How to File Divorce Papers in California
A practical overview of filing California divorce forms FL-100, FL-110, and FL-105, with links to detailed instructions for each form.
Read guideCalifornia Divorce How-To Guides
Practical guides for filing paperwork, serving papers, handling default steps, and navigating county filing logistics.
Start with the task
Jump directly to the set of guides that matches the process step you are working on.
Need county filing locations?
Use the statewide court directory to find primary family-law filing courthouses by county.
California Family Courts by CountyPopular Starting Points
Most common how-to guides
These cover the process steps people usually need to understand first.
Service of Process
Understand service of process in California family law cases, including how to serve opening divorce papers, Requests for Order, DVRO papers, and post-judgment motions.
Read guideEntering Default
Learn how entry of default works in a California divorce, including the 30-day response deadline, form FL-165, true default, and default with agreement.
Read guideUncontested Divorce California
Learn what uncontested divorce means in California, common judgment paths, and why drafting precision matters when spouses already agree.
Read guideStart and File
Practical guides for preparing and filing the opening divorce paperwork.
FL-100 Divorce Petition Instructions
Practical FL-100 divorce petition instructions explaining each major section, California residency, children, property, support requests, filing, and next steps.
Read guideFL-110 Summons Explained
An attorney-written explanation of California form FL-110, the 30-day response deadline, automatic restraining orders, issuance, service, and next steps.
Read guideFL-105 UCCJEA Instructions
Practical California FL-105 instructions covering each child's five-year residence history, other custody cases and orders, additional children, address safety, and filing.
Read guideHow to File Divorce Papers in California
A practical overview of filing California divorce forms FL-100, FL-110, and FL-105, with links to detailed instructions for each form.
Read guideServe and Respond
Practical guides for service, response deadlines, and default paperwork.
FL-115 Proof of Service Instructions
Learn how to serve California divorce papers, who may serve, which papers to include, how FL-115 documents service, alternative methods, deadlines, and common mistakes.
Read guideService of Process
Understand service of process in California family law cases, including how to serve opening divorce papers, Requests for Order, DVRO papers, and post-judgment motions.
Read guideEntering Default
Learn how entry of default works in a California divorce, including the 30-day response deadline, form FL-165, true default, and default with agreement.
Read guideFL-120 Response Instructions
How a respondent completes, files, and serves FL-120, including the 30-day deadline, minor-child forms, default choices, and next steps.
Read guideFinish the Case
Step-by-step guides for moving an uncontested case toward judgment.
Uncontested Divorce California
Learn what uncontested divorce means in California, common judgment paths, and why drafting precision matters when spouses already agree.
Read guideCourt Logistics
County filing workflow, courthouse logistics, and practical court guidance.
Filing by County California
Understand county-level filing differences in California divorce cases and why statewide forms still need county-aware preparation.
Read guideLooking for rule explanations?
Use the Family Law Rules library for plain-English explanations of divorce, custody, support, property, and procedure concepts.