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

Divorcing without a lawyer in Riverside is absolutely possible — and for many California couples, it’s the most affordable and efficient way to end a marriage. California law allows individuals to represent themselves (“in pro per”), and the Riverside County Superior Court provides a clear, structured process for completing an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney.

This guide walks you through each step of filing for divorce without a lawyer in Riverside, including required forms, fees, disclosures, timelines, and when legal help may still be needed.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Riverside, CA?

Yes. Most uncontested divorces in California — including those filed in Riverside — are completed without attorney involvement.

You may be a good candidate for a no-lawyer divorce if:

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

• Your finances are straightforward

• You want to avoid attorney fees of $12,000–$25,000+

• You’re comfortable following step-by-step instructions

• Conflict is low and both spouses will cooperate

If your case involves complex financial assets, domestic violence, or major disagreements, legal assistance may still be appropriate — but for most uncontested cases, a DIY divorce is entirely manageable.

California Requirements for Filing Without a Lawyer

1. Residency Requirement

To file for divorce in Riverside County, one spouse must have lived:

• In California for 6 months, AND

• In Riverside County for 3 months

2. Grounds for Divorce

California is strictly no-fault. The standard ground is:

• Irreconcilable differences

No other explanation is required.

Understanding the Riverside Divorce Process

California divorces — including those filed in Riverside — require:

• Filing of the Petition

• Service of the Summons

• Full financial disclosures from both spouses

• A signed Marital Settlement Agreement

• Court review and judgment

• A mandatory six-month waiting period, which cannot be waived

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Riverside — Step by Step

1. Complete the Required California Divorce Forms

For most cases, you will need:

• FL-100 — Petition for Dissolution

• FL-110 — Summons

• FL-115 — Proof of Service

• FL-160 — Property Declaration (optional if agreement is complete)

• FL-311/FL-341 — Parenting forms (if minor children)

• Riverside County local cover sheets (varies by courthouse)

2. File Your Forms With the Riverside County Superior Court

You may file at any of the Riverside Family Law locations, but the primary filing courthouse is:

Riverside Family Law Court
4175 Main Street
Riverside, CA 92501

Filing Fee

• $435 (standard California divorce filing fee)

Fee waivers (FW-001 and FW-003) are available for qualifying individuals.

3. Serve Your Spouse Properly

California requires formal service of the Summons and Petition by:

• A process server

• Sheriff (if available)

• Any adult (18+) who is not a party to the case

Your spouse must be served in person unless they voluntarily sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (FL-117).

After service, file:

• Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)

4. Exchange Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must complete:

• FL-140 — Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts

• FL-150 — Income and Expense Declaration

These disclosures are legally required before the judge will finalize your divorce.

5. Create Your Marital Settlement Agreement

Your agreement should cover:

• Asset and debt division

• Child custody and timesharing

• Child support

• Spousal support

• Retirement division (QDRO may be required)

• Health insurance and tax issues

• Future obligations

California judges — especially in Riverside County — require clear, complete terms before signing the Judgment.

Divorce.com guides spouses through building a complete, enforceable settlement agreement.

6. Submit Your Final Judgment Packet

Once disclosures and agreements are complete, file:

• FL-180 — Judgment

• FL-190 — Notice of Entry of Judgment

• FL-165 — Proof of Service by Mail

• Marital Settlement Agreement (attached)

• Child custody + support attachments (if applicable)

Riverside County may also require additional local judgment forms.

If everything is correct, the judge will sign your judgment without a hearing.

7. Wait for California’s Mandatory Six-Month Cooling-Off Period

Your divorce cannot be finalized sooner than:

• 6 months from the date your spouse was served

Even if the agreement is complete early, the judgment date must respect this waiting period.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Riverside?

Typical timelines:

• Fastest possible: 6 months + processing time

• Common timeline: 6–9 months

• With delays: 9–12 months

Factors that speed up the process:

• Quick service

• Accurate disclosures

• Complete settlement agreement

• Prompt filing of judgment packet

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Riverside?

Typical no-lawyer costs:

• $435 filing fee

• $0–$100 for service of process

• $0 if preparing forms yourself

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com for forms + agreement

Attorney-led divorces in California often cost $15,000–$30,000+, making DIY divorce far more affordable.

When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer

A lawyer may be useful if:

• There is domestic violence

• A spouse hides assets

• You own complex real estate or businesses

• Custody issues are high-conflict

• Your spouse refuses to cooperate

For cooperative, low-conflict cases, most Riverside couples complete the entire process without legal representation.

Why Riverside Couples Choose Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps California residents:

• Prepare all Judicial Council + Riverside County forms

• Build complete settlement agreements

• Avoid paperwork mistakes that delay judgment

• Understand disclosure rules

• Access optional attorney support if needed

It’s the fastest and most affordable way to complete a no-lawyer divorce in Riverside.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Riverside, CA is entirely achievable — especially when both spouses agree on the key terms and follow California’s step-by-step process. With correct forms, complete disclosures, and a thorough settlement agreement, you can finalize your divorce confidently, smoothly, and affordably.

Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and complete your Riverside County divorce from start to finish.