How to start the divorce process in California?

Описание: How to start the divorce process in California?

Thinking about starting the divorce process in California? Whether it’s a mutual decision or a difficult one, understanding the legal steps can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Meet the Residency Requirements
Before you file for divorce, at least one spouse must have lived in California for six months — and in the county where you plan to file for at least three months. If you don’t meet these requirements yet, you can still file for a legal separation and later change it to a divorce once the time requirement is met.

File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
You’ll need to fill out a few key forms, including Form FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) and Form FL-110 (Summons). These forms start the legal process and outline your requests — like property division, child custody, and spousal support.

Serve Your Spouse
Once filed, you must serve your spouse — meaning they must be officially notified with copies of all documents. You can’t do this yourself; it must be done by a third party over 18 or a registered process server.

Wait for a Response
Your spouse has 30 days to respond using Form FL-120 (Response to Petition). If they don’t respond in time, the court may proceed with a default judgment, which means decisions could be made without their input.

Financial Disclosures
Both spouses must exchange financial information — including income, expenses, assets, and debts. This transparency helps ensure fair decisions on property division and support.

Negotiate and Settle (or Go to Court)
If both parties agree on all terms, you can reach a settlement agreement and submit it to the court. But if disagreements remain — on things like custody or finances — your case will go before a judge for a final decision.

Finalize Your Divorce
Once all issues are resolved, the judge will sign your Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage. And here’s an important note — in California, even with everything completed, your divorce isn’t final until at least six months after your spouse was served.

Starting the divorce process can feel overwhelming, but knowing these steps helps you take control and move forward. If you’re unsure about the paperwork or need guidance, consulting a California family law attorney can make all the difference.

If this video was helpful, please don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with anyone who may need this information.

For personalized legal help with your divorce or family law case, visit Moshtael Family Law at https://moshtaellaw.com/
— where compassion meets expertise in every case.