Official-source reviewed guide

California Uncontested Divorce Checklist

A state-specific checklist for self-represented California filers who agree on the major divorce terms and want a clearer paperwork path before filing.

General information only. DivorceReady is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

Filing court

Superior Court

Divorce cases in California are filed through the proper Superior Court or local court process.

Court filing fee

$435–$450 (varies by county)

Court fees are separate from DivorceReady document-preparation pricing and can change by county.

Waiting period

6 months from service or appearance

This is the state timing rule shown in the reviewed state profile. Court schedules can add time.

Filing path

Varies by County

E-filing rules vary by county in California. You must check with your specific county superior court clerk to confirm availability and requirements for self-represented filers.

The short version

An uncontested California divorce usually starts with confirming residency, preparing the correct starting forms, documenting spouse agreement, filing with the proper court, completing service or waiver, waiting the required time, and submitting final documents for court review.

1

Check eligibility

Confirm your divorce is uncontested and that the California residency rule fits your situation.

2

Prepare documents

Build the PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE, settlement terms, and final decree or judgment documents.

3

Review before payment

Review your answers and document packet preview before paying for document generation.

4

File with the court

Submit the completed packet through the proper Superior Court filing path for your county.

5

Finish court steps

Complete service or waiver steps, observe the 6 months from service or appearance timing rule, and follow final court instructions.

Before you start a California uncontested divorce

Petitioner has been a resident of the State of California for at least 6 months and of this county for at least 3 months immediately preceding the filing of this Petition.

Confirm both spouses agree on the divorce.
Decide whether children, property, debts, or support are involved.
Gather names, addresses, marriage date, separation date, and county information.

Documents to prepare in California

The core packet usually includes a starting divorce document, service or waiver paperwork, settlement terms, and a final decree or judgment. DivorceReady uses the reviewed California state profile to label and organize the packet.

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE
MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT
JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Filing, service, and waiting period

California filing is handled through Varies by County. The current state profile lists the waiting period as 6 months from service or appearance and the filing fee as $435–$450 (varies by county).

Confirm county filing instructions.
Complete service, waiver, or acceptance rules.
Track court deadlines and final-hearing instructions.

Document packet preview

What DivorceReady helps prepare for California

PETITION FOR DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Form FL-100

Form FL-110

Notice, waiver, acceptance, or service paperwork where available

MARITAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT

Property, debts, support, and agreed divorce terms

JUDGMENT OF DISSOLUTION OF MARRIAGE

Final judgment, decree, or order template for court review

PARENTING PLAN AND CHILD SUPPORT ORDER

Included when minor children are part of the case

California filing checklist

Self-represented filing steps and court-fee reminders

Source-backed legal information

California Authority & Review Notes

This page is maintained for self-represented uncontested divorce filers and is checked against official court, clerk, and e-filing resources where available.

Last reviewed

August 31, 2026

Next scheduled check: November 29, 2026

Reviewed by

DivorceReady Editorial Review Team

Editorial QC, source checks, and product-language review.

Attorney review

Prepared for future reviewer attribution

Attorney-review structure prepared; no attorney reviewer is currently assigned.

What DivorceReady Prepares

  • California divorce petition, complaint, or dissolution starter documents based on the selected package.
  • Service, waiver, acceptance, or notice documents where those documents are part of the self-represented filing path.
  • Settlement, final decree, parenting, name restoration, and filing checklist materials when the user selects an eligible package.

What Users Must File/Pay Separately

  • File the signed document packet with the California court, clerk, or approved e-filing portal after purchase and review.
  • Pay court filing fees, service fees, certified copies, and e-filing provider fees directly to the court, clerk, sheriff/constable, process server, or filing vendor.
  • Confirm local clerk instructions, signatures, notarization, service, hearing, and final-decree procedures before filing.

DivorceReady.online is a self-help document preparation service. We are not a law firm, do not provide legal advice, do not represent customers in court, and are not affiliated with any court. Customers are responsible for reviewing, signing, filing, serving, and paying all court or provider fees required by their filing office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I gather before starting a California divorce?

Gather spouse details, addresses, marriage dates, county information, property and debt lists, children information if applicable, and any signed agreements.

Can I use this checklist if my spouse disagrees?

This checklist is built for uncontested cases. If your spouse disagrees on property, custody, support, or signing requirements, speak with a licensed attorney.

Can DivorceReady give legal advice about my California divorce?

No. DivorceReady is a document preparation service, not a law firm. The content is general self-help information and does not replace advice from a licensed attorney.

Are California court filing fees included?

No. DivorceReady document preparation pricing is separate. Court filing fees, service fees, certified copies, and local clerk charges are paid separately to the court or provider. The reviewed state profile currently lists the filing fee as $435–$450 (varies by county).

DivorceReady.online is a document preparation service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

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