictable sequence. Get these steps right and you avoid the most common cause of delays: court rejections for missing or inconsistent paperwork.

  1. File the initial paperwork (Petition, Summons, and UCCJEA if you have children).
  2. Legally serve your spouse.
  3. Complete and exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosures (mandatory).
  4. Prepare and submit your Judgment package (includes Marital Settlement Agreement if applicable).

Step 1 — Initial filings: Petition, Summons, and UCCJEA

The very first documents are the Petition and Summons. If you and your spouse have children under 18, you must also complete the UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act) form. These establish the court’s jurisdiction and the basic requests in your case (dissolution, property division, custody, support, etc.).

Important tip: San Bernardino accepts eFile for family law documents, so you often don’t need to visit the courthouse in person. However, the forms must be filled out completely and accurately before you submit.

Step 2 — Service: Getting the papers to your spouse

After filing, your spouse must be legally served with the court papers. Service must follow California rules (personal service by a non-party over age 18, or a court-approved method such as substituted service or service by mail when appropriate). The court will not proceed until service is complete and proof of service is filed.

Step 3 — Preliminary Financial Disclosures (mandatory)

San Bernardino courts require both parties to exchange preliminary financial disclosures before the court will review or finalize resolutions. These are not optional.

The required disclosures include:

  • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142): A full accounting of community and separate property, liabilities, retirement accounts, real estate, and other assets.
  • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150): Monthly income, deductions, and expenses used to calculate temporary support or to inform negotiations.

Complete these forms carefully. Omissions, wrong numbers, or inconsistencies between forms are the most frequent reasons for court rejections later on.

Step 4 — The Judgment package: what the court expects

The last major step is preparing your judgment package for submission once the parties have reached agreement or completed required processes. This package typically includes:

  • Marital Settlement Agreement (if you have one)
  • Final Judgment forms
  • All required attachments and disclosures
  • Any custody agreements or child support worksheets

San Bernardino courts are strict about completeness and internal consistency. If numbers, names, or dates don’t match across forms, the court will reject the package and send it back for corrections.

San Bernardino courts are strict. If anything is missing or filled out incorrectly, your case will be rejected.

Common mistakes that lead to rejection (and how to avoid them)

  • Inconsistent financial numbers across the Income and Expense Declaration, Schedule of Assets and Debts, and settlement agreement — cross-check all figures.
  • Missing signatures or notary where required — always sign and date every form that requests it.
  • Using the wrong county-specific forms or outdated versions — always download the current forms and local mandatory attachments for San Bernardino County.
  • Leaving blanks instead of writing “N/A” or “None” — courts interpret blanks as incomplete.
  • Poorly executed proof of service — follow service rules exactly and file proof promptly.
  • Failing to exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosures before trying to submit the judgment package — disclosures are required prior to court review.

A real example: how careful review speeds approval

We recently helped a San Bernardino couple who prepared their own paperwork and submitted a judgment package that the court rejected due to inconsistencies. We reviewed every form, corrected the discrepancies, completed missing attachments, and refiled everything electronically. Because the revised package was complete and consistent, the court approved their divorce within a few weeks.

Practical checklist before you eFile

  1. Confirm you have the correct, current San Bernardino forms and attachments.
  2. Complete Petition, Summons, and UCCJEA (if kids).
  3. Arrange legal service and prepare proof of service.
  4. Prepare and exchange Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income and Expense Declaration.
  5. Draft Marital Settlement Agreement (if applicable) and assemble the full Judgment package.
  6. Cross-check names, dates, and numbers for consistency across all documents.
  7. Sign and notarize where required, then eFile through the court’s system.

How Divorce661 helps

At Divorce661 we specialize in preparing and filing complete, court-ready divorce paperwork for San Bernardino County. Our service includes:

  • Flat-fee pricing for predictable costs
  • 100% remote service with eFile submission
  • Filing, service coordination, disclosures, and judgment preparation handled start-to-finish
  • Attention to San Bernardino’s strict local requirements to prevent rejections

If you’d like help preparing your divorce documents in San Bernardino County, visit Divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review your situation, prepare the forms correctly the first time, and keep your case moving.

Final thoughts

Filing for divorce can be stressful, but most delays come from paperwork problems that are avoidable. Follow the sequence: file the Petition and Summons (and UCCJEA if needed), serve your spouse correctly, exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosures, and prepare a consistent, complete Judgment package. Cross-check everything before eFiling, and if you’re unsure, get help—fixing mistakes later costs time and money.

For a free consultation and help with San Bernardino County divorce filings, go to Divorce661.com.

 

Preparing Divorce UCCJEA | Santa Clarita Divorce Guide | Los Angeles Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

Preparing Divorce UCCJEA | Santa Clarita Divorce Guide

When filing for divorce, especially if children are involved, it’s crucial to understand the legal forms required to ensure the process goes smoothly. One such important form is the FL-105, also known as the Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This article will walk you through the purpose and proper completion of the FL-105 form, providing clarity and guidance for parents navigating divorce proceedings in Los Angeles County.

What is the FL-105 (UCCJEA) Form?

The FL-105 form, commonly referred to as the UCCJEA declaration, is a mandatory document when filing for divorce if you have children. Its primary role is to inform the court about any existing or previous custody cases involving the children named in the divorce. This ensures that the court has a comprehensive understanding of any ongoing child custody matters and can avoid jurisdiction conflicts.

Simply put, the UCCJEA helps the court determine which state or jurisdiction has the authority to make custody decisions, based on where the children have lived over the past five years.

Why is the UCCJEA Form Important?

When children are involved in divorce proceedings, courts must be aware of any other legal actions related to custody or visitation rights. The UCCJEA form:

  • Alerts the court to any other family law, juvenile, adoption, or criminal cases affecting the children.
  • Provides a detailed history of the children’s residence over the last five years.
  • Helps prevent conflicting custody orders by identifying all parties with custody or visitation claims.

Filing the FL-105 correctly is essential to avoid delays or complications in your divorce case, especially when child custody is at stake.

How to Fill Out the FL-105 Form

Filling out the FL-105 form follows a straightforward process, but attention to detail is key. Here’s a step-by-step overview:

1. Caption Information

The top section of the form includes your personal details and the court information. You will need to enter:

  • Your name, address, phone number, and optionally your email address.
  • The name of your spouse or the other party in the divorce.
  • The court branch handling your case (for example, the San Fernando Branch in Los Angeles County).
  • Since this is an initial filing, the case number will not yet be assigned.

2. Children’s Residence History

This section requires you to provide detailed information about each child involved in the case, including:

  • Child’s full name, place of birth, date of birth, and sex.
  • The address(es) where the child has lived for the last five years, along with the dates corresponding to each residence.
  • The names of the individuals the child lived with during those times, typically parents or guardians, noting their relationship to the child.

If the children have lived at multiple addresses over the past five years, use additional lines or attach the continuation sheet, FL-105a, for more children or extended residence history.

3. Other Cases Involving the Children

You must disclose whether you or the children have been involved in other court cases related to custody, guardianship, adoption, juvenile matters, or criminal cases. If so, provide the following details:

  • Type of case (e.g., family law, guardianship, juvenile).
  • Case number and jurisdiction.
  • The court where the case was filed.

If there are no other cases, simply indicate “No.” This section helps the court understand any ongoing legal matters that might affect custody decisions.

4. Custody or Visitation Claims by Others

The form also asks if there are any individuals not party to the current divorce who claim physical custody or visitation rights with the children. If such persons exist, you must provide their information. Otherwise, check “No.”

5. Finalizing the Form

Once all relevant sections are completed, date the form, print your name, and sign it. This form will be filed alongside your summons and petition when you initiate your divorce case.

Additional Tips and Resources

Completing legal forms during a divorce can be overwhelming. As the owner of SCV Legal Doc Assist, I specialize in helping individuals prepare their divorce paperwork professionally and accurately. If you find yourself unsure about filling out the FL-105 or any other divorce forms, don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance.

We are a licensed and bonded legal document preparation firm serving all of Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley. Our goal is to simplify the divorce process for you by handling the paperwork and guiding you through each step.

For more information on our services or to get help preparing your divorce documents, please visit our website or contact us directly. Taking the right steps early on can make a significant difference in your divorce experience.

Conclusion

The FL-105 UCCJEA form is a critical element in divorce cases involving children. It ensures the court has necessary information about the children’s residence history and any other legal proceedings that may impact custody decisions. Properly completing and filing this form helps protect your rights and those of your children throughout the divorce process.

Remember, when facing the complexities of divorce, especially with children involved, having knowledgeable assistance can make all the difference. Whether you choose to prepare the forms yourself or seek professional help, understanding the role of the UCCJEA form will keep you one step ahead in your case.

If you need help preparing your divorce forms or have questions about the process, feel free to contact SCV Legal Doc Assist. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

Understanding the UCCJEA in Divorce Proceedings | California Divorce

Posted by Tim Blankenship on

 

Understanding the UCCJEA in Divorce Proceedings

Divorce is never an easy process, especially when children are involved. One crucial aspect that often gets overlooked is the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA). This blog will guide you through the importance of the UCCJEA, the FL 105 form, and how to properly fill it out during the divorce process in California.

What is the UCCJEA?

The UCCJEA is a law that addresses child custody jurisdiction issues. It helps to determine which state has the authority to make decisions regarding child custody and visitation. This is particularly important in cases where parents live in different states or if there have been previous custody cases involving the child.

Why is the UCCJEA Important?

Understanding the UCCJEA is essential for a few reasons:

  • The UCCJEA helps prevent conflicting custody orders from different states.
  • It establishes a framework for determining which state has jurisdiction over custody matters based on the child’s residence.
  • The act promotes cooperation between states in enforcing custody orders.

Filing the UCCJEA Form (FL 105)

When you file for divorce and have children, one of the forms you’ll need to submit is the FL 105, also known as the Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. This form is crucial because it informs the court about any other custody cases involving your children and their living arrangements over the past five years.

Key Components of the FL 105

Here’s a breakdown of how to fill out the FL 105 form:

Caption Area

The caption area of the form is standard. You will include:

  • Your name and address
  • Your spouse’s name and address
  • Telephone number (email is optional)
  • The county where you are filing (e.g., Los Angeles County)

Information About the Children

Next, you need to provide information about your children. This includes:

  • The number of children
  • Each child’s name, place of birth, date of birth, and sex
  • Addresses where the children have lived over the last five years

Ensure that you accurately fill out where each child has lived and with whom. If necessary, use additional lines for addresses that span more than one line.

Previous Court Cases

Another critical section asks whether you have participated in any other court cases involving custody or visitation rights. If you have, you must provide details like:

  • The type of case (family, guardian, etc.)
  • The case number
  • The court jurisdiction

Physical Custody Information

If there are individuals not involved in the case who claim physical custody or visitation rights, you will need to provide their information too. This can include grandparents or other relatives.

Completing the Form

Once you have filled out all necessary sections, make sure to date the form, print your name, and sign it. This completed form will be attached to your petition if you have children.

Additional Considerations

It’s essential to remember that even if there are no other custody cases or if you check “no” on certain questions, you are still required to complete the FL 105 form. The court needs a complete picture of the child’s custody situation.

Need Help with Your Divorce Forms?

If you find this process overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many individuals navigating the divorce process benefit from professional assistance. As a licensed and bonded legal document preparation service, we specialize in helping clients in Los Angeles County with their divorce forms and processes. If you need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Conclusion

The UCCJEA and the FL 105 form are integral parts of the divorce process when children are involved. By understanding how to fill out this form and what information is required, you can ensure that your case proceeds smoothly. Remember, the well-being of your children is the priority, and having accurate and complete documentation is key to achieving that.

Contact Us for More Information

If you have further questions or need help with your divorce paperwork, please visit our website or give us a call. We are here to help you through this challenging time.