Submit your default judgment to finish your divorce

Once you complete your judgment paperwork, you need to make copies and submit everything to the court with an envelope. The court will review these forms to be sure nothing is missing. If the judge has any questions, they may set a court date. If nothing is missing and it is approved, the judge will sign your judgment.

How to submit forms and envelopes

  • Prepare envelope

    Prepare envelope for your Judgment packet 

    The envelope needs to be big enough to hold all the papers in your packet and have enough postage. Address one to yourself. If the court approves your judgment, the Clerk will mail a copy of the Judgment and the Notice of Entry of Judgment back to you.

    Some courts require a separate small envelope for the Notice of Entry of Judgment. Contact the court clerk or Self-Help Center if you haven't already to be sure. 
     
  • Make copies

    Make 2 copies of your papers.  

    You will give the original and copy to the clerk.   

    Keep the second copy with you in case you need it. 

  • Submit forms and envelopes

    Turn in the original and copy of your forms to the court clerk along with the envelope.  

    The clerk will process your paperwork and give it to a judge to review. This may take a week or even months. Ask the clerk what the usual time is to process. 

  • Get judgment forms back

    If everything required is there and it is approved, a judge will sign your judgment. The clerk will:

    • Stamp the Judgment and the Notice of Entry of Judgment "filed"

    • Mail you a copy of the stamped forms

    If something is missing or wrong, you will get the forms back, not signed or stamped, with information about what’s missing.

When you receive the Notice of Entry of Judgment marked "filed," your case is complete. If you asked for a divorce (dissolution), the Notice will say the date your marriage or domestic partnership officially ends.

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