California Divorce Forms — Complete Guide (2026)

California has a well-organized, statewide system of Judicial Council forms — the same forms are used throughout the state (with some local additions). Here's everything you need to know about California divorce forms.

Where to Get California Divorce Forms

Free — official source:

• selfhelp.courts.ca.gov — California Courts self-help center. All Judicial Council forms, instructions, and step-by-step guides. Best starting point.
• courts.ca.gov/forms.htm — Direct form search by form number or topic
• Your county Superior Court's self-help center — in-person assistance in most counties

Paid preparation services:

• Hello Divorce (hellodivorceca.com) — California-specific, flat fee
• Online Divorce (onlinedivorce.com)
• LegalZoom (legalzoom.com)

Which Form Set Do You Need?

Forms Breakdown — No Children

FL-100 — Petition for Dissolution of Marriage The main document that starts your case. States grounds, residency, what you're requesting.

FL-110 — Summons (Family Law) Served on your spouse along with FL-100. Contains mandatory automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROs) — both spouses must follow these from the moment of filing: don't transfer or hide assets, don't cancel insurance, don't take children out of state without consent.

FL-117 — Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt Your spouse signs this to acknowledge they received the papers without formal service. Used when spouse is cooperating.

FL-130 — Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers Respondent signs this to formally appear in the case, waive service, and agree to certain procedures. The easiest way to handle a cooperative spouse.

FL-141 — Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure Filed by each spouse confirming they sent their financial disclosures (FL-150 and FL-142) to the other.

FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts Lists all community and separate property — real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, debts. Mandatory financial disclosure.

FL-150 — Income and Expense Declaration Details each spouse's income, expenses, assets, and debts. Mandatory financial disclosure.

FL-144 — Stipulation and Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure If both spouses agree to waive the final disclosure (not the preliminary — that's mandatory), both sign this form.

FL-180 — Judgment (Dissolution of Marriage) The final court order. The judge signs this to officially end the marriage. Attach your Marital Settlement Agreement and any support orders.

FL-190 — Notice of Entry of Judgment Mailed to both parties after the judge signs FL-180, officially notifying that the divorce is final.

Additional Forms — With Children

FL-105 — Declaration Under UCCJEA Required in every case with children. Establishes California's jurisdiction and lists children's living history.

FL-311 — Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment Details the requested custody and visitation arrangement.

FL-341 — Children's Holiday Schedule Attachment Specifies the holiday schedule for each parent.

FL-342 — Child Support Information and Order Attachment Documents the child support calculation and order.

FL-192 — Notice of Rights and Responsibilities (Health-Care Costs) Required when children are involved — addresses health insurance and medical expense sharing.

FL-155 — Financial Statement (Simplified) Can be used instead of FL-150 in cases with very simple finances and no children's support issues.

Forms for Default Divorce

FL-165 — Request to Enter Default Filed when respondent hasn't responded after the deadline. Asks the court to note the default.

FL-170 — Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution Your sworn statement supporting the Judgment in a default or uncontested case.

The Automatic Restraining Orders (ATROs) — Important

When you file FL-110 (Summons), automatic temporary restraining orders go into effect immediately for the petitioner (when you file) and for the respondent (when they're served). Both spouses must comply:

• Do not transfer, borrow against, conceal, or dispose of any property without written consent or court order
• Do not cancel, modify, or allow to lapse any insurance (health, auto, home, life)
• Do not make extraordinary expenditures without written consent
• Do not take children out of California without written consent or court order

Violating ATROs can result in serious consequences. Take these seriously.

Tips for Filling Out California Forms

• Type or print in blue or black ink
• Use your full legal name exactly as it appears on your marriage certificate
• Don't leave blanks — write "N/A" if something doesn't apply
• Make 2 copies of everything before filing
• Check your county's court website for any required local forms
• When filling out FL-142 (assets and debts), be specific — include account numbers, VINs, and property descriptions

FAQ

Are California divorce forms the same in every county? Judicial Council forms (FL-100, FL-110, etc.) are standard statewide. However, some counties have additional local forms. Always check your county Superior Court's website for local requirements.

Do I need to notarize anything? Most California divorce forms don't require notarization — they require signatures under penalty of perjury instead. A few specific forms (like some declarations) may require notarization. The form instructions will specify.

What if I make a mistake on a form? You can file an amended version. Minor errors that don't affect substance are sometimes accepted with a correction. Don't white out or cross out — refile clean forms.

Last reviewed: March 2026 | Always download forms directly from courts.ca.gov to ensure you have the current version.

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