After You Complete the GDC Portal

Once you’ve completed the GDC process and filed your documents with the court, unless there are any unforeseen issues with your paperwork, your work is done! You can now focus on the next chapter of your lives!

What to expect next when your work is done:

• The court processes your filings (timelines vary by county)
• California law requires a six-month and one-day waiting period from the date of service to terminate your marriage
• You will receive copies of some filed and endorsed documents from the court by post mail before the final divorce judgment documents are mailed to you
• In typical uncontested cases, no hearing is required in most jurisdictions
• It is not typical, but you may receive notices and instructions from the Court requesting something from you. Always respond to these requests in a timely fashion

During the waiting period:

• Continue following any temporary/interim agreements you’ve informally made with your spouse
• Respond promptly to court communications
• Keep copies of everything you file

When the divorce is final:

After processing your final paperwork (the judgment) that you submitted to the Court, it is expected that you will receive your Court-endorsed judgment of divorce along with the divorce decree by U.S. post mail.

Your marital status will be terminated at the date identified by the Court on your paperwork. After that date, each spouse is legally restored to “unmarried.” Keep all judgment documents you get back from the Court for your records.

Congratulations!

You will have joined the majority (70%+) of California divorce filings that have resolved uncontested. No family law clerk visits, no court hearings, no attorney representation.

You have navigated a potentially devastating contested divorce and complicated judicial process quickly and efficiently so that you can focus on the future. You have saved an incredible amount of money, time, and emotional toll.

Yes, the GDC Portal tools are unique and powerful, but all credit goes to the GDC couples for showing up and doing their part by following through and working together.

Now you can share with others you know who are facing the same circumstances what your divorce experience was like and invite them to research the same hopeful process through the GDC Portal.