Uncontested Divorce in California: How Much Does it Cost and How Long Does it Take?

Uncontested Divorce in Orange County California

California law allows married couples to file for an uncontested divorce in California if they can work out an amicable agreement on their own. This type of divorce will save the parties court costs and time. If you are unable to reach an amicable agreement, you will need to hire an attorney or a professional mediator. The main reason for divorces in California is irreconcilable differences. This simply means that the married couple is unable to get along. In California, all divorces are considered “No-Faultâ€, which means that the person who files for a divorce does not need to prove that the other spouse is to blame or did something wrong. Retain our Orange County Paralegal Service to get an Uncontested Divorce in California through Divorce Preparation Services in Orange County.

A couple walking on the beach at sunset.

Most couples who are considering filing for divorce have many questions, including how fast they can get a divorce in California. A paralegal in Orange County has outlined the basic steps (below) that must be followed to file for an uncontested divorce in California.

Uncontested Divorce

The uncontested divorce is another aspect of the process. One means you both come to an agreement together and choose the simpler uncontested dissolution of your marriage.

A man sitting at a table with his laptop.

Uncontested Divorce – Agreeable Married Couple

Contested Divorce

The other is almost always stressful and expensive. A contested divorce means one of you does not agree to all the terms and you will most likely end up in court with lawyers and battle it out.

A man and woman are talking outside in the park.

Contested Divorce – Couple that cannot agree!

How Do You File for an Uncontested Divorce in Orange County?

You could do it yourself but it is easier when you hire a paralegal in Orange County that specializes in uncontested divorces to make sure the paperwork is filled out correctly, and that all the proper forms are used, and filed with the court. The first step is to file a “Petition for Divorce or Dissolution of Marriage.†The paralegal will guide you through the process.

When you use Divorce Preparation Services we handle all the paperwork and court filings for you!

  1. File a petition for divorce and pay the filing fee to the court system.
  2. Serve your spouse the petition for dissolution of your marriage. You can use a process server or mail the Petition and Summons to your spouse.
  3. Important: serve or exchange information about your income, debts, and property.
  4. Complete a Marital Settlement Agreement that both parties agree to.
  5. File an Uncontested Dissolution or Request to Enter Default with the court system.

Does California have any residency requirement for a dissolution of marriage?

Yes. In California before you can file for a divorce, at least one of you must have been a California resident for at least six (6) months before the court is petitioned. Additionally, you must be a resident of the county where you intend to file for divorce for at least three (3) months.

Are you required to go to court if you are filing an uncontested divorce?

No. If a marital settlement agreement has been reached and filed with the court system, neither party is required to go to court. Once all legal documents have been filed, a judge will make a decision, and a judgment mailed to you. It should be noted that the court system may request that an informal or formal hearing be attended.

How long does an uncontested divorce in California take?

If neither party (Petitioner/Respondent) has any objections, a no-contest divorce can be filed with the court system and completed relatively quickly. After your paperwork has been reviewed, the court system will grant a Judgment of Divorce. Once the divorce petition has been filed and your spouse has been served, it will take at least six months for the divorce to be finalized.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

The average cost to file for a divorce in California depends on the county you file in (court filing fees) and if you file it yourself. The current filing fee* to file for a divorce petition is $435 in Orange County, California. The most prudent decision is to hire a paralegal in Orange County to file for you. They will save you time off work, money, and excess stress and headaches because they handle it all.

Our paralegal service is the most affordable option for an uncontested divorce with a $700 to $750 flat fee* not including court-filing fees and e-filing fees. Typically, a paralegal in Orange County will charge a flat fee, which is, much less than a lawyer charges. Whereas an attorney/lawyer usually requires a retainer fee, just to get started whether it is for a contested or uncontested divorce.

Filing the Petition for Divorce. The Next Step – What Do I Do?

Contact us today. DivorcePreparationServices.com offers affordable paralegal services in Orange County and files the correct forms for you in the family law court in Orange County. We have years of experience and help expedite the process… saving you time and money!  We serve Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino County, and San Diego County.

Certified Paralegal at an Affordable Flat Rate Fee.

To Schedule an Appointment Call 714-935-2989

Contact us today!

Find answers to other Frequently Asked Questions about divorce and legal separation, contested and uncontested divorce in California.

Page originally published on August 29, 2018 | Updated on January 24, 2024. *Court Fees and our fees are subject to change without notice.