⚡ Just got served?
You have deadlines. Missing them means the court only hears their side.
Respond to papers →California Superior Court handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, custody, child support, and domestic violence restraining orders. California uses Judicial Council forms — numbered FL-XXX and DV-XXX — that are the same statewide across all 58 counties.
We walk you through exactly what to fill out, in plain English, and produce the forms ready to sign and file.
Where do you need help?
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Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
Start or respond to a divorce case. Covers petition, financial disclosure, and the complete filing packet.
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Child Custody / Parenting Time
Establish custody and parenting time when you were never married or as part of a divorce.
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Modify Custody or Parenting Time
Change an existing custody or parenting time order when circumstances have significantly changed.
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Child Support
Establish or modify a child support order.
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Establish Paternity
Legally establish parentage when the parents were not married.
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Protective Order
Get an emergency order to protect yourself or your children from domestic violence or harassment.
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Relocation (Moving with Children)
Request court approval to move with your children, or oppose a move.
Coming soon
Enforce a Court Order
Bring the other party back to court when they are violating an existing order.
Coming soon
Name Change
Change your name or your child's name through the court.
Coming soon
Spousal Support / Alimony
Request or respond to a request for spousal support or alimony.
What California requires — before you file
1
6-month state, 3-month county residency. You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months and in the county where you file for at least 3 months before filing for dissolution.
2
6-month waiting period. California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service before a dissolution can be finalized — the longest in the country.
3
Financial disclosure required. Both parties must serve each other with a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140, FL-142, FL-150) within 60 days of filing. This is mandatory and cannot be waived.
4
Parenting plan required if children. All cases involving minor children require a parenting plan addressing legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting schedule.
5
Community property state. California is a community property state — most property and debts acquired during marriage are split equally.
California says 'dissolution of marriage' not divorce, 'legal custody' and 'physical custody,' and uses form numbers throughout (FL-300 for RFO, DV-100 for DVRO). The 6-month waiting period applies even if both parties agree on everything.
All 20 California Counties
California uses statewide Judicial Council forms accepted in every Superior Court. File in the county where you or your spouse has lived for the past 3 months.
Los Angeles
San Diego
Orange
Riverside
San Bernardino
Santa Clara
Alameda
Sacramento
Contra Costa
Fresno
Kern
San Francisco
Ventura
San Mateo
San Joaquin
Sonoma
Tulare
Stanislaus
Santa Barbara
Solano
California County pages — courthouse info & local details
Each page below has the courthouse address, phone, e-filing link, and frequently asked questions for that county.
Alameda County
Contra Costa County
Fresno County
Kern County
Los Angeles County
Orange County
Riverside County
Sacramento County
San Bernardino County
San Diego County
San Francisco County
San Joaquin County
San Mateo County
Santa Barbara County
Santa Clara County
Solano County
Sonoma County
Stanislaus County
Tulare County
Ventura County