How To File for Divorce in California Without a Lawyer? 2025

If you’re considering divorce, you may be wondering how to file for divorce in California without a lawyer. While it’s possible to handle a divorce on your own, the process can be complex, requiring you to navigate legal paperwork, court procedures, and filing deadlines. Understanding the steps involved and the potential risks of going without legal representation is crucial.

Preparing and Completing Forms

Filing for divorce without a lawyer in California is possible, but it requires extensive preparation and strict adherence to court rules. The first step involves making sure that you are eligible for divorce.

You or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in your current county for at least three months before filing. After confirming eligibility, you will need to complete several forms, including the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110). If children are involved, you must also complete forms regarding custody and child support.

California has 58 counties, each with its own Superior Court. It is important to check if your specific court requires local forms. If you are filing in Los Angeles County, one location is the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. In Orange County, you can file at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, located at 341 The City Drive, Orange, CA 92868.

Filing the Forms and Paying Fees

Once your paperwork is ready, you can file it with the family law division of your county’s Superior Court. During the 2020-21 state fiscal year, there were 114,238 marital filings (dissolutions, legal separations, and nullities) in California, which is a reminder of how busy the system can be.

You can file in person or by mail. There are also electronic filing options in California. Filing fees may apply. Be careful to double-check everything you file. Missing paperwork or filing with the wrong court could lead to rejected filings and delays in your divorce.

Serving Your Spouse

After filing, you must properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers so they are made aware of the court proceedings and can participate. You cannot serve the documents yourself. Someone over 18 who is not involved in the case must hand-deliver or legally serve the papers. Once served, your spouse has 30 days to file a Response.

Proof of Service (FL-115) must be filed with the court after service. If your spouse fails to respond, you may be able to proceed by default. Correct service is critical because the court will not finalize the divorce without proof that the other party was notified and given the opportunity to participate in the divorce process.

Disclosing Finances

California law requires both parties to a divorce to disclose all of their properties, debts, and assets. These documents allow the courts to assess the true value of a marital estate. Houses are typically the largest asset that the courts consider.

The median home value in California is approximately $713,748. Failing to fully disclose your assets can lead to penalties. You must complete and serve a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140), Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142), and Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150).

Finalizing the Divorce

If both parties reach a settlement, you can submit a written agreement for court approval without going to trial. If there are disputes over property, support, or custody, the court will schedule hearings to resolve those issues.

Divorce is a common legal process in California, with a divorce rate of approximately 6.9 per 1,000 women. Given the volume of cases filed each year, reaching an agreement outside of court can save significant time and stress if your soon-to-be-ex is fully transparent and cooperative throughout the process.

Changing attitudes about marriage also reflect how people approach divorce and separation today. A 2023 Harris Poll conducted for Axios found that about 50% of U.S. adults are now open to the idea of signing a prenuptial agreement, suggesting a greater focus on planning ahead for potential outcomes before marriage.

FAQs

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California Without a Lawyer?

Filing for divorce without a lawyer in California still requires paying court filing fees and related expenses like serving papers or ordering certified copies. Handling the process yourself saves attorney costs but increases the risk of errors. Preparing documents correctly from the start protects your timeline, prevents rejections, and avoids additional court costs caused by mistakes or incomplete paperwork.

Can I File for Divorce on My Own in California?

You can file for divorce on your own in California by preparing and submitting the required forms, but mistakes are common without legal guidance. Missing deadlines or filing incomplete documents can delay the case or jeopardize important rights. Working with an attorney helps protect your interests, ensures filings are handled correctly, and reduces the risk of costly setbacks during the divorce process.

What Is the Quickest Way to Get Divorced in California?

The quickest way to divorce in California is through a simplified, uncontested process where both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support. Filing a summary dissolution, if eligible, speeds it up further. Submitting fully completed paperwork and responding quickly to court notices ensures faster finalization. Mistakes or incomplete documents can drag out the divorce and cause serious delays.

What Are the Risks of Filing for Divorce Without a Lawyer in California?

The risks of filing for divorce without a lawyer in California include incomplete paperwork, missed deadlines, and unfavorable settlement terms. Family law procedures are complex, and mistakes can delay the case or result in giving up important rights. Working with an attorney helps ensure the process is handled correctly, protecting your financial interests, custody rights, and final judgment from costly errors.

Navigate Your Divorce With Confidence by Contacting Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP

Filing for divorce in California without a lawyer is possible, but the process can be complex and overwhelming. From meeting residency requirements to completing and filing the necessary forms, serving your spouse, and navigating financial disclosures, each step must be handled with precision. Mistakes can lead to delays, additional costs, or unfavorable outcomes.

At Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, our experienced family law attorneys are ready to guide you through the divorce process. We can tailor our strategies to your unique situation, ensuring that your rights are protected and your interests remain the central focus. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.

About The Author

Stephane Quinn

Attorney Stephane Quinn is an experienced divorce and family law attorney and Certified Family Law Specialist (California Bar Board of Legal Specialization). As founding partner of Quinn & Dworakowski, LLP, he focuses on fathers' rights, complex custody cases, and high-asset divorces. Admitted to the California Bar in 2010 (SBN #278188), he has been recognized as: Super Lawyers Rising Star (Since 2017) Cum laude graduate from California State University, Long Beach Juris Doctor from Fowler School of Law in Orange Fluent in French, Attorney Quinn aggressively protects clients' rights in Orange County family courts.

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