California Divorce Forms Explained
Understanding the forms you need for your California divorce. All forms are official California Judicial Council documents.
Initial Filing Forms
These forms are filed at the start of your divorce case:
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
The main form that starts your divorce
This is THE form that initiates your divorce. It tells the court you want to end your marriage and outlines basic information about you, your spouse, and what you're asking for (property division, custody, support, etc.).
- File this form with your county Superior Court
- You'll pay the filing fee when you submit this
- Keep a copy for your records
Summons (Family Law)
Official notice to your spouse
This form notifies your spouse that you've filed for divorce. It includes important legal warnings about restraining orders that automatically go into effect, like not hiding assets or taking the children out of state.
- File this with FL-100
- Your spouse receives this when they're served
- Read the automatic restraining orders carefully
Proof of Service of Summons
Proves your spouse was notified
After your spouse is served (receives the divorce papers), you file this form to prove to the court that proper notification occurred. The person who served the papers fills out this form.
- Must be signed by the person who delivered the papers
- File with the court after service is complete
- Keep a copy for your records
Response Forms
Forms used when your spouse responds to the divorce:
Response to Petition
For your spouse to formally respond
Your spouse uses this form to respond to your petition. They can agree with your requests, disagree, or ask for something different. They have 30 days to file this.
- If your spouse agrees, they can file with agreement
- If no response, you can proceed with default
- Some spouses sign acknowledgment instead
Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt
Alternative to formal service
Instead of having someone serve your spouse, they can sign this form to acknowledge they received the divorce papers. This is the easiest option when spouses are cooperative.
- Spouse must sign and return within 20 days
- Saves money on process server costs
- Works great for amicable divorces
Financial Disclosure Forms
California requires both spouses to exchange financial information:
Declaration of Disclosure
Cover sheet for financial disclosures
This is a cover sheet that goes with your financial disclosure documents. It confirms you're providing complete financial information to your spouse.
- Both spouses must complete and exchange
- File with the court OR sign waiver
- Required before divorce can be finalized
Schedule of Assets and Debts
List all property and debts
A detailed list of everything you own and owe, including how you propose to divide them. Includes real estate, bank accounts, vehicles, credit cards, loans, etc.
- Be thorough - list everything
- Include both community and separate property
- Attach supporting documents if helpful
Income and Expense Declaration
Your financial picture
Details your income, expenses, and financial situation. Used to calculate support obligations and ensure fair division of assets.
- Attach recent pay stubs
- Be accurate about income and expenses
- Update if situation changes significantly
Finalizing Forms
Forms to complete your divorce:
Request to Enter Default
When spouse doesn't respond
If your spouse doesn't respond within 30 days, you file this form to move forward with a default divorce. The court can then proceed without their participation.
- Wait full 30 days before filing
- Attach proof of service
- Allows you to proceed if spouse ignores papers
Declaration for Default
Statement for default judgment
Your declaration about the facts of your case, used when entering a default judgment. You state what you're asking for and why.
- Be specific about what you want
- Must match what you requested in FL-100
- Judge reviews this for reasonableness
Judgment
The final divorce document
This is the actual judgment that ends your marriage. It includes all the terms: property division, custody, support, etc. Once signed by the judge, your divorce is final.
- Review carefully before filing
- Judge must sign for divorce to be complete
- Keep certified copies for your records
Notice of Entry of Judgment
Notification that divorce is final
This form notifies both parties that the judgment has been entered and the divorce is complete. Important for knowing your exact divorce date.
- Your divorce is final when judgment is entered
- Keep for proof of divorce date
- May need for name change, remarriage, etc.
County-Specific Forms
Some counties require additional local forms:
Family Law Case Cover Sheet
Required for Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County requires this cover sheet with your initial filing. It provides the court with information about your case type and related cases.
- Required in Los Angeles County
- File with FL-100 and FL-110
- Other counties may have similar forms
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Leaving fields blank
Fill in every field, even if it's "N/A" or "None". Blank fields can cause rejections.
Wrong case number
After filing, put your case number on every subsequent form. Use the exact format given by the court.
Inconsistent information
Names, dates, and details must match across all forms. Check spelling and dates carefully.
Missing signatures
Sign and date where required. Unsigned forms will be rejected.
Not making copies
Always make 2 copies: one for you, one for your spouse. Courts keep the original.