1) Initial Call
The process begins with an initial call where we learn more about your situation and determine what level of service you need. During this conversation, we will ask basic questions about your marriage, whether you have children, whether there are homes, retirement accounts, support issues, or other matters that may need to be addressed as part of the divorce. This call helps us understand whether your matter is appropriate for our service and gives you an opportunity to ask preliminary questions about the process.
Our goal during this first step is to identify the scope of your case and make sure you understand what the divorce process will generally involve. Even if your case appears straightforward, this initial conversation helps us spot issues early so the process can move more smoothly later.
2) Zoom Meeting
After the initial call, we schedule a Zoom meeting with both parties and the attorney. This meeting is an important part of the process because it gives everyone an opportunity to discuss the divorce together in a structured setting. During the meeting, the attorney will explain the general divorce process, discuss the next steps, and answer questions about what will be required moving forward.
This meeting also helps ensure that both parties have a clear understanding of the information and documents that will be needed. You will be told what financial information, account statements, property information, and other supporting documents should be gathered so the case can be properly prepared. The goal is to create clarity from the beginning and reduce confusion as the matter progresses.
3) Petition and Response Drafting and Filing
Once the necessary initial information has been gathered, we prepare the opening divorce paperwork. This includes drafting the Petition and, where appropriate, the Response so the case can be properly initiated. These documents formally begin the divorce process and tell the court the basic issues involved in your matter, such as property division, custody, child support, and spousal support.
After the documents are prepared, they are provided for review and signature as needed, and then filed with the court. This step officially opens the case and starts the legal process. We help make sure the filing is handled correctly so you can avoid the stress of trying to navigate the court's opening paperwork on your own.
4) Disclosure Drafting and Review
California divorces require both parties to exchange financial disclosures. These disclosures are an important part of the process because they give each side a formal picture of the assets, debts, income, and expenses involved in the marriage. We prepare these disclosure documents based on the information you provide and organize them into the proper format for your review.
Once drafted, the disclosures are sent to you for review so you can confirm that the information is accurate and complete before signing. This step is important because complete and accurate disclosures are often necessary before a divorce can be finalized. Our role is to help make this stage more manageable by preparing the paperwork and helping you understand what information is required.
5) Marital Settlement Agreement Drafting and Review
After the necessary financial and case information has been gathered, we prepare the Marital Settlement Agreement and any related forms needed to finalize your divorce. This agreement sets out the terms that both parties have decided upon, including the division of property and debts, custody and visitation arrangements if children are involved, child support, spousal support, and any other terms that apply to your case.
Once the agreement is drafted, it is provided to you for careful review. This gives both parties an opportunity to make sure the written terms accurately reflect their understanding before signing. Because this document is one of the most important parts of the divorce, we take care to prepare it in a way that is clear, organized, and ready for submission to the court.
6) Filing With the Court
After all required documents have been signed and finalized, Simple Separation arranges for the completed paperwork to be filed with the court for review. Depending on the county and court procedures involved, filing may be handled in person or through the court's accepted filing method. At this stage, the goal is to submit a complete package so the court has everything needed to review the matter for judgment.
This step is important because even when the parties are in agreement, a divorce is not final until the court reviews and accepts the paperwork. We help move the matter into that final stage by making sure the completed documents are submitted for court processing.
7) Court Review and Return
After filing, the court reviews the submitted paperwork to determine whether it is sufficient for entry of judgment. If the documents are accepted, the court will process the judgment and return the filed paperwork, usually by mail or through the court's filing system depending on the county. If the court requires corrections or additional information, those issues must be addressed before the divorce can move forward.
Court review times vary, and this part of the process can take time depending on the county and the court's workload. Once the judgment is entered and returned, you will have confirmation that the matter has been processed by the court. From there, the case moves toward final completion based on the applicable waiting period and the court's entered orders.