Divorce in California: forms, cost, and how to file

California divorce at a glance

Official source: California court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.

How to file for divorce in California: step by step

California is a no-fault state with a mandatory 6-month waiting period. Its Judicial Council forms are used statewide, though counties add local requirements. Here is the path from petition to judgment.

1. Confirm you can file in California
   You qualify if you have lived in California for at least 6 months and in your county for at least 3 months. California is a no-fault state — you file on "irreconcilable differences" and your spouse cannot block the divorce.Source: Cal. Fam. Code § 2320
2. Fill out and file your petition
   Complete the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) — plus the UCCJEA declaration (FL-105) if you have children — and file them with the Superior Court clerk (about $435). If you cannot afford the fee, file a fee-waiver request (FW-001).Source: Judicial Council forms FL-100/FL-110/FL-105; FW-001 (fee waiver)
3. Serve your spouse
   Have someone 18 or older who is not you serve your spouse with the papers, then file a Proof of Service (FL-115). California’s 6-month clock starts on the date of service.Source: Proof of Service FL-115
4. Exchange financial disclosures
   Both spouses must exchange a Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140/FL-142) and an Income & Expense Declaration (FL-150). This step is required even in an agreed divorce.Source: Cal. Fam. Code §§ 2103–2104; FL-140/FL-142/FL-150
5. Calculate child support (if you have children)
   California uses a statewide formula based on both parents’ incomes and parenting time. Use the official California Guideline Child Support Calculator to get the number.Source: California Guideline Child Support Calculator (childsupport.ca.gov)
6. Prepare the judgment packet
   For an uncontested or default divorce, prepare the Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution (FL-170), your proposed Judgment (FL-180), and the Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) for the judge to sign.Source: FL-170 / FL-180 / FL-190
7. Wait out the 6 months and get your judgment
   The earliest your divorce can be final is 6 months after your spouse was served. Once the judge signs the Judgment, keep a filed copy.Source: Cal. Fam. Code § 2339

What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in California?

Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. In California you have the right to file your own divorce, and the court publishes the official forms for you to use. The large majority of uncontested divorces, where both spouses agree the marriage is over and can agree on the terms, are handled pro se every day.

Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.

LawCat prepares your California pro-se divorce documents for free and walks you through every filing step — so doing it yourself never means doing it alone.

How child support is calculated in California

A statewide algebraic guideline based on both parents’ net incomes and their share of parenting time.

Because California uses an income-shares approach, the exact number comes from an official table based on both parents’ combined income. Use your court’s official child-support calculator for a precise figure (childsupport.ca.gov).

How long does a California divorce take?

At least 6 months from the date your spouse is served (or first appears) before your marriage can legally end. (Fam. Code § 2339) After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.

Common reasons California divorce filings get rejected

• Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
• Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
• Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
• Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
• Not following local county rules. Moderate–high. Judicial Council forms are statewide, but many counties add local forms and judgment checklists, and pro-se judgment packets are often rejected for local-format issues.

LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.

Why LawCat is free

Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat gives document preparation away because it is built by a law firm that helps people who later decide they want an attorney. You keep the free documents either way.

Compare divorce filing fees in every state →

California divorce FAQ

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in California?

No. California allows you to file for divorce yourself (pro se). LawCat prepares your California divorce documents free, and you pay only the court’s filing fee. You can hire an attorney at any point if your case becomes complicated.

How long do I have to live in California to file for divorce?

Check California’s residency requirement with the official court source before filing.

How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?

$435-450 (first-paper fee; a few counties add surcharges) - each spouse pays if respondent appears. Fee waiver: FW-001 request + FW-003 order. With LawCat your documents are free, so the filing fee is typically your only unavoidable cost — and it can often be waived if you can’t afford it.