Filing & Forms

You can’t serve divorce papers yourself in California. Here are the three legal ways to serve your spouse, what to file afterward, and how to avoid delays.

What’s the difference between the petitioner and respondent in a California divorce? What each role means, whether it matters, and what each person needs to do.

A practical California divorce checklist: the documents, information, and decisions you’ll need to gather before you file, so nothing stalls your case later.

What is a joinder in a California divorce? Why a retirement plan or third party may need to be joined to your case, when it’s required, and how it works.

The FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts lists everything you own and owe for California divorce disclosures. Here’s what goes on it and why completeness matters.

The FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration reports your finances so the court can set support. Here’s what goes on it, when it’s needed, and why accuracy matters.

The FL-110 Summons is served with the divorce Petition and imposes automatic restraining orders on both spouses. Here’s what it does and why it matters.

Proof of service tells the court your spouse was properly served in a California divorce. Here’s what it is, which form to use, and why it’s easy to get wrong.

The FL-165 asks the California court to enter default when your spouse doesn’t respond. Here’s what the form does, when you file it, and how it fits a default divorce.

The FL-190 Notice of Entry of Judgment tells you your California divorce is final. Here’s what the form is, what it confirms, and why you should keep it.