Divorce Guidelines & Checklists
Everything you need to prepare for your California divorce. Use these checklists to stay organized.
What DivorceBuddy Needs
To get started with DivorceBuddy, you only need basic personal information. No financial documents required!
What DivorceBuddy Asks For
Required for DivorceBuddy- Your full legal name
- Your spouse's full legal name
- Your current address
- Your spouse's current address
- Date and location of your marriage
- Date of separation
- Basic info about children (if any)
Helpful to Have Ready
Optional but helpful- Marriage certificate (for exact date/location)
- Children's birth dates (if applicable)
- Agreement with spouse on property division
For Financial Disclosure Forms
California requires separate financial disclosure forms (FL-141, FL-142, FL-150) that you exchange with your spouse. DivorceBuddy does NOT ask for this information—you'll complete these forms yourself after filing.
Income Information
- Monthly income for both spouses
- Recent pay stubs
- Tax returns (if needed)
Assets & Debts
- Bank account balances
- Property values
- Vehicle values
- Retirement account balances
- Credit card and loan balances
Filing Checklist
Step-by-step guide to filing your California divorce:
Confirm Residency Requirements
At least one spouse has lived in California 6+ months and in the filing county 3+ months.
Complete Your Forms
Use DivorceBuddy to generate all required Judicial Council forms (FL-100, FL-110, FL-115, etc.).
Make Copies
Make 2 copies of all forms: one for you, one for your spouse, originals for the court.
File with the Court
Take forms to your county Superior Court clerk. Pay the filing fee ($435-$450).
Receive Case Number
The clerk will stamp your forms with a case number. Keep this for all future filings.
Serve Your Spouse
Have someone 18+ (not you) deliver papers to your spouse, OR have spouse sign acknowledgment.
File Proof of Service
Submit FL-115 (Proof of Service) to the court within 60 days of service.
Wait for Response
Your spouse has 30 days to respond. If no response, you can proceed with default.
Complete Disclosures
Exchange financial disclosures (FL-141, FL-142, FL-150) with your spouse.
Wait 6 Months
California requires a 6-month waiting period from date of service.
Submit Final Paperwork
After 6 months, file final judgment paperwork to complete the divorce.
If You Have Children
Additional considerations when children are involved:
- Decide on physical custody arrangement (who children live with)
- Decide on legal custody (who makes major decisions)
- Create a visitation schedule
- Calculate child support using California guidelines
- Plan for holidays and school breaks
- Decide on health insurance coverage
- Plan for education expenses
- Document any special needs or considerations
Important Tips
Keep a Timeline
Document all important dates: separation, filing, service. You'll need these for court.
Stay Organized
Keep all divorce documents in one folder. Make copies of everything.
Track Expenses
Keep records of all divorce-related costs for potential reimbursement or tax purposes.
Don't Hide Assets
Full financial disclosure is required. Hiding assets can result in penalties.