California divorce document preparation
You agree on moving forward. Let's simplify the paperwork.
For couples who have reached an agreement and want the divorce paperwork handled carefully. Answer one online questionnaire, and a registered Legal Document Assistant prepares your documents for you to review and sign.
Document preparation only—not legal advice. We are not a law firm.
Is this right for you?
Built for couples who already agree
An agreed divorce can be calmer, faster to prepare and easier on everyone. It works best when the big decisions are already behind you.
A good fit if…
- You both want to end the marriage
- You've agreed on property, debts and support
- You've agreed on parenting arrangements, if you have children
- You'd like the paperwork prepared carefully, without guesswork
Talk to an attorney first if…
- You're still negotiating important terms
- You want advice on what's fair or what to ask for
- There are safety concerns in your relationship
- Your finances or property are complex or contested
How it works
Three clear steps from agreement to paperwork
No guesswork about what comes next. You tell us what you've agreed on; your assigned Legal Document Assistant turns it into completed documents for you to review.
-
Complete one online questionnaire
Share the details of your marriage and the terms you've agreed on—property, debts, support and, if you have children, parenting arrangements. One guided questionnaire covers it.
-
Your registered LDA prepares the documents
Your answers go to an assigned, registered Legal Document Assistant, who reviews them for completeness and prepares your documents at your direction.
-
Review and sign
You read everything before anything is signed. Once you're both satisfied, your LDA coordinates the signing process with you.
Signing your documents does not finalize your divorce. The papers still need to be filed and served, and the court must enter a judgment.
Your document preparer
Prepared by a registered Legal Document Assistant
Every case is assigned to a registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA). Your LDA prepares documents based on the choices you've already made together—it's professional paperwork help, not legal representation.
If you need advice about your rights, what's fair, or how a decision could affect you, please speak with a licensed California attorney. You can use both.
What your LDA can do
- Prepare your divorce documents at your specific direction
- Review your answers for missing information
- Share published court information and procedures
- Coordinate the review and signing process
What an LDA cannot do
- Give legal advice or recommend what you should agree to
- Negotiate between spouses or take sides
- Represent you in court
Stanislaus County
Serving Modesto and Turlock
Start online wherever you are. Appointment and signing details are confirmed with you directly once your case is assigned.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Who is Agreed Divorce Now for?
Spouses in California who have already agreed on how to end their marriage and want help preparing the paperwork. If you're still working out the terms, a mediator or attorney may be a better first step.
What is a Legal Document Assistant (LDA)?
In California, an LDA is a registered professional who prepares legal documents for people handling their own matters, at their specific direction. An LDA is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, tell you which option to choose, or represent you in court.
Do we need to agree on everything first?
This service is designed for couples who agree on the main issues: dividing property and debts, spousal support, and—if you have minor children—custody, visitation and child support. If a key issue is still open, it's best to settle it before starting.
Does signing the documents finalize our divorce?
No. Your documents must be filed with the court and served as required, and the court must enter a judgment. Under California law, your marital status can't end sooner than six months after the responding spouse is served or appears in the case.
Are there residency requirements?
To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse generally must have lived in California for six months and in the filing county for three months immediately before filing. If you don't meet this yet, ask an attorney about your options.
Will we have to go to court?
Many agreed cases move forward on paperwork without a trial, but the court decides what's required and procedures vary by county. Your LDA can share published court information; questions about legal strategy should go to an attorney.
What if we have children together?
Additional forms are required when there are minor children, and the court reviews custody, visitation and support terms. The questionnaire walks you through the information needed for those documents.
How much does it cost?
Document preparation fees will be shown clearly before you begin. Court filing fees are separate and paid to the court. If you can't afford court fees, you can ask the court about a fee waiver.
Can we start the questionnaire now?
Not yet. The secure online questionnaire is coming soon. Until it opens, this website does not collect case information. See Getting started for what to gather in the meantime.
Getting started
Get ready before the questionnaire opens
Our secure online questionnaire is coming soon. Gathering a few details together now will make it quicker to complete.
- Full legal names and current addresses for both spouses
- Date of marriage and date of separation
- Names and birth dates of any children you share
- A list of property and debts, and how you've agreed to divide them
- Any agreed terms for spousal support, child support and parenting time
Coming soon
Online questionnaire
When it opens, you'll complete one guided questionnaire and your answers will be routed securely to your assigned Legal Document Assistant.
This website does not collect case information yet. Please don't send personal or financial details by email in the meantime.