What to Expect in a San Diego County Divorce Hearing

Introduction — from Tim Blankenship of Divorce661

Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’ve been told you have a divorce hearing scheduled in San Diego County, it’s normal to feel anxious. In my video I walk people through the hearing process so they know what to expect and can arrive prepared and confident. Below I summarize the key points, share practical tips, and explain how we help clients avoid court or prepare for it when necessary.

Why a Divorce Hearing Might Be Scheduled

Not every divorce needs a court appearance. You’ll usually only have a hearing when there are unresolved or contested issues. Common reasons include:

• Contested child custody — parties haven’t agreed on custody or visitation.
• Child support disputes — unresolved calculations or enforcement problems.
• Spousal support (alimony) disagreements.
• Motions such as a Request for Order (RFO) to modify custody, support, or other court orders.
• Any issue the parties have not resolved through agreement or paperwork.

When a Hearing Is Not Required

If your divorce is uncontested and all paperwork is in order — financial disclosures, settlement agreements, parenting plans, etc. — a hearing often isn’t necessary. Proper preparation can keep you out of court altogether.

What Actually Happens at a San Diego County Divorce Hearing

Most hearings are fairly brief and procedural. Here’s what to expect when your case is called:

• The judge will call your case and review the documents you and the other party filed.
• The judge may ask both parties questions to clarify the issues.
• If attorneys are present, they will usually do most of the talking and present arguments or evidence.
• If you are representing yourself, you’ll need to explain your side clearly, calmly, and respectfully.
• The judge may decide the issue on the spot or schedule a further hearing if more information is needed.

How Long Will It Take?

Many hearings are quick. With good preparation, straightforward matters can be resolved in minutes rather than hours. I recently helped a client who entered court over an unresolved child support issue and left with a resolution in under 15 minutes.

“With the right preparation, they were in and out of court in under 15 minutes and the issue was resolved on the spot.”

How to Prepare for Your Hearing

Preparation is the best way to reduce stress and get the result you need. Before you go to court, make sure you:

• Bring copies of all relevant paperwork: financial disclosures, tax returns, pay stubs, parenting plans, prior court orders, and evidence supporting your position.
• Organize your documents: have them in a logical order and easy to hand over or reference.
• Prepare a brief statement: if you will speak for yourself, outline the key points you want to make and stick to the facts.
• Dress and act professionally: respectful behavior and calm presentation matter in family court.
• Know the motion: read the Request for Order or motion that triggered the hearing so you understand exactly what the judge is being asked to decide.

What to Say — and What Not to Say

When you speak in court, be concise and factual. Avoid long narratives, emotional outbursts, or personal attacks on the other party. Let the judge guide the questioning and answer clearly. If an attorney represents you, rely on them to present legal arguments and evidence.

How Divorce661 Helps

At Divorce661 our goal is to keep clients out of court whenever possible by preparing paperwork thoroughly and helping parties reach agreements. When court is unavoidable, we:

• Help you organize documents and outline responses in advance.
• Explain the paperwork and the hearing process so you know what to expect.
• Provide flat-fee divorce services to avoid surprise costs.
• Refer you to local attorneys for in-court representation when needed.

Real Client Example

One client faced a hearing because child support issues were unresolved. We prepared their financial disclosures, organized supporting documents, and rehearsed their brief responses. As a result, the client appeared prepared, answered the judge’s questions directly, and the matter was settled in under 15 minutes.

Final Tips and Next Steps

If you have a hearing coming up in San Diego County:

• Start preparing early: gather documents and outline your position.
• Seek help if you feel unsure: a short consultation can clarify what’s needed.
• Consider trying to resolve issues by agreement first to avoid court.

If you want help preparing for a hearing or would like to avoid court altogether, visit divorce661.com to schedule a free consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure your case is handled with clarity, professionalism, and minimal stress.

Closing

Facing a divorce hearing can feel intimidating, but with the right preparation and the right help, most hearings are straightforward and quick. Be organized, be respectful, and know the facts of your case. If you need assistance, I’m here to help.