Filing for divorce in California without an attorney costs $435-$450 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in California, 3 months in filing county. California is a community property state with a 6 months waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 6-8 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with California-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $435-$450 (Filing fee varies by county. Los Angeles County: $435. San Francisco: $450. Orange County: $435.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in California, 3 months in filing county |
| Waiting Period | 6 months |
| Property Division | Community Property (50/50) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irreconcilable differences, Incurable insanity |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 6-8 months |
| Contested Timeline | 1-3 years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in California, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in California, 3 months in filing county.
You must have lived in California for at least 6 months AND in the county where you're filing for at least 3 months before filing your divorce petition. Military members stationed in California can also file here.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet California's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in California without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
You must have lived in California for at least 6 months AND in the county where you're filing for at least 3 months before filing your divorce petition. Military members stationed in California can also file here.
Download the official California divorce forms: Petition—Marriage/Domestic Partnership, Summons (Family Law), Declaration Under UCCJEA. All forms are available from the California courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (FL-100) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the California court and pay the filing fee of $435-$450. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to California rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by California law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served with divorce papers. Your divorce cannot be finalized until this period ends, regardless of whether you agree on everything.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in California, this typically takes 6-8 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in California. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce case
Notifies spouse of legal action
Required if you have children
Lists all assets and debts
Financial disclosure form
Final divorce decree
The filing fee to start a divorce in California is $435-$450. Filing fee varies by county. Los Angeles County: $435. San Francisco: $450. Orange County: $435.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $435-$450 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $500-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, California offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in California, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. California courts are strict about service requirements.
California is a community property state.
California is a community property state. All assets and debts acquired during marriage are presumed to be owned 50/50 by both spouses and must be divided equally. Separate property (owned before marriage or received as gift/inheritance) remains with the original owner.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how California law applies to your specific property.
California uses the Income shares model using DissoMaster or XSpouse software.
California uses a complex formula that considers both parents' net disposable income, timeshare percentage, tax filing status, and mandatory deductions. Courts use DissoMaster or XSpouse software to calculate guideline support.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your California divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $435-$450 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
6 months - California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served with divorce papers. Your divorce cannot be finalized until this period ends, regardless of whether you agree on everything.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
True 50/50 community property division
Mandatory 6-month waiting period (no exceptions)
Date of separation is critical for asset division
Domestic partnership dissolution uses same process
Automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROs) when case is filed
Common questions about filing for divorce in California without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to California's forms, procedures, and requirements.
California-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
Complete your financial affidavit step-by-step
Child support calculator
Using California's exact guidelines
AI document drafting
Create properly formatted legal documents
Evidence notebook
Organize and categorize case documents
24/7 AI guidance
Ask Victoria anything, anytime
AES-256 encryption, SOC 2 ready infrastructure. Your documents are protected.
Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All California divorce information verified from official state court sources.
Victoria is ready to guide you through every step of the California divorce process. Start your free trial today.
7-day free trial • Cancel anytime • Charged after trial ends