California Divorce and Separation Forms: A Complete Guide

Filing for divorce in California requires completing and submitting the proper California divorce forms to the court. Whether you’re filing for an uncontested or contested divorce, knowing which forms you need can help you navigate the process efficiently. This guide outlines the required divorce paperwork, who needs to file them, and how a legal document preparer can assist in accurate filing to avoid delays.

What Are California Divorce Forms?

California divorce forms are legal documents required to initiate and finalize a divorce. These forms ensure the court has all necessary details regarding the dissolution of marriage, including:

• Petitioner’s and Respondent’s personal information
• Child custody arrangements (if applicable)
• Property division details
• Spousal support requests (if any)

Essential California Divorce Forms

Here are the most important divorce forms in California, along with their purposes:

1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100)

The FL-100 form officially starts the divorce process. It provides details about the marriage, including the reason for dissolution and requests regarding child custody, spousal support, and property division.

🔗 ; FL-100 Form – Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl100.pdf

2. Summons (FL-110)

The Summons (FL-110) notifies the other spouse (Respondent) that a divorce case has been filed and includes important restraining orders that both parties must follow.

🔗 ; FL-110 Form – Summons: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl110.pdf

3. Response – Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-120)

If the Respondent wishes to contest the divorce, they must file FL-120 within 30 days of being served.

🔗 ; FL-120 Form – Response: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl120.pdf

4. Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)

The FL-140 form ensures both parties exchange complete financial information before the divorce is finalized.

🔗 ; FL-140 Form – Declaration of Disclosure: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl140.pdf

5. Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)

The FL-142 form is used to disclose all assets and debts owned by both spouses, ensuring a fair division of property.

🔗 ; FL-142 Form – Schedule of Assets and Debts: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl142.pdf

6. Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)

The FL-150 form provides details about each spouse’s income and financial situation, essential for determining spousal and child support.

🔗 ; FL-150 Form – Income and Expense Declaration: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl150.pdf

7. Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)

This form verifies that the divorce papers have been legally served to the other spouse.

🔗 ; FL-115 Form – Proof of Service: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl115.pdf

8. Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (FL-180)

Once all requirements are met, the judge signs the FL-180 form, finalizing the divorce.

🔗 ; FL-180 Form – Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage: https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fl180.pdf

How to File Divorce Forms in California

Step 1: Complete Required Forms

Fill out FL-100 (Petition) and FL-110 (Summons) to begin the divorce process. If children are involved, additional child custody forms may be needed.

Step 2: File the Forms with the Court

Submit the completed forms at the Superior Court in your county and pay the filing fee ($435–$450). A fee waiver may be available for those who qualify.

🔗 ; Fee Waiver Form (FW-001): https://www.courts.ca.gov/documents/fw001.pdf

Step 3: Serve the Forms

The Summons and Petition must be personally served to the Respondent by a third party over 18 years old.

Step 4: Exchange Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange financial disclosures using FL-140, FL-142, and FL-150.

Step 5: Finalizing the Divorce

• If the Respondent does not reply, the Petitioner may request a default judgment.
• If both spouses agree, they submit a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA).
• If the case is contested, court hearings may be required.
• The judge signs the Judgment (FL-180) after the mandatory six-month waiting period, finalizing the divorce.

Legal References & Sources:

• California Courts – Divorce & Legal Separation: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-california
• California Family Code – Divorce & Property Division: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=FAM&tocTitle=+Family+Code+-+FAM
• California Court Forms for Divorce: https://courts.ca.gov/rules-forms/find-your-court-forms