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

A plain-English overview of getting an uncontested divorce in California — the residency rule, the no-fault ground, the filing fee, and the official forms — from LawCat, a free service built by attorneys.

Official California court forms →

California divorce at a glance

No-fault ground
Irreconcilable differences; 6-month minimum from service/appearance until marital status can terminate (statutory waiting period). Residency: 6 months in state + 3 months in county of filing.
Filing fee
$435-450 (first-paper fee; a few counties add surcharges) - each spouse pays if respondent appears. Fee waiver: FW-001 request + FW-003 order.
Child support
Statewide uniform guideline (algebraic income-shares-type formula); no single worksheet form - courts rely on FL-150 Income & Expense Declaration plus the official CA Guideline Child Support Calculator…
E-filing (self-represented)
County-by-county (no statewide portal): Odyssey/Journal Tech/eFileCA EFSPs; mandatory for attorneys in several counties, optional or UNAVAILABLE for self-represented family-law filers depending on…
County differences
Moderate-high - JC forms are accepted statewide but many counties add local forms (LA FAM series, local cover sheets, uncontested-case declarations, judgment checklists); judgment-packet rejection rates for pro se are…
Official statewide forms
YES - mandatory statewide Judicial Council forms: FL-100 (Petition), FL-110 (Summons), FL-105 (UCCJEA declaration), FL-115 (proof of service), FL-140/141/142/150 (disclosure set incl. Income & Expense Declaration)…

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

Coming soon

California document generation is on the way

LawCat already prepares complete divorce packets free in New York, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, and is expanding to California. In the meantime, the official California court forms are linked below.

Official California forms → See how it works

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.

This page is general information about California’s court process, not legal advice for your situation, and LawCat is not a law firm. Forms and fees change — verify with the official court source above. Reviewed 2026.