How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Fresno, CA (Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Fresno is not only possible — it’s often the most affordable and efficient way for couples who agree on the major issues. California makes the “pro se” (self-represented) divorce process accessible, and Fresno County provides clear resources and forms. With the right preparation, you can complete your divorce from start to finish without hiring an attorney.

This guide explains exactly how to file for divorce in Fresno County without a lawyer, what forms you need, how long the process takes, and when you might still want legal support.

Can You Get a Divorce Without a Lawyer in Fresno?

Yes. California allows all residents to file for divorce without an attorney, including in Fresno County. This option works best when:

• You and your spouse agree on major issues
  (property division, child custody, child support, spousal support).

• You are filing an uncontested divorce.

• You want to minimize legal costs and complete the process efficiently.

• Your financial or custody situations are not unusually complex.

If you and your spouse disagree on major issues or have a high-conflict situation, you may still begin without a lawyer and involve one later if needed.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Fresno, CA — Step by Step

1. Confirm You Meet the California Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Fresno, one spouse must have lived:

• At least 6 months in California, and

• At least 3 months in Fresno County

If you don’t meet these requirements, you can file for legal separation first and convert it to a divorce later.

2. Gather the Required Fresno County Divorce Forms

You will need California statewide forms plus some Fresno-specific coversheets.

Core CA State Divorce Forms

• FL-100 – Petition for Dissolution

• FL-110 – Summons

• FL-115 – Proof of Service of Summons

• FL-160 – Property Declaration

• FL-140 – Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-150 – Income & Expense Declaration

• FL-142 – Schedule of Assets and Debts

Fresno County Local Forms

• Family Court Coversheet (Fresno County)

• Localized forms may change — Divorce.com always points to the most updated versions.

Tip: Online services like Divorce.com automatically generate the correct forms for you.

3. File Your Divorce Forms With the Fresno Superior Court

You’ll file your paperwork at:

Fresno County Superior Court – B.F. Sisk Courthouse
1130 O Street, Fresno, CA 93721

Filing Fees

• The current Fresno County divorce filing fee is $435.

• Fee waivers are available using forms FW-001 and FW-003.

You can file in-person or electronically through the court’s e-filing system.

4. Serve Your Spouse

California law requires “service of process.” You cannot serve the papers yourself.

To serve your spouse, you can use:

• A friend or family member over age 18

• A process server

• Sheriff’s service (available in Fresno County)

They will deliver the documents and complete FL-115 (Proof of Service).

5. Exchange Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must complete mandatory disclosures:

• FL-140 — Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts

• FL-150 — Income & Expense Declaration

This step helps ensure an honest and complete agreement.
Skipping it can lead to delays or your agreement being overturned later.

6. Create a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)

If you want a truly uncontested divorce, you and your spouse must agree on:

• Division of property and debts

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Spousal support (if any)

You can write the agreement yourselves or use a guided online service.
Divorce.com provides structured tools to create a clear, court-ready agreement.

7. Submit Your Judgment Packet

For an uncontested divorce in Fresno, your final packet may include:

• FL-180 — Judgment

• FL-190 — Notice of Entry of Judgment

• Your signed Marital Settlement Agreement

• Any Fresno County supplemental forms

Once approved, the court will mail you a copy of the entered judgment.

8. Wait for the Mandatory 6-Month Cooling-Off Period

California requires a minimum 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served before your divorce can be finalized.
This timeline applies to all divorces — even uncontested ones.

How Long Does a Fresno Divorce Without a Lawyer Take?

Most Fresno County uncontested divorces take:

• 6–8 months (minimum 6 by law)

• Faster if your paperwork is complete and accurate

• Longer for complex cases, custody disputes, or incomplete forms

Using an online service reduces errors and speeds up processing.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Fresno?

Typical costs:

• $435 filing fee (with potential waiver)

• $0–$150 for service of process

• $0 if you complete the forms yourself

• $499–$999 using Divorce.com to prepare all forms + agreement

Compared to attorney-led Fresno divorces that cost $12,000–$20,000+, pro se divorce is the most affordable option.

When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer

While many Fresno couples complete their divorce without an attorney, legal help is recommended if:

• There is domestic violence

• One spouse is hiding assets

• Complex property (business ownership, retirement division)

• High-conflict custody disputes

• One spouse has significantly more power/control

If these apply, consider at least a one-hour legal consultation.

Why Fresno Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps Fresno residents complete their divorce without a lawyer by:

• Preparing all required California and Fresno County forms

• Guiding you through property, custody, and support decisions

• Creating a court-ready settlement agreement

• Reducing errors that delay cases

• Providing optional attorney support if needed

You stay in control while keeping costs low.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Fresno is straightforward when you have the right support and forms. If you and your spouse agree on the major issues, you can complete an affordable, efficient uncontested divorce without spending thousands in legal fees.

When you're ready, Divorce.com can guide you step-by-step through the entire process — from filing to final judgment.