Divorce in California follows a specific legal sequence — and once you see the whole path laid out, each individual step stops feeling overwhelming. This is the master roadmap: every stage of a California divorce, in order, with a detailed guide linked at each step for when you’re ready to go deeper.

Quick Answer: The California Divorce Process at a Glance

  • Eligibility: 6 months of California residency, 3 months in your filing county
  • Cost: $435 per filing fee. The total is $870 whether both spouses file separately or you file a joint petition (Form FL-700).
  • Minimum timeline: 6 months and 1 day from the date your spouse is served or responds in court (whichever comes first) — or from the filing date if you use the new Joint Petition — regardless of how quickly you agree
  • Core forms: FL-100, FL-110, FL-140, FL-142/FL-160, FL-150, FL-115
  • New in 2026: an optional Joint Petition (FL-700) lets fully-agreeing couples file together under one case

Stage 1: Decide Your Approach

Before filing anything, figure out whether you’re handling this yourself, with a mediator, or with an attorney — and get a realistic sense of what it will cost either way.

Stage 2: File Your Case

Filing officially opens your case with the court. This is where you’ll choose between filing separately or using the new joint option.

A note on the new Joint Petition (FL-700): effective January 1, 2026, couples who agree on every issue can file together using Form FL-700 instead of a separate Petition and Response. According to the official California Courts Self-Help page, the filing fee for a joint petition is $870, the same total as two spouses paying $435 each when filing separately. The real benefit is procedural: one shared case, one shared set of paperwork, and no formal “service” requirement between spouses, since you’re both petitioning together. It also changes your timeline slightly: because there’s no separate spouse to serve, the mandatory 6-month waiting period begins on the date you file, rather than the date of service (or your spouse’s response) used in a standard divorce. You may see other sites claim the fee is only $435 total; that is not what the official page says. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount on the Self-Help page before you file.

Stage 3: Serve Your Spouse (Unless You Used the Joint Petition)

If you filed a standard Petition rather than the joint option, your spouse must be formally served and given the chance to respond.

Stage 4: Disclose and Resolve the Real Issues

This is where the substance of your divorce actually gets decided — what happens to your property, debts, finances, and children.

Stage 5: Wait Out the Mandatory Period and Finalize

California requires a minimum waiting period no matter how quickly you and your spouse agree on everything.

Why This Roadmap Exists

Every guide linked above is free, backed by official California Courts sources, and written with no service to sign up for and no upsell at the end. If something here doesn’t match what your county court tells you, always trust your court and a licensed attorney over any website — including this one. Court rules, fees, and forms change; we do our best to keep this roadmap current, but you’re the one filing the case, so verify anything specific to your situation before you rely on it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I actually start? With Stage 1 — decide your approach and budget before you file anything. Filing starts the clock on deadlines you’ll need to meet.

Do I have to go through every stage in order? Mostly yes, though disclosure (Stage 4) can begin as soon as your case is filed and often overlaps with the waiting period in Stage 5.

Is the new Joint Petition (FL-700) worth using? It can simplify paperwork if you and your spouse agree on everything, but it does not reduce court costs. It’s worth reading the official information sheet before deciding.

What if I get stuck at any stage? Your county’s Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center offers free assistance at every stage of this process — this roadmap is a starting point, not a replacement for that help.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Every situation is different — for guidance specific to your case, consult a licensed California attorney or contact your county court’s Self-Help Center, which offers free assistance.

Sources (verified September 6, 2026):