Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer?

Yes — California is a no-fault state and does not require attorneys. If your case is uncontested (or your spouse simply doesn’t respond), every document can be prepared by a legal document preparer and filed with the court. That is exactly what our divorce service does, start to finish.

Step 1 — The Petition

The initial packet: Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), and — with children — the UCCJEA declaration (FL-105) telling the court where the children have lived for five years. Riverside County adds local forms; we keep current on all of them.

Step 2 — Serve Your Spouse

Someone over 18 (not you) personally serves the papers. The six-month clock to a final divorce starts on this date, so serving promptly matters.

Step 3 — Financial Disclosures

Both spouses exchange declarations of assets, debts, income, and expenses. Required even when you agree on everything — missing disclosures are the top reason judgments bounce.

Step 4 — Agreement or Default

If you agree on the issues, a Marital Settlement Agreement turns your terms into the judgment. If your spouse never responds, we prepare the default judgment packet instead. Retirement accounts being divided? That needs a QDRO — plan for it now, not years later.

Step 5 — Judgment

The judgment packet goes to the court for review and entry. Your divorce is final on entry or six months after service, whichever is later.

Timeline and Cost Reality Check

Minimum six months (the waiting period), typically seven to nine in practice. Court filing fees apply to each spouse who files; our flat-fee document preparation replaces hourly attorney billing — call 951-272-5855 for current pricing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does divorce take in Riverside County?

Six months minimum by law (the waiting period from service), and typically seven to nine months in practice when paperwork is done right the first time.

Can I file without my spouse’s cooperation?

Yes. California doesn’t require both parties to agree to end the marriage; if your spouse doesn’t respond, the case can proceed by default.

What does it cost?

Court filing fees are set by the court; our document preparation is a flat fee — no hourly billing. Call 951-272-5855 for a quote.

We are not attorneys. We are paralegals preparing legal documents, saving you money. The information on this site is not legal advice.