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Simplifying the divorce process in California. Designed by California family law experts, TCD is there to help divorcing couples divorce without paying lawyers.

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Online Divorce in California

Getting a divorce in California can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, but thanks to online services, it’s now simpler, cheaper and faster. 

With platforms like The Complete Divorce (TCD), you are guaranteed that the entire process is legal and secure, allowing you to handle everything from the comfort of your home.

So, by choosing TCD, you rarely have to enter a courtroom, which will not only save you time and money but also reduce the stress of divorce. 

Keep reading to find out how TCD can help streamline your divorce process online and bring you peace of mind.

Understanding Key Terms Related to Divorce in California

Before proceeding, it’s worth clarifying some key terms related to divorce in California as you may encounter them throughout the divorce process. These include:

  • Online Divorce: This refers to where couples file for divorce online instead of visiting a courtroom, making the procedure less stressful.
  • Uncontested Divorce: This is where you and your partner agree on all terms without needing court mediation. The terms may include child support and custody and asset division.
  • Summary Dissolution: A more simplified way to end a marriage for couples that have only been together for a short time or have no children.
  • DIY Divorce: Where you handle the divorce proceedings yourself without a lawyer.
  • Divorce without a Lawyer: Similar to DIY divorce, where you file and manage the divorce independently, often using online services like TCD.
Key Terms Related to Divorce in California

What are the grounds for online divorce in CA?

California is a no-fault divorce state, which means you don’t need to prove there was an issue like adultery or domestic violence to dissolve the marriage. 

However, there is a minimum requirement where it must be apparent that both parties have irreconcilable differences.

In other words, the court needs to be certain that both maries have grown apart from each other and there is no other way to save the marriage — it is beyond repair. 

With this policy, the court can focus on the legal issues of the divorce, like property division, child custody, and spousal support, instead of trying to prove whether the fault is legitimate.

Divorce Requirements in California

For California courts to consider your divorce petition, you have to meet certain requirements, and the first is Residency. At least one of both parties has to be a permanent resident in California for six months or more. 

You will need to provide proof of permanent residency, which is often done through utility bills, lease agreements, or California driver’s licenses. Proving residency is crucial for California courts because it lets them know that they have jurisdiction over your divorce case.

Failing to provide proof that you live permanently in California will cause the court to reject your divorce case.

California Map

Waiting Period for CA Divorce

If you were able to provide proof of permanent residency, you will also have to go through the mandatory six-month waiting period in california. This time begins on the date you served the divorce papers and are there for multiple reasons.

One of these reasons is to give you and your soon-to-be ex-partner to reconsider your decision and possibly reconcile your differences. 

However, if the differences are irreconcilable, the waiting period gives you time to agree on child support, custody, asset division, and other important factors.

File for Divorce in California Yourself Online

California makes filing a divorce online easy and straightforward. Here is a detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process even on your own:

Step- 1: Prepare

This involves gathering all the necessary documents and information, which can include the marriage certificate, financial records, property details, and debt.

Filing and submitting these forms begin the divorce process but note that California provides different forms for different aspects of divorce. These include Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), and Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150). 

So, fill these forms out as accurately as possible, print two copies each, and submit one to the court for proper documentation. You can keep the other copy for your personal records. 

The next phase is to give the divorce papers to your spouse to acknowledge and sign. You can notify them of the divorce proceedings in person, through a process server, sheriff, or other legal methods. 

Before delivering, make sure that the information presented in the document is accurate to avoid complications in court. These issues can cause the divorce process to take more than necessary.

Once served, your partner has 30 days to respond to the divorce and agree to the terms you specified. If they respond and agree to the terms, the divorce can go on smoothly.

But if they fail to acknowledge the divorce request within the 30-day period, you can ask the court to make a Default Judgement based on the information provided.

The Default Judgement allows the court to grant the divorce without needing the input of your spouse. 

However, this phase will only happen if your partner was duly notified and deliberately chose not to respond.

Once the court has received your documents and the six-month waiting period has passed, you can now submit the final divorce agreement for the court to approve. 

The waiting period gives you and your partner time to reconsider the divorce and possibly reconcile. But if you choose to continue after six months, the court will finalize the divorce, making it official.

Following these easy steps is one of keys to having a successful divorce, but if you encounter any complications or are unsure of how to navigate some areas, feel free to contact TCD for support. 

We provide expert assistance and guidance throughout the divorce process, ensuring everything is handled smoothly and accurately.

California Divorce Forms

California offers various forms that allow you to address different areas of divorce for better accuracy. However, there are four forms you must fill out to begin your divorce. These include:

  1. Petition (FL-100): This is the primary form completed to start the divorce process.

This part contains the basic details of both spouses, the marriage, and the reasons for divorce. This step is very important, and an error in this form will heavily affect your case.

       2. Summons (FL-110): The summons serve as notification to your spouse regarding the divorce petition and give relevant details regarding it. 

It details the rights and duties of both parties, such as legal orders that stop either spouse from selling a house or preventing children from being taken out of the state

        3. Property Declaration (FL-160): This form captures property and assets that can be divided during the divorce. 

It features community property (property acquired together during the marriage) and separate property (assets owned before the marriage or given as gifts or inheritance).

        4. Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150): This form captures all financial details, including assets, debts, income, and monthly expenses. 

This form is crucial in the determination of alimony, child support, and property division. Failing to accurately report these factors can result in an unfair outcome at the end of the divorce.

These are four of the most essential ones, but there are others you may need to consider in special situations. This is why having legal experts like TCD can help you identify these needs and make your divorce much smoother.

How to fill out divorce papers Yourself?

These forms may look intimidating, but in reality, you can fill them yourself with the right information and guidelines. 

Here are 5 steps to follow to fill out divorce papers yourself:

  1. Read Instructions Carefully

The necessary information and instructions need to be read prior to attempting to fill out the forms. 

This is because misinterpretation of information and misunderstanding will lead to issues further down the line.

       2. Gather Necessary Information

All required information, including, but not limited to, personal details, financial credentials, and possession information, must be readily available. 

This helps make the process go smoother, avoiding any potential mistakes.

       3. Complete Forms Accurately

Make sure the information you provide is accurate and reliable. You can make filling out the form easier with TCD as we guide you through each part of the document.

       4. Review and Verify

Mistakes in your forms can take precious time as the court will require you to return with the correct details, thereby making your divorce process longer. 

So, take time to review the information on all completed forms to be sure they are accurate.

       5. Submit Forms on Time

Refer to our TCD guidelines for filing a divorce as we detail court time for submitting your divorce petition. Submitting on time lets the courts begin processing your divorce, allowing it to be finalized quickly.

To assist you with filling out forms and filing them properly, you can rely on Dina Haddad, a divorce expert with years of experience and head of TCD. 

With her help, you can make the divorce process more efficient and mistake-free, which also helps in speeding things up.

Filing Fee for Divorce in CA

Divorce in California comes with some additional costs, primarily the court filing fee, which costs $435–$450. This fee covers the cost of processing your paperwork in court after you’ve submitted the documents.

You may also pay other fees for amendments and other filings. If you are using a lawyer, you may pay a retainer fee of $1000 to $5000. But you don’t always need a lawyer as you can file for divorce yourself and even online at your own convenience.

TCD Saves You Money on Divorce

With the TCD platform, you can save yourself over $12,000, as our online or DIY divorce program can help you end your marriage for just $299

We help you save on lawyer fees and unnecessary expenses that eat into your finances but take you nowhere.

So consider using TCD today and make your divorce process faster, more efficient, and more cost-effective.

Can I get a free Divorce?

It’s worth noting that if you can’t pay the filing fee for divorce in California, you can request a fee waiver. This is done by completing the Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001), which will also require you to submit financial details for the court to decide whether to approve your request.

With this, you can technically get a free divorce if the California courts assess your finances and determine that you truly cannot afford the filing fee.

Get/download printable pdf Form FW-001 from here.

How Long Will Divorce Take in California?

In California, the time it takes to divorce relies heavily on the specifics of the case, along with state regulations. Typically, it takes around six months from the filing point to the finalization period. 

This time frame consists of the mandatory waiting period of six months after serving divorce papers, which is intended for any attempts to reconcile both parties and ensure that both parties have adequate time to deliberate on the decision.

However, TCD makes this process significantly more convenient and faster by ensuring that all necessary documents are filled in and submitted on time. This means that your case takes the shortest possible time and isn’t delayed unnecessarily.

With our expert help at TCD, you can save yourself weeks and even months of correcting errors and waiting for a window for your case to be addressed.

How Long Will Divorce Take in California

Benefits of Online Divorce in CA

  • Cheap: You spend considerably less and can save your $10,000 compared to other divorce options.

  • Accessible: No need to go to court. Everything can be done from the comfort of your house.

  • Efficient: Minimizes the amount of time needed to process and finalize the divorce.

  • Simple: Allows divorce proceedings to be done without going to court in public.

  • Convenient: TCD is user-friendly and provides 24/7 expert support to ensure that documents are done correctly and on time.
     
  • We can file for you: TCD divorce expert can file for you and your spouse, eliminating your need of hiring lawyers.


100 % Assisted Divorce: TCD provides video tutorials, checklists and strategy meeting with Dina Haddad (Divorce Expert) to help divorcing couples.

Cheap and Fast Divorce Options in California

Choosing to work with TDC for your divorce in California is cheaper and quicker than using the traditional methods. Let’s look at the difference between TCD and traditional methods:

Options 

Online Divorce (TCD) 

Divorce with Lawyers 

Cost

$199–$299

$15,000+ 

Time 

Approximately 6 months

1+ year

Process

Online filing, guided steps, streamlined process

Court appearances, lawyer consultations, legal fees

Support

24/7 Expert support from multiple TCD divorce expert

Solo input from the hired lawyer

Control 

Spouses control the final outcome. 

Judge controls the final outcome.

Conflict 

Peaceful and cooperative

Stressful and adversarial. 

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Is Online Divorce Legit?

Yes, divorce online is real in California and is also legal. Legal authorities and even some experts at Avvo suggest that divorce services provided online follow the legal protocols of the state.

Hence, with TCD, you do not have to go to court if you want to divorce your spouse. TCD’s service helps to create a secure, efficient, and legal experience that helps couples complete the divorce process as quickly and easily as possible.

For further assurance, you can find supporting evidence from client feedback and professional reviews on the credibility and efficiency of online divorce services from TCD.

Child Custody and Support

After a divorce, child support and custody become crucial considerations in the state of California as laws protect the child’s welfare during the divorce. 

In this case, custody can be categorized into two categories, legal and physical. 

Legal custody is the right to make important decisions that impact the child’s welfare, while physical custody is where the child resides. 

A couple of factors that the court will review when determining custody include the child’s:

  • Health
  • Welfare
  • Overall safety
  • Substance abuse
  • History of domestic violence. 
  • Parents’ abilities to care for the child

Both parents’ income, time with the child, and other factors are used to determine child support under California family law. 

At the same time, if the parents have disagreements regarding custody and support, court intervention will be required. 

The most important goal is enabling the child to feel safe, loved, and emotionally cared for while having a healthy relationship with both parents. These factors are necessary for the child to mature into a stable and independent aqdult.

Santa Clara County Divorce Online California 1
Santa Clara County Divorce Online California 1

Divorce and Property Division

The division of property in California during a divorce is regulated by community property law. 

This implies that any property and liabilities accrued during the marriage are considered community property and are usually split equally between the parties. 

Find useful tips and ways to divorce without splitting assets in California by reading this blog. 

On the other hand, the property acquired before marriage, or through gift or inheritance, is separate and remains with the respective individual. In an effort to ensure fairness in the distribution of property, the court takes into account several criteria. 

These criteria include the marriage duration, the economic condition of both spouses, and other contributions that each spouse made to the family, such as income earning, household chores, and taking care of children. 

The court’s objective is to ensure that every matrimonial property division is just considering all aspects of both party’s affairs. 

To lessen or avoid going to court, the spouses may take the option of dividing their properties and debts through mediation or other agreed-upon methods. 

With this, there is no need to set aside a specific day to deal with the issues in court and have it done in an amiable fashion instead.

Spousal Support in California

Spousal support, also known as Alimony, is the monetary assistance a spouse may offer to his or her partner during or after a divorce in order to allow him or her to maintain a certain standard of living. 

The overarching purpose of spousal support is to allow both parties to economically adjust to life after divorce without much hassle. 

Note that there are two types of Spousal Support in the state of California: Temporary and Permanent.

Temporary spousal support is given during the period of divorce proceedings to help the spouse with lesser earnings meet their living costs. 

On the other end, Permanent spousal support is received after the divorce, and it can either be long-term or short-term depending on the marriage length and other related aspects.

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Conclusion – Get help for your easy, simple, & cheap divorce.

Divorce can feel overwhelming when you’re on your own, but at TCD, it is simple, cheap, and fast. We help you prepare all necessary documents for filing the divorce, then guide you through filling out all the essential forms and submitting them on time.

Our TCD app is also user-friendly with an intuitive interface and is supported by top family law experts like Dina Haddad

With our help, you can streamline your divorce proceedings and ensure it goes as quickly as possible.

Consider using The Complete Divorce today and make your divorce easier, faster, and less expensive!

FAQ's

1. Do I need a lawyer with TCD’s Online Divorce?

No, the TCD platform runs a DIY divorce, which means all the necessary guidance and forms are available on TCD’s service.

2. How to file for uncontested divorce in California?

You can file for a cheap uncontested divorce in California by meeting the residency requirements, completing all necessary forms, agreeing on divorce terms with your spouse, and submitting the paperwork.

3. Can TCD Divorce Expert file for my divorce in California?

Yes, if you need assistance filing your divorce papers, TCD has seasoned family law experts like Dina Haddad who can aid you in this aspect.

4. What is the residency requirement for CA Divorce?

You must have been a permanent resident for at least three months in the country and six months in California in order to successfully file a divorce.

5. How can I file for divorce in CA?

You can file for divorce in California without any reason other than irreconcilable differences. To make the separation more efficient, use the services TCD provides.

6. How much does a divorce cost in California?

If you’re going the traditional route and want to hire a lawyer who does everything manually, it may cost you $15,000 or more. But with The Complete Divorce (TCD), it will cost you as low as $199

7. What is the best online divorce service?

For all online divorce needs, TCD serves the most competitive and reasonable prices. It also has a large team of expert family lawyers under the leadership of Dina Haddad, who aim to help make your divorce process much easier.

8. Can you divorce without the other person signing in California?

Yes. A court has the right to issue a default judgment without requiring a signature from the second party. This usually happens when the other party refuses to acknowledge the divorce paper, giving the court the right to dissolve the marriage.