A plain-language list of the California divorce forms: what each Judicial Council form is called, what the form itself says it does, and where it comes up in a case, from the petition that starts it through the judgment that ends it.
Download the official Form FL-100 (PDF, California Courts)
The petition: Form FL-100
The case starts with the Petition, Form FL-100. Its official title is Petition for Dissolution, Legal Separation, or Nullity of a marriage or domestic partnership, and at the top you check which one you are asking for. The form also asks about the legal relationship and the residence requirements. On the form, that means at least six months in the state and three months in the county before filing.
The summons: Form FL-110
Next is the Summons, Form FL-110. It is the notice to the other spouse that a case has been filed. The summons itself says the person who receives it has 30 calendar days after the summons and petition are served to file a Response. Page 2 of the summons also contains the standard restraining orders that apply to both spouses once the case is filed.
The response: Form FL-120
The other spouse's side of the case is the Response, Form FL-120. It is laid out much like the petition, with the same checkboxes for the legal relationship and residence, so the responding spouse can state their side of the same facts.
Children and custody jurisdiction: Form FL-105
When there are minor children, the case also uses Form FL-105, the Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, usually shortened to UCCJEA. The form asks how many minor children are involved, and for each child's name, date of birth, and place of birth.
Proof of service: Form FL-115
Once the papers are delivered to the other spouse, the person who delivered them records it on Form FL-115, the Proof of Service of Summons. The form opens with the server confirming they were at least eighteen years old and not a party to the case, and then lists which documents were served.
The disclosure declaration: Form FL-140
Next come the financial disclosures. Form FL-140, the Declaration of Disclosure, comes in a preliminary version and a final version. The form states that disclosures are not filed with the court. They are served on the other party. Instead, a declaration that service was completed or waived is filed, on Form FL-141. The form also says the petitioner serves the preliminary disclosure at the same time as the petition or within 60 days of filing it.
Assets, debts, and income: FL-142 and FL-150
Two forms are attached to the disclosure. Form FL-142, the Schedule of Assets and Debts, lists known community and separate assets and debts, and the form itself says it should not be filed with the court. Form FL-150, the Income and Expense Declaration, covers employment, income, and expenses. If both spouses agree to waive the final declaration of disclosure, the form says they put that agreement in writing and file it, on Form FL-144.
Fee waiver: Form FW-001
If paying the court's fees would be a hardship, there is Form FW-001, the Request to Waive Court Fees. The form says you may use it to ask the court to waive your court fees if you are getting public benefits, are a low-income person, or do not have enough income to pay for your household's basic needs and your court fees. The court decides the request.
The judgment: Forms FL-180 and FL-190
The case ends with the Judgment, Form FL-180. It records whether the judgment is a dissolution, legal separation, or nullity, how the matter was heard, and the date the marital or domestic partnership status ends. After the judgment is entered, the clerk sends Form FL-190, the Notice of Entry of Judgment. That notice carries a warning: neither party may remarry or enter a new domestic partnership until the effective date of the termination of status shown on the form.
Recap
That's the list: the petition, summons, response, the children's jurisdiction declaration, proof of service, the disclosure forms, the fee waiver request, and the judgment and notice of entry. Which of these apply depends on the situation, and the court's forms and instructions are the final word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is FL-100?
The case starts with the Petition, Form FL-100.
Can Virdix help me with this?
Virdix asks about your situation in plain language, and prepares the matching California court forms from the answers you give. Virdix is a document preparation service, not a law firm, so this is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney.
How Virdix Helps
Virdix asks about your situation in plain language, and prepares the matching California court forms from the answers you give. Virdix is a document preparation service, not a law firm, so this is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, talk to a licensed attorney.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Virdix is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Forms, fees, and procedures can change; always confirm current information with the California Courts or your county clerk. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed California attorney.
Sources: California Courts (courts.ca.gov), official form instructions