California | Divorce.Pro

Uncontested Divorce in California

To qualify for an uncontested divorce, you must meet these conditions:

Residency:
-At least one spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months, and
-In the county where the divorce is filed for at least 3 months.
Mutual Agreement:
Both spouses must fully agree on all terms:
-Property and debt division
-Spousal support (alimony)
-Child custody, visitation, and support (if applicable)
No-Fault Grounds:
California is strictly no-fault — the only grounds are irreconcilable differences, so neither party needs to prove wrongdoing.
Summary Dissolution (Optional):
If you meet specific conditions, you may qualify for a summary dissolution, an even simpler process (details below).

File the Divorce Petition:
-One spouse (the petitioner) files Form FL-100 (Petition) and FL-110 (Summons) with the Superior Court.
-If you’re filing for a summary dissolution, use Form FL-800 instead.
Serve the Other Spouse:
-The other spouse (the respondent) must be formally served unless they waive service
-They can sign a Response (Form FL-120) or a Response Waiver (FL-130).
Exchange Financial Disclosures:
Both parties must complete and exchange:
-FL-142 (Schedule of Assets and Debts)
-FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration)
Submit Agreement to Court:
-File your signed Marital Settlement Agreement (or use FL-180 Judgment with attachments).
-If everything is in order, the court does not typically require a hearing.
Mandatory 6-Month Waiting Period:
-The earliest your divorce can be finalized is 6 months and 1 day from the date the respondent was served or appeared in the case.
Final Judgment:
-The judge signs and files the Judgment of Dissolution, which legally ends the marriage.

Filing Fee: Around $435–$450, depending on the county
Attorney Flat Fees: Typically $500–$1,500 for uncontested divorce
Online Services: Platforms like HelloDivorce, 3StepDivorce, or LegalZoom cost around $150–$500
Fee Waiver: You can request a waiver using Form FW-001 if you can’t afford the filing fee.

Parenting Plans: If children are involved, you must file a Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheet. The court reviews these to ensure they’re in the child’s best interest.
Legal Help: Even in an uncontested case, it’s smart to have a lawyer review your agreement or documents.
Divorce Judgment Not Automatic: Even if you file everything correctly, your divorce is not final until the court processes and issues the Judgment of Dissolution — watch your mail or court portal.