California Divorce Forms
If you're researching how to get divorced in California, you've probably already discovered that the paperwork is its own obstacle. There isn't one simple divorce form. There's a sequence of them, and the forms you need depend on whether you have children, whether your spouse responds, and how far along in the process you are. This guide walks you through every California divorce form in the FL series, explains exactly what each one does, and tells you at which stage of your case it belongs. By the end, you'll know precisely what to file and when.
California divorce paperwork is organized around the state's FL-series forms, numbered forms issued by the Judicial Council and accepted in every Superior Court in the state. Most divorces require at least eight forms: FL-100, FL-110, FL-115, FL-140, FL-141, FL-142, FL-150, FL-170 or FL-130, and FL-180. You may also need FL-105 if you have children, and county-specific local forms depending on where you file. The forms you need, and the order you file them, follow the four stages of a California divorce: opening, service, financial disclosure, and judgment.
Which California divorce forms do you actually need?
The Judicial Council of California publishes a standardized set of family law forms with the prefix "FL." These forms are accepted at every Superior Court in the state, so you don't need to track down courthouse-specific paperwork to get started. That said, not every form on the list applies to every case.
The core set covers four things: starting the case, serving your spouse, exchanging financial information, and obtaining a judgment. A straightforward uncontested divorce with no children and no real property might use 8 to 10 forms total. A case with children, support disputes, or contested property will involve additional attachments from the FL-300 and FL-340 series.
If you're doing your own paperwork and wondering where to begin, the answer is FL-100. Everything else flows from there. The guide to getting a California divorce without a lawyer explains how the process works end to end before you fill out a single form.
Every FL-series form, explained by process stage
The table below covers every form you're likely to encounter in a California divorce, organized by the stage at which it appears. The "Filed with court" column tells you whether the form goes to the clerk or stays between you and your spouse.
| Form number | Form name | What it does | Stage | Filed with court? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FL-100 | Petition for Dissolution of Marriage | Opens the divorce case. The petitioner states the grounds (irreconcilable differences is standard), lists marriage details, and requests the orders they want on property, support, and custody. | Filing | Yes |
| FL-110 | Summons (Family Law) | Notifies the respondent that a case has started. Page two contains automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROs) that both spouses must follow immediately, including restrictions on moving money or taking children out of state. | Filing | Yes |
| FL-105 | UCCJEA Declaration | Required only if you have children under 18. Tells the court where your children have lived and identifies any existing custody orders or related court cases. | Filing | Yes |
| FL-115 | Proof of Service of Summons | Confirms that the respondent was personally served with the petition and summons. The person who served the papers fills this out, not the petitioner. | Service | Yes |
| FL-120 | Response to Petition | Filed by the respondent within 30 days of being served. States whether they agree or disagree with what the petitioner requested. A blank copy must be served on the respondent along with the original papers. | Response | Yes |
| FL-130 | Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers | Used when both parties have filed and agree on how to proceed. Tells the court the case is uncontested and whether a court appearance is being waived. | Response | Yes |
| FL-140 | Declaration of Disclosure | A cover sheet confirming that you're sharing financial disclosures with your spouse. Must be signed and served on your spouse. Not filed with the court. | Disclosure | No — served only |
| FL-141 | Declaration Regarding Service of Disclosure | Tells the court you have completed your disclosure obligation. This is the only financial disclosure form that goes to the courthouse clerk. | Disclosure | Yes |
| FL-142 | Schedule of Assets and Debts | Lists everything you own and owe, both separately and jointly, with supporting documents attached. Served on your spouse, not filed with the court. | Disclosure | No — served only |
| FL-144 | Stipulation and Waiver of Final Disclosure | Optional. If both spouses agree in writing, they can waive the requirement to exchange a second set of financial disclosures before judgment. | Disclosure | Yes |
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | Details your monthly income and expenses. Requires two months of pay stubs or income proof attached. Used in both disclosure and in any support hearing. | Disclosure | Yes |
| FL-160 | Property Declaration | Optional overflow form if FL-142 doesn't have enough space to list all your assets and debts. Can be attached to the petition or response as well. | Disclosure | Optional |
| FL-165 | Request to Enter Default | Filed when 30 days have passed since service and the respondent has not filed a response. Asks the court to note the default and allows the petitioner to proceed without the other party's input. | Judgment | Yes |
| FL-170 | Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution | Used when the case is uncontested or a default has been entered. Confirms there's a signed agreement (or no response), children's status, and whether a court hearing is needed. | Judgment | Yes |
| FL-180 | Judgment | The final order. Once signed by a judge, it legally ends the marriage and sets all enforceable orders on property, support, and custody. Any signed settlement agreement is attached here. | Judgment | Yes |
| FL-182 | Judgment Checklist | A self-check tool to confirm you've included every required attachment before submitting your judgment packet. Optional but strongly recommended for self-represented parties. | Judgment | Optional |
| FL-190 | Notice of Entry of Judgment | Sent to both parties by the court after the judge signs FL-180. Confirms the divorce is final and includes the exact date the marriage ended. | Judgment | Court-issued |
| FL-191 | Child Support Case Registry Form | Required in any case where child support is ordered. Both parents submit separately. | Judgment | Yes |
| FL-300 | Request for Order | Filed when you need a temporary court order while the case is pending, such as temporary spousal support, temporary custody, or emergency relief. Includes a hearing date. | Support / Hearings | Yes |
| FL-311 | Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment | Optional attachment to FL-100, FL-120, or FL-300. Helps make sure your custody requests are complete. Useful for complex parenting schedules. | Optional | As attachment |
| FL-341 | Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment | Sets out the official custody and visitation schedule. Attached to FL-180 (Judgment) or FL-340 (Findings and Order After Hearing). | Judgment attachment | As attachment |
| FL-342 | Child Support Information and Order Attachment | Sets the official child support order. Attached to the Judgment. | Judgment attachment | As attachment |
| FL-343 | Spousal, Partner, or Family Support Order Attachment | Sets the official spousal support (alimony) order. Attached to the Judgment. | Judgment attachment | As attachment |
California divorce paperwork is manageable, but getting the wrong forms or filing them out of order can delay your case by months. Our team reviews your situation and tells you exactly what you need.
Schedule your free 15-minute call →How to file your California divorce papers, step by step
The sequence matters as much as the forms themselves. Filing out of order is one of the most common self-represented mistakes, and it can force you to start parts of the process over. Here's the correct order:
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File your opening packet
Bring FL-100, FL-110, and FL-105 (if you have children) to your county Superior Court clerk. Pay the $435–$450 filing fee, or submit FW-001 to request a fee waiver. The clerk returns stamped copies with your case number.
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Serve your spouse
Someone 18 or older who is not party to the case must personally hand your spouse the stamped petition, summons, a blank FL-120, and any attachments. You cannot serve your spouse yourself. Your server then completes FL-115, which you file with the court.
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Exchange financial disclosures
Within 60 days of filing, you must serve FL-140, FL-142, and FL-150 on your spouse. File FL-141 with the court as proof. Your spouse does the same if they filed a response. Read more about California's mandatory financial disclosures to avoid common errors on these forms.
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Reach an agreement (or request a default)
If your spouse responded and you've reached an agreement, prepare a marital settlement agreement to attach to the judgment. If they didn't respond within 30 days, file FL-165 to enter a default and proceed without them.
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Submit your judgment packet
Complete FL-170 and FL-180, attach your settlement agreement and any order attachments (FL-341, FL-342, FL-343 as applicable), and submit the packet to the court for the judge to review and sign. Use FL-182 as a checklist before submitting. The FL-190 notice comes back to you once signed.
The earliest your divorce can be finalized is six months and one day from the date your spouse was served. That waiting period cannot be shortened, even if both of you agree on everything. Understanding the full steps after filing your divorce petition helps you plan your timeline accurately.
Financial disclosure forms: what they are and why they matter
California requires both spouses to fully disclose their financial picture to each other before a divorce can be finalized. This exchange is mandatory, even in uncontested cases where both people agree on everything. Skipping or mishandling disclosure forms is one of the most consequential mistakes in a California divorce because a judgment obtained without proper disclosure can be set aside later.
The disclosure package you serve on your spouse includes three documents: FL-140 as the cover sheet, FL-150 for your income and monthly expenses (with two months of pay stubs or other income verification attached), and FL-142 to list your assets and debts. You then file FL-141 with the court to confirm you've completed the exchange. Your spouse does the same.
There's an important distinction between financial disclosures and formal discovery. Disclosures are a mandatory exchange that happens in every case. Discovery is an optional litigation process used when one spouse suspects the other is hiding assets. To understand where the line falls, the guide to financial disclosures versus discovery explains the difference clearly.
If you need to identify what counts as community versus separate property before you fill out FL-142, the article on separate property in California covers the rules in plain language.
County-specific forms: when you need more than the state set
The FL-series covers most of what you'll need, but many California counties have their own local forms that supplement or replace certain Judicial Council forms. Some counties require local cover sheets on judgment packets. Others have their own declarations for uncontested cases, local parentage forms, or specific financial declaration formats.
The best source for local forms is the self-help section of your county Superior Court's website. Below are the most commonly required county-specific items and what triggers them:
- Local judgment cover sheets. Los Angeles, San Diego, and Alameda counties all have required cover sheets that go on top of your FL-180 judgment packet. Submitting the packet without them will result in rejection by the clerk.
- Local income and expense forms. A handful of courts have adopted their own version of FL-150 with additional fields. If your county uses one, it may be required in place of the statewide form.
- Child custody mediation paperwork. Courts that require mediation before a contested custody hearing typically have their own intake forms to register for the court's family court services program.
- Fee waiver processing forms. FW-001 is the statewide fee waiver request, but some courts add a local financial questionnaire to the fee waiver application.
- Electronic filing requirements. Several counties now mandate e-filing for represented parties and offer it optionally for self-represented filers. Each e-filing portal has its own registration and formatting requirements.
If you're unsure whether your county requires any local forms, the quickest way to find out is to call the family law clerk's office at your county Superior Court and ask. The guide to choosing the right county courthouse explains which court has jurisdiction over your case.
You can also access all current Judicial Council FL forms directly through the California Courts self-help center at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce-forms, where they're available as fillable PDFs at no cost.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first form I need to file for a California divorce?
FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) is always the first form filed. It opens your case with the Superior Court, assigns a case number, and states the orders you're requesting. You file it alongside FL-110 (Summons) and FL-105 if you have children under 18.
Do I have to file financial disclosure forms even if we agree on everything?
Yes. California requires financial disclosures in every divorce, regardless of whether both spouses have already reached an agreement. The petitioner must serve FL-140, FL-142, and FL-150 within 60 days of filing, and file FL-141 with the court as confirmation. The respondent must do the same if they filed a response.
What happens if my spouse doesn't respond to the divorce petition?
If 30 days pass after service and your spouse hasn't filed FL-120, you can file FL-165 to enter a default. A default allows the case to move forward without your spouse's participation. You'll still need to complete your financial disclosures and submit a judgment packet, but you can request the orders you asked for in your petition without your spouse's agreement.
Can I serve my spouse with the divorce papers myself?
No. California law requires personal service to be completed by someone who is 18 or older and not a party to the case. You cannot serve your spouse directly. A trusted adult, a professional process server, or the county sheriff can all serve the papers. Once service is complete, the server fills out FL-115 and you file it with the court.
What is FL-180, and when do I get to file it?
FL-180 is the Judgment form and is the final document in your divorce. You submit it alongside your settlement agreement and any order attachments once all issues in the case are resolved or after a default has been entered. A judge signs it, and the court then sends FL-190 (Notice of Entry of Judgment), which confirms the exact date your marriage ended. You can't file FL-180 until the six-month waiting period has passed from the date of service.
Do I need a lawyer to complete California divorce forms?
No. California allows self-represented divorce and the Judicial Council publishes all FL forms as free fillable PDFs. That said, making errors, missing forms, or filing in the wrong order can stall your case significantly. Many people use Hello Divorce's flat-rate services to get expert guidance on their specific paperwork without hiring a full-service attorney. If you have significant assets, a business, a pension, or a contested custody situation, consulting an attorney is worth the investment.
What forms do I need if we have children?
In addition to the standard divorce forms, cases involving children require FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration) at filing, FL-341 (Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment) and FL-342 (Child Support Information and Order Attachment) attached to the judgment, and FL-191 (Child Support Case Registry Form) if child support is ordered. You may also need FL-311 to lay out a detailed parenting plan. For an overview of your options, see the difference between legal and physical custody in California.
Getting divorced in California?
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See our plans →This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by county and can change. For guidance specific to your situation, schedule a free 15-minute call with a Hello Divorce account coordinator.
