Filing for Divorce Online in California
There is a way for spouses to file their divorce papers online. Here’s how to file for divorce online in California.
To file for divorce in California online, you and your spouse must first agree to all divorce terms. Then, download and complete the necessary divorce forms online. Send the completed forms to a lawyer, who can review and properly file these divorce papers, then get a final divorce decree.
California Online Divorce Process
Based on your legal situation, there are specific divorce forms you must fill out online. The online divorce process in California depends on the circumstances of your divorce. Speak with an attorney to find out which divorce forms you need to complete the California online divorce process.
Reach a Divorce Agreement
First, you and your spouse must reach a divorce agreement before filing. Your divorce agreement should settle all terms of your divorce, including terms of child custody, child support, alimony, and property division. You and your spouse can resolve divorce disputes in either mediation or collaborative divorce.
Fill Out the Online Divorce Papers in California
The petitioning spouse must download these divorce papers from online and complete them:
- Petition — Marriage/Domestic Partnership (Form FL-100)
- Summons (Family Law) (Form FL-110)
If more space is needed to list assets and debts, the petitioner can complete:
- Property Declaration (Family Law) (Form FL-160)
If the spouses have children under the age of 18 together, the petitioning spouse must complete these forms as well:
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) (Form FL-105/GC-120)
- Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Application Attachment (Form FL-311)
If the responding spouse chooses to respond to the divorce petition, he or she must download and complete these forms from online:
- Response — Marriage\Domestic Partnership (Form FL-120)
If the spouses share children under the age of 18, the responding spouse must also complete these forms:
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) (Form FL-105/GC-120)
- Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Application Attachment (Form FL-311)
Have An Attorney Review Your Divorce Forms
Once you and your spouse have completed the necessary forms, send them to a divorce attorney. It’s crucial that these forms are completed correctly, so it’s very important to have them looked over by an attorney before filing. The completed divorce forms can be sent to your attorney by email. One of our online divorce attorneys can help you properly complete your divorce forms.
The Attorney Will File the Forms for You
After your lawyer reviews the completed divorce forms, he or she will file divorce papers with the court in a timely manner. Your attorney already has all the documents necessary to complete the divorce procedure, so you won’t need to take care of anything else. The divorce lawyer will first file the initial divorce papers, then file the response. The rest of the divorce procedure can be handled by your lawyer, including the service of process.
Receive the Final Divorce Judgment
Once the divorce papers have been filed with the court by your lawyer, a judge may issue a final divorce judgment, granting your divorce. Your divorce will be final only after the divorce decree has been ordered.
FAQS About Filing for Divorce Online
Can you file for divorce online in California?
Yes, spouses can file for divorce online in California. However, spouses must agree to all divorce terms in order for the legal procedure to work. A lawyer can file the divorce forms on your behalf and get a final divorce decree from a judge.
Are California divorce records online?
No, you cannot access divorce records online in California. You will need to go to the court where the divorce was filed and request a copy of the divorce decree from the court clerk. Certified copies of records are only available to family members, while informational records are available to anyone.
How can I get a copy of my divorce in California online?
You can download a form to request a certified copy of a divorce decree online here, but you will file the forms with the clerk of the court where the divorce was filed.
Free Consultation With a California Divorce Attorney
If you want to file for divorce online in California, contact us. We’ll get you in touch with an attorney that can help you file your divorce without ever stepping foot in a court. Get your free consultation with one of our divorce attorneys in California today!