Uncontested Divorce Checklist
Everything you need to file an uncontested divorce — organized by category.
Complete Divorce Checklist
You must file in the county where you or your spouse has lived for at least 3 months. Filing in the wrong county will result in your case being dismissed.
Typical Timeline
- 1
File Petition & Serve Spouse
File your petition and serve your spouse with papers. They have 30 days to respond.
- 2
Waiting Period
California requires a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service.
- 3
Finalize Agreement
Submit your marital settlement agreement and judgment to the court.
- 4
Court Approval
The judge reviews and signs the judgment. Your divorce is finalized.
How to Use This Uncontested Divorce Checklist
An uncontested divorce checklist is one of the most practical tools you can use when preparing to file. Because an uncontested divorce requires both spouses to agree on all terms before the court date, having every document organized in advance prevents last-minute delays or rejections at the clerk's office.
This free uncontested divorce checklist is organized into four categories — financial documents, property and assets, child custody paperwork (where applicable), and court filing requirements. Work through each section systematically and check off items as you gather them. If a document does not apply to your situation, you can skip it.
The single most important document in any uncontested divorce is the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA). The MSA records every decision both spouses have agreed on, from real property division to spousal support terms. Courts will not finalize an uncontested divorce without a properly executed MSA. This uncontested divorce checklist includes the MSA along with the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and all supporting financial disclosures your state requires.
Filing requirements vary by state and county. Some courts accept electronic filing; others require paper originals with original signatures. Before you submit, verify the specific requirements with your local family court clerk. This uncontested divorce checklist covers the most common federal and state requirements, but local rules always take precedence.
This checklist is a free educational resource and is not a substitute for legal advice. A family law attorney can review your completed uncontested divorce checklist and MSA before you file to ensure everything is in order.