How does the legal process for (Divorce) Dissolution of Marriage work in California if I decide to mediate?
• First, file a Petition and Response for Dissolution of Marriage (or Legal Separation) with the clerk of the court (see our Resources page for information on these and other documents). • A six-month jurisdictional period (waiting period) commences with the Service of the Petition or filing of the Response, whichever is earlier. (This means you CANNOT be divorced in less than six months. However, you will NOT automatically be divorced in six months. You must complete the remaining steps below before your divorce will be final.) • Exchange the mandatory Declaration of Disclosure forms under penalty of perjury. (These disclosures are not filed with the court.) • Negotiate, agree upon and draft the Marital Settlement Agreement • Request your final judgment by filing with the court your Marital settlement Agreement along with the necessary final forms.
