California DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step

Use this checklist to track your progress. Print it and check off each item as you complete it.

Note: California divorce has specific financial disclosure requirements not found in most other states. Don't skip Section 4.

Before You File

Confirm Eligibility

• At least one spouse has lived in California for 6 months
• At least one spouse has lived in the filing county for 3 months
• OR: considering filing for legal separation first to start the clock
• Checked whether you qualify for Summary Dissolution (married under 5 years, no children, minimal assets)

Gather Financial Documents

• Recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
• Vehicle titles for all vehicles
• Bank account statements (last 3 months)
• Investment account statements
• Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
• Pay stubs (last 2 months) for both spouses
• Most recent tax returns (federal and state, last 2 years)
• List of all debts with balances
• Business records (if applicable)
• Life insurance policy information

Key Decisions

• Agreed on joint petition vs. individual filing
• Agreed on property division (who keeps what, who pays which debts)
• Agreed on what to do with the home (keep/sell/defer)
• Agreed on retirement account division
• Agreed on spousal support (amount or waiver)
• If children: agreed on custody arrangement, schedule, and support

Filing

Get and Complete Forms (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)

• Downloaded FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution)
• Downloaded FL-110 (Summons)
• Downloaded FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration) — if children
• Read and understood the ATROs on FL-110
• Completed FL-100 fully (no blanks)
• Made 2 copies of all forms

File at Superior Court

• Filed FL-100, FL-110 (and FL-105 if children) at county Superior Court
• Paid filing fee ($435–$450) OR submitted FW-001 fee waiver
• Received file-stamped copies with case number
• Noted filing date: ___________
• Noted 6-month deadline (filing date + 6 months + 1 day from service): ___________

Serving Your Spouse

Joint Petition (skip if filing individually)

• Both spouses signed Joint Petition together
• Clock started at filing date

Individual Filing

• Spouse signed FL-130 (Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers) voluntarily
• OR: Arranged for personal service by someone 18+ who is not a party
• Service completed — noted service date: ___________
• Person who served completed FL-115 (Proof of Service of Summons)
• Filed FL-115 with Superior Court
• 6-month clock starts from service date: ___________
• Response deadline (30 days after service): ___________

Financial Disclosures (MANDATORY — Don't Skip)

• Completed FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) — petitioner
• Completed FL-142 (Schedule of Assets and Debts) — petitioner
• Served FL-150 and FL-142 on spouse within 60 days of filing
• Filed FL-141 with court confirming service of disclosures — petitioner
• Spouse completed FL-150 and FL-142 and served on petitioner
• Filed FL-141 confirming receipt — respondent
• Both FL-141 declarations on file with court

During the 6-Month Waiting Period

Draft Your Agreement

• Drafted Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) covering all property, debt, and support
• Both spouses reviewed and approved MSA
• MSA signed and notarized (some counties require notarization)
• If children: drafted and agreed on Parenting Plan
• If children: completed FL-341 (Holiday Schedule Attachment)
• If children: calculated child support using official CA calculator
• If children: completed FL-342 (Child Support Order Attachment)
• If children: completed FL-192 (Health-Care Notice)

Prepare Judgment Forms

• Completed FL-180 (Judgment of Dissolution)
• All attachments prepared (MSA, support orders, parenting plan)
• Confirmed 6-month period has expired before submitting

Submitting the Judgment

• 6 months + 1 day have passed since service date
• Both FL-141 declarations on file
• Submitted FL-180 Judgment package to court clerk
• Received judge-signed Judgment
• Filed signed Judgment with clerk
• Obtained 3–5 certified copies of Judgment

After the Divorce Is Final

Property Transfers

• Home: refinancing process started (if one spouse keeping)
• Home: Grant Deed / Quitclaim Deed signed, notarized, recorded at county recorder
• Vehicle titles transferred at California DMV
• Bank accounts separated
• Joint credit cards closed or transferred
• QDRO filed with retirement plan administrator (if applicable)

Name Change (If Applicable)

• Social Security card updated (SSA office, bring certified Judgment)
• California driver's license updated (DMV)
• Passport updated
• Bank accounts updated
• Employer HR records updated

Financial Housekeeping

• Life insurance beneficiaries updated
• Retirement account beneficiaries updated
• Will and estate planning documents updated
• Health insurance coverage adjusted
• New W-4 filed with employer

Quick Reference

Last reviewed: March 2026

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.