How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Long Beach, CA (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Long Beach is completely legal — and for many couples, it’s the most affordable and efficient way to end a marriage. California supports the self-represented (“pro se”) divorce process, and the Los Angeles County Superior Court offers clear procedures and standardized forms that make the process manageable without hiring an attorney.

This guide explains exactly how to divorce without a lawyer in Long Beach, including required California divorce forms, local filing steps, timelines, costs, and when legal advice may still be beneficial.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Long Beach, CA?

Yes. Thousands of California residents file for divorce without a lawyer every year. A DIY divorce is ideal when:

• Your case is uncontested

• You and your spouse agree on property division, support, and custody

• Your financial situation is relatively straightforward

• You want to avoid paying $12,000–$20,000+ in legal fees

• You prefer a faster, simpler process

If your case becomes more complicated, you can still hire a lawyer later, but most uncontested divorces in Long Beach can be completed entirely without one.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Long Beach — Step by Step

1. Confirm California’s Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Long Beach, you or your spouse must have lived:

• 6 months in California, and

• 3 months in Los Angeles County

If you do not yet meet these requirements, you may file for legal separation first and convert it to a divorce later.

2. Gather the Required California Divorce Forms

California uses statewide Judicial Council forms plus Los Angeles County supplements.

Core California Divorce Forms

• FL-100 — Petition for Dissolution

• FL-110 — Summons

• FL-115 — Proof of Service

• FL-140 — Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-142 — Schedule of Assets & Debts

• FL-150 — Income & Expense Declaration

• FL-160 — Property Declaration

Local Los Angeles County Forms

LA Superior Court may require:

• Family Law Case Cover Sheet

• Localized judgment/coversheet forms

• Additional parent-related forms for custody cases

Divorce.com automatically prepares all state + county forms for you.

3. File Your Forms With the Los Angeles County Superior Court

Long Beach cases are filed through LA County’s family law system.

Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse (Long Beach Courthouse)
275 Magnolia Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90802

(Processing may occur at other district locations depending on workload.)

Filing Fee

• California divorce filing fee: $435

• Fee waivers available using FW-001 & FW-003

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically (where available)

4. Serve Your Spouse Properly

You cannot serve your spouse yourself.

Approved service methods include:

• A friend or family member (18+)

• Professional process server

• Sheriff’s Department service

• Certified mail (with special court permission)

After serving, file FL-115 (Proof of Service).

5. Complete Mandatory Financial Disclosures

California requires both spouses to exchange:

• Income & expenses

• Property lists

• Debts

• Tax-related details

• Retirement and investment information

These disclosures are required whether or not you agree on everything.

6. Reach a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)

To finalize an uncontested divorce in Long Beach, you and your spouse must agree on:

• How to divide assets & debts

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Spousal support (alimony)

• Any special arrangements

An MSA is required for the judge to finalize your case.

Divorce.com helps you create a complete, legally compliant agreement.

7. Submit Your Judgment Packet

To finalize your divorce, you may need to include:

• FL-180 — Judgment

• FL-190 — Notice of Entry of Judgment

• Signed Marital Settlement Agreement

• Child support worksheets (if applicable)

• Los Angeles County supplements

Once accepted, the court processes your judgment and mails certified copies.

8. Wait for California’s 6-Month Mandatory Waiting Period

California law requires a minimum 6-month waiting period starting the day your spouse is served.

Even if your paperwork is completed early, the court cannot finalize your divorce before this date.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Long Beach?

Typical timelines:

• 6–8 months for uncontested cases

• 6 months minimum (state-mandated)

• Longer if documents are incomplete or court workload is heavy

Using an online service reduces errors and speeds up processing.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Long Beach, CA?

Typical costs include:

• $435 filing fee

• $0–$100 to serve your spouse

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $499–$999 using Divorce.com for forms + agreement

Attorney-led divorces in LA County typically cost $12,000–$25,000+, making DIY divorce the most budget-friendly option.

When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer

You may want legal help if:

• You have a high-conflict custody situation

• Your spouse is hiding assets

• You own complex property (real estate, business interests, investments)

• There is domestic violence or safety concerns

• One spouse refuses to cooperate

Many Long Beach couples complete the whole process without an attorney — especially when agreements are cooperative.

Why Long Beach Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com makes the process easier by:

• Preparing all required California + LA County forms

• Creating a complete Marital Settlement Agreement

• Providing step-by-step filing guidance

• Reducing court rejections

• Offering optional attorney support if needed

It’s the fastest and most affordable way to divorce without a lawyer in Long Beach.

Final Thoughts

A DIY divorce in Long Beach is entirely achievable — and often much less stressful and expensive than a lawyer-led case. With the correct forms, a clear settlement agreement, and consistent guidance, you can complete your divorce efficiently and confidently.

Divorce.com gives you everything you need to navigate and finalize your divorce in Los Angeles County.