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California Uncontested Divorce – Complete Guide(2026)

An uncontested divorce in California is the simplest and most affordable path. You can do it yourself (pro se) without lawyers or court appearances. Since you both agree on all issues, the process is streamlined. 

Complete your divorce with The Complete Divorce. Our expert assistance, secure software, and form review make it the easiest way to finalize your divorce. 

We have the most affordable online divorce process in California that offers everything you need. It’s also the only online divorce program created and run by a California divorce expert, Dina Haddad.

Before You Subscribe See How Our Program Works.

Start your FL-100 Petition. Our software is easy to use  – led by California divorce attorney, Dina Haddad.

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What you are asking the court for
1 Are you requesting a divorce or legal separation?
2 Are you living in California for the last 6 months?

These two answers tick the case type and the residency box on page 1 of FL-100. Next come your dates.

Progress Step 1 of 3

Uncontested Divorce Requirements

Uncontested Divorce Requirements

To submit a divorce petition in California both you and your spouse need to concur on every significant matter. Additionally you must fulfill the state’s legal criteria for divorce.

Meet California’s residency requirements

Grounds for uncontested divorce

Uncontested Divorce Process (Step-by-Step)

Uncontested Divorce Paperwork (for California)

The Complete Divorce program — led by Dina Haddad – is built to assist parties with the uncontested divorce process. We walk you through the forms, filings, disclosures with guidance that otherwise a lawyer would prepare. 

But in our program you do the work yourself, at your pace, without hourly fees and lawyer retainer. This keeps your divorce painless and cheap. Here is how uncontested divorce process with us looks like:

Step 1 — Meet California’s Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have lived in California for the last 6 months and in the filing county for the last 3 months. Without this, the court has no jurisdiction. The Complete Divorce checks this before you begin so you don’t file in the wrong place.

Step 2 — Decide the Form of Dissolution

Decide the type of divorce you’ll pursue. It can be summary dissolution, joint petition using FL-700 or standard uncontested divorce using the FL-100. 

Most couples file a standard dissolution. A very small subset qualifies for Summary Dissolution — married under 5 years, no children together, limited property and debt, no spousal support requested, and mutual agreement.

Step 3 — Prepare and File the Petition

You (the petitioner) complete FL-100 and FL-110, plus FL-105 (UCCJEA) if you have minor children. File with the Superior Court in your county and pay the filing fee (currently around $435 – $450). Fee waivers are also available if you qualify. 

Step 4 — Serve Your Spouse

The respondent (your spouse) must be served with filed papers using the proper services (by someone who should be 18+ and should not be you). The server completes a Proof of Service (FL-115), which you file with the court. The 6-month waiting clock starts the day of service.

Step 5 — Complete the Response

Here a petitioner could face the three situations; true default, default with written agreement or uncontested response with agreement. The true default divorce is when your spouse does not respond to divorce and the court decides based on your paperwork. While default with written agreement happens when the spouse does not respond but signs an MSA. However, in case of uncontested response, the spouse files the response (FL-120) and then both spouses sign an MSA. 

Step 6 — Exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosures

Since preliminary financial disclosures is mandatory therefore, the spouses have to serve each other using the forms: 

  • FL-140 Declaration of Disclosure
  • FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts (or FL-160)
  • FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration
  • Two years of tax returns


Note:
Like the six months waiting period, financial disclosures cannot be waived off. And they are the most common reasons – if filed or served inaccurately – could lead to the papers being rejected. And we’ve seen this quite often in the case of unguided DIY divorce.

Step 6 — Exchange Preliminary Financial Disclosures

Since preliminary financial disclosures is mandatory therefore, the spouses have to serve each other using the forms: 

  • FL-140 Declaration of Disclosure
  • FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts (or FL-160)
  • FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration
  • Two years of tax returns


Note:
Like the six months waiting period, financial disclosures cannot be waived off. And they are the most common reasons – if filed or served inaccurately – could lead to the papers being rejected. And we’ve seen this quite often in the case of unguided DIY divorce.

Step 7 — Draft the Marital Settlement Agreement

Then comes the time to write the MSA – also known as marital settlement agreement – which is the document which defines who keeps which assets, who takes which debts, whether spousal support is paid or waived. The Complete Divorce helps parties by drafting it for them. We offer this feature in our fully-guided DIY divorce service. 

Step 8 — Prepare the Judgment packet

The judgment packet includes the  FL-170 (Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution), FL-180 (Judgment), FL-190 (Notice of Entry of Judgment), the signed MSA, and — if children are involved — FL-341 (parenting plan) and FL-342 or FL-342(A) (support orders). 

You submit it to the court by mail or drop-off; no hearing is required in most uncontested cases.

Step 9 — Wait out the 6-month Cooling-off Period

California law imposes a minimum of six months and one day from the date of service before marital status can terminate. 

Even if the paperwork is approved sooner, you are not legally single until that date passes.

Step 10 — Receive the signed Judgment

Receiving the signed judgement completes the divorce. It happens when the judge signs FL-180 and it is entered, the clerk mails FL-190. 

Keep certified copies — you’ll need them to change your name, update title on property, divide retirement accounts (via a separate QDRO if needed), and update beneficiaries.

Uncontested Divorce Paperwork (for California)

Choosing the right uncontested California divorce forms is crucial to handling your own divorce. This process requires attention especially concerning the necessary financial disclosures that ensure a fair and legally binding settlement.

1. Forms to start a divorce

The first form to begin with is the Petition (FL-100). This document officially opens your case with the court and outlines the basic information about your marriage, such as the type of divorce you want.

2. Forms to respond to a divorce

If the petition was submitted by your spouse, you are required to reply using the Response (FL-120) form. This notifies the court that you are involved in the matter and agree that the case is uncontested.

3. Financial disclosure forms

You are legally required to exchange detailed financial information. This includes forms like the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) and the Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140), which provide a complete picture of your assets and debts.

4. MSA and judgment form

The Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) serves as your contract outlining all arrangements. You file this along with a Proposed Judgment (FL-180) to the court. The judge will then approve the judgment to complete your divorce.

Where to find user friendly forms?

You can download the divorce forms (PDF) directly from the California Courts website.  But these forms would be overwhelming. At The Complete Divorce you get the forms and questionnaire only relevant to your situation. Our personalized software and paperwork save you from necessary forms. Start your divorce with The Complete Divorce for 49.99/mo subscription (and cancel anytime) to complete your divorce without a lawyer.

Note: The filing fee is $435—but if you’re short on cash, Form FW-001 allows you to apply for a fee waiver.

Is It True that Uncontested Divorce Does Not Take Forever or Cost a Fortune?

Yes. When you and your partner see eye to eye on all matters you avoid the courtroom conflict. No attorneys battling it out. No prolonged trials. Only perseverance.

Amicable uncontested divorce timeline

Usually it takes 6 to 12 months to complete an uncontested divorce. We have seen our parties using The Complete Divorce finish faster, even within one to two months. 

California has this mandatory 6-month cooling-off period that starts the day your spouse gets served. However, you can be finished with the actual divorce process before that time. You will still be married, though. 

This timeframe might also be prolonged due to court backlogs or frequent errors in your uncontested divorce documents. If there are too many errors, the judge can deny your submission. We do offer a review and filing service to eliminate this issue for families.

Uncontested divorce costs

The average divorce cost is significantly lower than litigation. Most money is spent on court filing fees (around $435) and professional services for document preparation. Using a service like The Complete Divorce guarantees a low cost divorce as all expenses are predictable.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce in California

The expenses, duration, and emotional strain pf divorce depends upon how you divorce. An uncontested divorce usually is simple, calm and collaborative. Conversely, a contested divorce frequently becomes a legal fight marked by stress and conflict throughout.

Here’s a brief comparison:

Agreement

Paperwork and process

Divorce costs

Divorce durations

Court and judge's involvement

Can You Complete an Uncontested Divorce without a Lawyer, Going to Court, or Online in California?

Absolutely yes. It is 100% possible. You can divorce without a lawyer or having to appear in court in 2025. Here’s how:

1. Using pro self-representation option.

You manage all the divorce documents and court submissions by yourself. This method is inexpensive. However, it carries risks since minor mistakes can lead to significant delays and form rejections.

2. Using The Complete Divorce paperwork or DIY uncontested divorce

We offer the resources, software guide, and accurate California divorce papers PDF for you to fill out. Afterwards, you can submit the completed documents to the court on your own.

3. Fully guided uncontested divorce

We handle it all: flowcharts, video tutorials, professional support, and even getting your spouse’s signature. We also thoroughly check every form for correctness prior to submission.

You don’t need a lawyer. We are here to save you tens of thousands of dollars and help you get a quick divorce. Our service has helped thousands avoid court. Choose The Complete Divorce today!

Uncontested Divorce Quick Checklist for California Couples

Uncontested Divorce Checklist for Californians

Divorce can get quite complicated. Use this checklist to keep yourself organized and make sure you follow all required steps for your divorce in California. It is particularly useful when handling the process without legal representation.

Completing the uncontested divorce paperwork in California can be scary. Even a small error could delay the divorce process and lead to your case being dismissed. This is where The Complete Divorce helps. We ensure your documents are carefully checked, error-free, and ready for submission to the court.

If you and your partner don’t completely see eye to eye or have different views on child custody arrangement or the value of a shared asset you can take the following steps:

Pros and Cons of Uncontested Divorce

Uncontested divorces are faster and less expensive. Plus, they cut down on stress. But they might not fit every couple’s situation. Knowing the pros and cons helps you make the best choice.

Pros:

Cons:

Simplify Your Uncontested Divorce

The Complete Divorce serves as your ally for an uncontested divorce in California. Led by California divorce attorney, Dina Haddad, we offer assistance from documentation to submission. 

Want to find out if you’re eligible? Check your eligibility in minutes by answering two straightforward questions.

Written By:

Dina Haddad

Divorce Attorney — Mediator & Founder of The Complete Divorce

“Hi. I’m Dina Haddad, a divorce attorney-mediator here in California. I’m so tired of couples not having a process that’s easy to complete their divorce. They are getting lost, wasting time and money, and beyond frustrated with their results. 

 

That’s why I created The Complete Divorce, California’s premier online divorce program. I took my successful mediation practice and condensed it into an affordable and winning program.”

FAQ — Uncontested Divorce

Q. How can I get an uncontested divorce without a lawyer?

The Complete Divorce offers budget online solutions, including Uncontested DIY Paperwork, Fully Guided Divorce, or our “We File For You” option to manage all aspects.

The process begins when one partner submits a divorce petition. Next you both exchange information and negotiate a deal. This covers matters such as finances, children and assets. Once agreed upon you create a settlement document. The judge reviews it. If all is in order, they approve your divorce. No need for a court battle.

A major drawback is errors in paperwork. Without a trial, mistakes can go undetected. Additionally, both parties must consent to every detail which can be challenging.

After the judge endorses your agreement, it turns into a court mandate. This legally secures the arrangement. If anyone violates the terms, they will face consequences.

The fastest path is an uncontested divorce done right. Using a service like The Complete Divorce means your forms get filled correctly and you avoid hold-ups. Another quick option is Summary Dissolution, but you have to qualify. That usually means a short marriage and no kids.

Yes, you don’t always need a court to have a divorce in California. You can simply submit the filing yourself, however, the paperwork might be too much for untrained individuals. Contact The Complete Divorce and let us offer expert guidance to speed up your divorce outside court.

Most couples prefer an uncontested divorce because it’s much cheaper, less stressful, and faster than traditional litigation.

California premier divorce program.

Making California divorce simple and lawyer-free.

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2000+ divorced without a lawyer. 

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