Finalize Divorce | Finalization of Divorce in California

What is a finalization?

A finalization is when you have already started the divorce proceeding with the court, but have not finished the process to finalize divorce.

Can you assist me with the finalization?

If your case is still open and has not been dismissed, we may be able to assist you with finishing your divorce process. Our office will request you provide the case number so we can look it up on the court website and verify that it can be finalized.

What if I originally filed for divorce with the help of an attorney?

Our office can assist you in the finalization after we go through a process to formally remove the attorney from your case. In an uncontested divorce, an attorney is not needed and will need to be substituted as your attorney of record before proceeding. This is an additional step that will need to be filed with the court and can add time to the process.

I have already paid the filing fee to the court; do I need to pay again?

If your divorce case is still open, we would not need to pay the court fees again. You would just pay the flat fee to our office to help complete your divorce. If your case is dismissed, we will have to start from the beginning and a court fee will apply in addition to our fees.

The case is still open, what happens next to finalize a divorce?

Our office will need copies of any documents you have already filed: petition, proof of service, etc. so that we can ensure those forms were filled out and filed properly. Once verified that those steps were completed successfully, we will put together a plan of how we can help you get to the completion of your divorce proceedings. Each divorce is unique and changes in your current situation and assets can affect what was filed originally with the court.

Do I still need to wait the 6-month and 1-day waiting period to be divorced?

In some cases, we can use the original file date from your service documents, and if six months have already passed you will not need to wait another six months. In this scenario, however long it takes the judge to get the final documents and sign off on them will be the length of time it will take to finalize your divorce.

How do I know if the case is open or has been dismissed?

The petitioner would have received a letter to their last known address from the court informing them that their case had been dismissed due to lack of completion. If you are unsure whether the case is open, please be prepared to share your case number with our office so we can check the court docket to verify.

What is the difference in cost for a finalization?

Please call our office for pricing and to discuss your specific scenario. In many cases, the fee to complete a finalization is less than our offices flat fee for an uncontested divorce and will also not require court fees in some cases.

Specializing in Uncontested Divorces - Paralegal Orange County

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Finalize Divorce. We help you from start to finish to finalize your divorce. Certified Paralegal at an Affordable Flat Rate Fee.

Find answers to Frequently Asked Questions about divorce and legal separation, uncontested and contested divorce, court filing of legal documents, minor child custody, and visitation agreements for divorce in Orange County.