How to file for divorce in California — without a lawyer
California lets you handle your own divorce, and for uncontested cases it's very doable: file in the Superior Court, use the state's no-fault ground — irreconcilable differences — follow the steps below, and use the official California forms. This page gives you the real requirements, with links to the official sources to verify each one.
California divorce: the key facts
Residency note: 6 months in the state and 3 months in the county before filing.
Verify with the official source: California court self-help ↗Find your court ↗
The 6 steps, start to finish
- 1
Confirm you can file in California
At least one spouse generally must have lived in California for 180 days (about 6 months) before filing. County residency of 90 days may also apply. If you qualify, you'll file in the Superior Court — usually in the county where you or your spouse lives.
- 2
Get the official forms
California's own forms are free. You'll typically need the petition (FL-100 (Petition — Marriage/Domestic Partnership)), a financial disclosure (FL-150 (Income & Expense Declaration)), and with children, the support worksheet (Statewide Guideline Calculator). CaseForward's guided interview fills in the decisions those forms ask you to make.
- 3
Complete your paperwork carefully
Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is the #1 reason self-filed divorces get bounced. Work through each form slowly; if you and your spouse agree on everything, prepare a settlement agreement and a fl-341(e) (custody/visitation attachment) to attach.
- 4
File with the court (~$435–$450)
The typical court filing fee is about $435–$450 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Many California courts accept electronic filing through varies by county.
- 5
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must formally receive the papers — usually by sheriff, private process server, or (in agreed cases) a signed waiver/acceptance of service. Keep the proof of service; the court needs it.
- 6
Wait, then finalize
California has a 180-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. In an uncontested case the judge reviews your paperwork (sometimes with a short hearing) and signs the final decree.
Do the paperwork with a guide, not from scratch
CaseForward walks you through every decision, generates your court-ready California documents, and shows you full previews free. One price — $99 for the complete DIY packet, or $29 for a single document. No subscription.
Child support in California: Income Shares
Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41).
California divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in California?
No. Every state, including California, lets you represent yourself in a divorce (called appearing "pro se"). Self-representation works best for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms. If your case involves abuse, hidden assets, or a real dispute over the children, talk to a licensed California attorney — many offer free consultations, and you may qualify for legal aid.
How long do I have to live in California before I can file for divorce?
At least one spouse generally must have lived in California for 180 days (about 6 months) before filing. County residency of 90 days may also apply. Always verify the current rule with the court's own self-help resources before filing.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in California?
California has a 180-day waiting period, so even a fully agreed case can't be finalized before then. Uncontested cases with complete, correctly-filled paperwork are consistently the fastest.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?
The typical court filing fee is about $435–$450 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Beyond the court fee, doing the paperwork yourself is the biggest saver: preparing your own documents (free preview, $99 for the complete court-ready packet on CaseForward) instead of paying a few thousand dollars in attorney fees.
What are the grounds for divorce in California?
California accepts a no-fault ground — irreconcilable differences. It is a pure no-fault state, so you don't need to prove any misconduct.
How is child support calculated in California?
California uses the Income Shares model. Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41). You can run your numbers with CaseForward's free California child-support estimator, then confirm with the state's official worksheet.
Helpful California links & guides
Court self-help center ↗E-filing (varies by county) ↗Find your court ↗
Free: The Uncontested Divorce Filing Checklist
The whole path on two printable pages — what to gather, decide, prepare, and file. We'll email it to you, plus a short series of practical tips (unsubscribe anytime).
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