The Leave Strong Divorce Process Explained
Watch this video for an overview of the divorce mediation process in California. When you are working towards an uncontested divorce with an Agreement with Leave Strong Divorce Services these are the steps, the forms, the financial disclosure requirements, the factors that are considered when calculating child and spousal support, and insight into how long this whole process will take.
Step 1: Start Here
Confidential Divorce Mediation Questionnaire
This is the first form you will fill out if you are beginning your mediation process with Leave Strong. This is the data needed for us to prepare your initial pleadings. Only one of you needs to fill this out. However, you may need to work together since it includes detailed information about both of you. Your completed form will be delivered to my inbox.
Step 2: Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure
This is the master form to which you "attach" all other forms and information. I will provide you with a statement of material facts. I will set up a shared Google Drive file where you will upload all supporting documents required by each form.
FL-140: Declaration of Disclosure
FL-142: Schedule of Assets and Debts
Each party is required to fully disclose all of their assets and debts. The FL-142 operates like a table of contents for what you are disclosing. Each asset or debt you disclose will require documentary proof of how you arrived at your valuation. For example, if you list real estate as an asset, you will need to provide a copy of your current mortgage and/or your HELOC, and a market valuation showing how you arrived at the current valuation. Plan to fill this out in one step or you may lose your work.
FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration
Each party is required to fill out an income and expense declaration. All sources of income should be listed on page 2 and you will attach your pay stubs or your Schedule C depending on your sources of income. If spousal support is an issue skip page 3 and, replace it by filling out a much more detailed budget worksheet using the optional budget worksheet below.