Starting a divorce in California requires 4 core forms to open your case — plus additional forms depending on your situation. Every form is free and published by the Judicial Council.
Quick Answer: The 4 Forms That Start a California Divorce
- FL-100 — Petition (the request that opens your case)
- FL-110 — Summons (official notice + automatic restraining orders)
- FL-120 — Response (filed by your spouse within 30 days)
- FL-115 — Proof of Service of Summons (proves your spouse received the papers)
Remember three form numbers and the rest falls into place: FL-100 to start, FL-115 to prove service, FL-180 to finish.
The 4 Core Forms Explained
FL-100 — Petition for Divorce. The core document that opens your case. Per the official form instructions, nearly all California petitioners select “irreconcilable differences” as the reason. It states what you are asking the court to decide regarding children, property, and support.
FL-110 — Summons. The official court notice that a divorce case has been opened. It contains standard restraining orders (Family Code §2040) that automatically apply to both spouses from the filing date: neither party may transfer property, change insurance beneficiaries, or remove children from the state without written agreement or court order. This is procedure, not a choice — it applies automatically.
FL-120 — Response. Filed by the respondent (your spouse). Under Family Code §412.20, the response is due within 30 days of being served. If no response is filed, the case may proceed as a default — a separate process covered in our step-by-step filing guide.
FL-115 — Proof of Service of Summons. A neutral adult over 18 who handed your spouse the papers completes this form, and it must be filed with the court. The court cannot advance the case without proof of service.
For the full serving procedure, methods, and costs, see How to Serve Divorce Papers in California.
Verified against official sources: California Courts Self-Help Center (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov) and current Judicial Council forms. Verified for January 2026.
Additional Forms (Situation-Dependent)
| Form | Official name | When it’s required |
|---|---|---|
| FL-105 | Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) | Any case with children under 18 |
| FL-140 | Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure | Every case |
| FL-141 | Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure | Only when both spouses waive the final disclosures in writing |
| FL-142 | Declaration of Disclosure (Schedule of Assets and Debts) | Every case — lists all assets and debts |
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | When support is requested |
| FL-160 | Property Declaration | When property division is requested |
| FL-180 | Judgment | Every case — the judgment ends the divorce |
| FL-343 | Notice of Entry of Judgment | Attached to FL-180 so the court mails the signed judgment to both parties |
Two points worth knowing about disclosures: FL-142 is where you list every asset and debt — it’s the form that requires the most careful gathering of financial records. And FL-141 only applies when both sides formally waive the final disclosure step, which typically happens in fully amicable cases where both parties have already exchanged complete financial information.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Check Your County’s Local Forms
The most common reason DIY filings get rejected isn’t the state forms — it’s missing county-specific requirements:
- Los Angeles County requires additional local cover documents with the petition
- San Diego County requires a Business Cover Sheet (form D-050) for civil filings, and family divisions may have local add-ons
- Several counties require a Case Cover Sheet (CM-010) with the initial filing
Before filing, search “[your county] superior court family law local forms” or call the clerk’s office. Five minutes on the phone can save a month of rejected-packet delays.
Where to Get the Forms (Free)
All Judicial Council forms are free from official sources:
- California Courts Self-Help Center — current-version PDFs of every form
- Your county superior court’s website — many publish complete form packets with local requirements
- County law libraries and court self-help centers — free staff assistance identifying which forms apply to you
Third-party websites charging 100–300 USD for these documents are selling free public forms.
Do You Have to Pay to File?
Filing FL-100 carries the standard first-appearance fee — 435 USD in most counties. If paying would create financial hardship, form FW-001 can waive court fees entirely, including service and certified-copy costs. Eligibility and the application process are covered in How to Get a Divorce Fee Waiver in California (Form FW-001).
Can You Fill These Out Yourself?
Yes — every adult has the right to self-represent (“in pro per”) in their own California divorce, and the Judicial Council designs its forms with self-represented parties in mind.
In practical terms, the difficulty varies by form:
- FL-100 and FL-110 ask for basic names, dates, and checkbox selections
- FL-142 and FL-150 require gathering financial records — pay stubs, account statements, property valuations. This is the most time-consuming part
- FL-180 is the most complex document; every county court has a Family Law Facilitator who reviews forms at no cost
Note that facilitators and self-help centers provide procedural help only — they cannot give legal advice on strategy. For questions about what to ask for (custody arrangements, support amounts), consulting a family law attorney or certified mediator is the appropriate route.
What Comes After the Paperwork
Once your forms are complete, the filing location is the superior court in the county where you or your spouse lives — not where you married. The complete filing process, county selection, and post-filing steps are covered in How to File for Divorce in California (2026): A Step-by-Step Guide.
Also note that no amount of paperwork changes California’s mandatory 6-month waiting period before a judgment can be final. The timeline details are explained in How Long Does a Divorce Take in California? (The 6-Month Rule Explained).
Frequently asked questions
What form do I file first for divorce in California?
FL-100 (Petition), submitted together with FL-110 (Summons) and either the filing fee or an FW-001 fee waiver request. These open the case.
Where do I get California divorce forms for free?
The California Courts Self-Help Center (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov) publishes every current Judicial Council form as a free PDF. County court websites and law libraries also carry them free of charge.
What is form FL-115 and why is it required?
FL-115 is the Proof of Service of Summons — a signed statement confirming your spouse received the divorce papers. The court cannot move the case forward without it.
What is the difference between FL-140, FL-141, and FL-142?
FL-142 contains your full financial disclosure (assets and debts). FL-140 declares that you served those disclosures. FL-141 is only used when both spouses mutually waive the final disclosure step in writing.
What form ends the divorce in California?
FL-180 (Judgment). Once signed by a judge — and after the 6-month waiting period from the service date — the divorce is final. FL-343 (Notice of Entry of Judgment) is attached so the court mails the signed judgment to both parties.
Do both spouses have to fill out forms?
No. One spouse files FL-100 to start. The other files FL-120 (Response) within 30 days of service, or the case may proceed by default. Both spouses do complete financial disclosures (FL-142) in most cases.
Is this legal advice?
No. This guide is general information about the California fee waiver process — it is not legal advice, and reading it doesn’t create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may have details this guide can’t cover. For advice about your specific case, use your court’s free self-help center or consult a family law lawyer.
Sources: California Courts Self-Help Center — Divorce Forms, Filing for Divorce or Separation, and Fee Waiver information. Facts verified on September 04, 2026. Last updated: September 2026. Form numbers and requirements change — always download the current version from the California Courts website and check your county’s local rules before filing. This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.