For respondents

    Served divorce papers?
    You have 30 days to respond.

    Being served is overwhelming, but your next step is clear. Filing a Response (form FL-120) protects your say in property, support, and custody. Virdix walks you through it, question by question, and prepares the court-ready forms for you.

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    30 days  from service to file your Response
    FL-120  the official Response form
    All 58  California counties covered
    Why the deadline matters
    No Response within 30 days can mean a default judgment on your spouse's terms.
    Filing form FL-120 keeps your voice in the case. It does not mean you want the divorce; it means you want a say in how it ends.

    What to do after being served

    1

    Note your deadline

    Count 30 calendar days from the day you were handed the papers (or the date of substituted service plus 10 days). The Summons (FL-110) states your deadline. Weekends and holidays count.

    2

    Read the Petition carefully

    The Petition (FL-100) states what your spouse is asking for: how property is divided, custody, and support. Your Response is where you agree or state what you want instead.

    3

    Prepare your Response (FL-120)

    Virdix asks you plain-English questions and completes the FL-120 for you, plus FL-105 if you have children together. You review everything before filing.

    4

    File and serve

    File your Response with the same court listed on the Summons. The first-appearance fee is $435 to $450 depending on the county; form FW-001 can waive it if you qualify. Then have someone 18 or older serve a copy on your spouse by mail.

    Common questions from respondents

    How long do I have to respond to divorce papers in California?

    You have 30 calendar days from the date you were served with the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) to file your Response. The deadline is printed on the Summons itself, and it counts weekends and holidays.

    What happens if I do not respond within 30 days?

    Your spouse can ask the court for a default judgment. That means the case can move forward on their terms for property, support, and custody, without your side being heard. Filing a Response protects your right to participate.

    What form do I use to respond to a California divorce petition?

    The Response to a divorce petition is form FL-120 (Response - Marriage/Domestic Partnership). If you have children together, you also file FL-105 (Declaration Under UCCJEA). Filing the Response has a court fee of $435 to $450 depending on the county, and a fee waiver (form FW-001) is available if you cannot afford it.

    Do I need a lawyer to respond to divorce papers?

    No. You have the right to represent yourself in a California divorce. Many respondents complete and file the FL-120 on their own. If your case involves complex property, business interests, or safety concerns, consulting an attorney is a good idea.

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    Most respondents finish their first session in under an hour.

    Virdix is a self-help document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If your case involves domestic violence or you fear for your safety, call 911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.