Our Process – How it Works

STEP ONE: Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation (30 minutes).

You and your spouse can easily schedule a consultation with our managing paralegal through Calendly. This meeting allows you to share your situation and discuss how California Modern Divorce (CMD) can assist you. We encourage both parties to join via Zoom so we can all get acquainted, but phone consultations are also available. During the consultation, the managing paralegal will gather essential information and outline the divorce process. Following this, you will receive an estimate for our services, which range from $750 to $5,000, depending on your specific needs. (Please refer to our FAQ for general pricing information.) Remember, this consultation is about you, and it’s important that you both feel comfortable and trust us to work effectively together.

STEP TWO: Information Gathering.

Once you hire us, our divorce paralegal will send you an email outlining the process and providing a list of necessary information and documents. You can easily upload your responses through our secure portal. If you have any questions about the process or paperwork, the divorce paralegal will be available for a phone conference to assist you.

STEP THREE: Preparation of Paperwork.

Our divorce paralegal will prepare all necessary paperwork based on the information and documentation you provide. Before filing with the court, every document will be reviewed and approved by our attorney. This paperwork typically includes a petition, financial disclosures, a marriage settlement agreement (MSA) or stipulated judgment, and other required forms. The paralegal will first file the petition and related documents, followed by the preparation of the parties' financial disclosures. Once these disclosures are finalized and approved, you’ll be ready to proceed to Step Four or Five.

STEP FOUR: Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) and Judgment.

Once both parties agree on all issues, our divorce paralegal will draft a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) or stipulated judgment reflecting this agreement. This formal document encompasses key matters such as support, property division, debts, and child custody. If required, the MSA or stipulated judgment may need to be notarized. After finalizing the document with our attorney, the paralegal will file it, along with other necessary documents, with the court. Once the court reviews and approves everything, it will sign the judgment, finalizing your divorce.

STEP FIVE: Mediation/Professional Expert.

If you and your spouse agree on some issues but not others, CMD will still assist in gathering information and preparing paperwork (Steps 2 and 3). However, we will refer you to our trusted Mediator, a licensed family law attorney, who specializes in resolving disagreements. Mediation is voluntary and confidential, with the goal of helping you reach a fair agreement tailored to your needs.

Before mediation, the Mediator will meet with both parties to understand your positions and expectations. During mediation, they will listen, propose solutions, and help facilitate a compromise—acting as a neutral third party to guide the process without imposing decisions on either side.

Agreement After Mediation.

If both parties successfully resolve all disputes through CMD’s Mediator, our divorce paralegal will draft the Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) or stipulated judgment based on your agreement (Step 4).

No Agreement After Mediation.

If both parties are unable to resolve all disputes through CMD’s Mediator, our services will be concluded, and we will recommend that each party retain their own attorney. The good news is that your initial paperwork (Steps 2 and 3) will already be completed, allowing your attorneys to focus only on the unresolved issues and finalize your divorce in court. (Step 4).