As of 2024, the current divorce rate in California is roughly 90 divorces for every 1,000 people each year.

Despite a small bump during the pandemic years, this decrease reflects a steady downward trend the state has seen since 2014.

Still, that’s thousands of people navigating the same paperwork and procedures you are. In the past year alone, we’ve helped more than 5,500 couples in California move through this process 

Filing for divorce in California means going through a long list of forms.

It can feel overwhelming, but understanding what's required and what each form actually does helps you take control of the process, one step at a time.

This guide walks through the most commonly used divorce forms in California so you know what to expect, and where support might be helpful.

Which California Divorce Forms Will You Need?

Here’s a guide to the divorce forms you’ll likely need in California, what each one does, and when it comes into play.

FL-100 – Petition

This form starts your divorce. It tells the court what kind of case you're filing (divorce, legal separation, or dissolution of a domestic partnership) and outlines basic details about your marriage.

You'll also:

• Choose a legal reason (usually “irreconcilable differences”)

• Share whether you have children

• Request support or custody (if applicable)

• List preliminary info about your assets and debts

The spouse who files this form is the petitioner. The other is the respondent.

FL-105 – Child Custody Declaration (UCCJEA)

Only required if you have children under 18. It covers:

• Where your kids have lived

• Who they've lived with

• Any past or current custody cases or protective orders

FL-110 – Summons

The FL-110 form notifies the respondent that a legal case has started and outlines temporary court orders, such as restrictions on moving money or relocating children. No need to fill it out, just include it when serving the papers.

FL-115 – Proof of Service of Summons

The FL-115 form tells the court that your spouse was officially served with the paperwork. This form is completed by the person who delivered the documents (not you).

FL-330 / FL-335 – Proof of Personal or Mail Service

These confirm how the forms were served — either in person (FL-330) or by mail (FL-335). Completed by the third party who did the serving.

FL-117 – Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt

The FL-117 is used when the respondent agrees to accept service by mail. It helps avoid delays and confirms that both spouses are on the same page.

FL-120 – Response

If your spouse wants to participate in the case, they use the FL-120 form to respond to the petition. It includes the same major sections as FL-100.

FL-130 – Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers

The FL-130 form lets the court know whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, and whether both spouses agree to waive a court appearance.

Financial Disclosure Forms (FL-140 to FL-150)

These are required for nearly all divorces in California. Each spouse completes their own set:

• FL-140 – Confirms you're submitting financial disclosures

• FL-141 – Confirms you've exchanged those disclosures with each other

• FL-142 – Lists all assets and debts, individually and jointly

• FL-144 – Optional form to waive filing of final disclosures (if both agree)

• FL-150 – Details income and expenses; used to help determine support

FL-170 – Declaration for Default or Uncontested Case

The FL-170 form is used if your spouse doesn't respond or if you both agree on all terms. It explains whether you have a signed agreement and whether children are involved.

FL-180 – Judgment

The FL-180 is your divorce order. It outlines the final terms of your divorce, including any parenting plans or settlement agreements. Once the judge signs it, you're legally divorced.

FL-182 – Judgment Checklist

The FL-182 serves as a final checklist to confirm you've submitted everything required for the court to finalize your case.

FL-190 – Notice of Entry of Judgment

The FL-190 form confirms that your divorce is complete. It's the court's official notification that your case is closed.

Optional Forms (Depending on Your Case)

• FL-160 – Property Declaration (for additional asset/debt listings)

• FL-311 – Child Custody and Visitation Attachment (for detailed parenting plans)

• FL-340, FL-343 – Spousal support orders

• FL-435, FL-195 – Forms for wage garnishment or income withholding

The Bottomline

Even in amicable divorces, the paperwork can still feel overwhelming.

Missing a required form or filling one out incorrectly can delay your case or lead to decisions being made without your input.

Download the complete forms here.

Divorce.com gives you personalized document help for a flat fee, helping you complete the right forms without added stress.