ALL California Divorce Forms with Expert Guidance (FREE Download)
California divorce and legal separation forms in California can seem confusing and complicated. These forms are full of legalese, which frequently leads to mistakes or incomplete filings if you do it yourself.
On the other hand, hiring an attorney often leads to excessive divorce cost, time, and conflict, even for a simple case. If you have a simple matter, the best option is to equip yourself with enough knowledge to do a divorce on your own.
Fortunately, it’s not overwhelming with the right help. The Complete Divorce – a California’s specialized online divorce service provides expert help in filling out and filing the necessary divorce forms without the expense of hiring an attorney.
Check your divorce eligibility and start your hassle-free divorce with The Complete Divorce.
California Divorce Expert – Dina Haddad Throws Light on All Divorce Forms
California courts have standard forms for divorce (dissolution) and legal separation, which apply to both marriages and domestic partnerships. While the basic forms are the same, some counties have a few additional local forms that are required.
For example, Riverside, Sacramento and San Diego counties have their own specific supplemental forms concerning parenting plans or local procedures. To find your local court’s requirements, go to the California Courts website, which has a locator tool.
Here, we have organized the forms necessary for the Petitioner (the one filing) and Respondent below for clarity. If you’re uncertain as to where to start, these descriptions give you a structured way to begin.
Forms to Start a Divorce (For Petitioner and Respondent)
In order to start a divorce in California, the Petitioner files certain forms with the Court. This will initiate the divorce. The spouse must then also be served these papers.
Further, both spouses have an obligation to exchange complete financial information, called preliminary declarations of disclosures, to each other within 60 days of filing for divorce.
With the filing of the Petition forms, the petitioner must pay the court’s filing fee. It is currently $435.00, although some counties include additional fees and online filing services have some additional fees as well. You may also be eligible for a fee waiver using FW-001.
Petition Packet
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
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Informs the court and your spouse of your requests regarding the marriage, property, child custody, and support.
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Summons (Family Law)
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Formally notifies your spouse of the divorce case and places automatic restraining orders on both parties.
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How to fill out FL-110?
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Declaration Under UCCJEA
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Helps the court determine if it has the legal authority to make custody decisions for your children.
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Petition Proof of Service
After serving the initial papers, you must prove it to the court with this document.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Proof of Service of Summons
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Provides legal proof that the Respondent was properly notified of the lawsuit.
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Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt
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To obtain proof of service without a formal process server, provided the Respondent cooperates.
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How to fill out FL-117?
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Forms to Respond to a Divorce
When divorce papers are served, the Respondent must file a response, which is form FL-120, within 30 days or be subject to a default judgment for failing to respond. This means that the Petitioner is granted everything asked for in the Petition, without input from you.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Response — Marriage/Domestic Partnership
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It prevents a default judgment and allows you to agree or disagree with the Petition's terms.
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Declaration Under UCCJEA
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It helps the court determine if it has the legal authority to make custody decisions for your children.
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Respondent Proof of Service
If you file a response, you must also serve a copy on the Petitioner and prove it.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Proof of Personal Service
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It provides the court with legal validation that the Petitioner received your filed documents.
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Proof of Service by Mail
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To provide legal proof of service when documents are sent through the mail instead of hand-delivered.
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California Divorce or Separation Forms for Motion and Hearing
Motion and Hearing Forms
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Request for Order
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To obtain temporary decisions on support, custody, attorney fees, or other urgent matters.
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How to fill out FL-300?
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Responsive Declaration to Request for Order
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To oppose or agree with the temporary orders requested by the other party.
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How to fill out FL-320?
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Order to Show Cause and Affidavit for Contempt
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To enforce existing court orders and hold the violating party in contempt.
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How to fill out FL-400?
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Divorce and Legal Separation Financial Disclosure Forms
Forms to Disclose Your Financials
Both spouses have a strict and necessary legal duty to provide complete financial disclosure. This is mandated in all divorce cases.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Declaration of Disclosure
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It is your sworn statement that you have been transparent with your spouse.
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Schedule of Assets and Debts
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Creates a full picture of the marital estate for fair division
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How to fill out FL-142?
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Property Declaration
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Serves as an alternative to the FL-142 for cases with less complex estates.
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How to fill out FL-160?
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Income and Expense Declaration
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It is used by the court to calculate child and spousal support.
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How to fill out FL-150?
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Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure
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Provides the court with proof that both parties have complied with disclosure laws.
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Forms To Finalize Your Divorce or Separation
The Judgment Forms
These are the final forms needed to legally finalize your marriage. They formalize all agreements or court orders into a legally binding judgment.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Judgement
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To legally dissolve the marriage and record all final decisions on asset division, support, and custody.
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Declaration for Default or Uncontested Case
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To prove to the court that the case is ready for a judgment without a trial.
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How to fill out FL-170?
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Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers
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To formalize your agreement and confirm both spouses are waiving further notices and hearings.
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How to fill out FL-130?
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Stipulations and Waivers
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To provide additional space to outline the precise terms of your marital settlement agreement.
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How to fill out FL-130-A?
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Notice of Entry of Judgment
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To formally signal the start of the appeal deadlines and provide proof the marriage is dissolved.
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How to fill out FL-190?
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Stipulation and Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure
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To save time if both parties agree they have enough financial information to proceed.
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How to fill out FL-144?
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Child Support Forms
Guidelines Child Support Forms
Child support in California is typically calculated according to state guidelines, which are based on parents’ income, parenting time with the child, and other factors. The following forms are provided to make or change these standard calculations.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Child Support Case Registry Form
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To facilitate income withholding and enforcement by the local child support agency.
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How to fill out FL-192?
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Child Support Guidelines Calculator
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To ensure child support orders are consistent, fair, and based on accurate financial details.
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Attachment to Child Support Guidelines Calculation
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To provide a complete financial picture for an accurate support calculation when needed.
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Final Agreement Form
Martial Settlement Agreement (MSA) Form
The final agreement form documents the final agreement between you and your spouse, detailing complex matters from property division to child support.
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Form Name
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Form Number
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Purpose
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Guide
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|---|---|---|---|
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Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) Form
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To formally document a mutual agreement that may deviate from the standard guideline calculation.
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How to fill out MSA Form?
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Simplify Your California Divorce with The Complete Divorce
Most people find it overwhelming to navigate the 20+ complicated court forms. It may lead to costly errors, lengthy delays and doubled expenses. Together with high attorney fees and court backlogs, an uncomplicated case may become a budget and emotional nightmare.
Fortunately, the Complete Divorce is California’s premier online solution. The Complete Divorce provides easy to use, expert reviewed court forms, lifetime editing, and filing support, all this without attorney fees. Contact The Complete Divorce and begin your inexpensive, drama-free divorce today.
General FAQ
Can you get divorce forms online?
Yes, you can get California divorce forms online free of charge from the official California courts website. Just access and print them to begin the filing process
Can I file divorce papers online in California?
Yes, you can file your divorce papers online in California. Some counties have e-filing available through their local court websites to file divorce papers online. Otherwise, you will have to deliver your completed forms to the clerk’s office either in the mail or in person.
How much does a simple divorce cost in California?
While the overall divorce expenses in California will differ, the costs of the court files will be about $435 per person. Your overall costs will depend on whether you used an attorney, a service or filed all by yourself.
Is California online divorce legit?
Yes, accredited online companies like The Complete Divorce are legitimate if they provide the correct and up-to-date judicial council forms. These companies help you complete the paperwork but are not a substitute for legal advice.
What is the cheapest way for a divorce?
The cheapest way for a divorce is an uncontested, do-it-yourself divorce with the right forms. This saves attorney’s fees, however, guided services can prevent costly errors in the paperwork.
Can I get a divorce in CA without a lawyer?
You can represent yourself in a divorce in California, a practice known as proceeding in pro per. This is common in uncontested cases, where spouses agree on all the major issues such as property and custody.
How long does a divorce take in CA?
Most uncontested DIY divorce cases take about 3-6 months to complete their divorce. However, the length of time can vary between the parties commitment level, the court’s filing timeframes, and resolving conflict.