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

Divorcing without a lawyer in Sacramento is completely legal — and often the fastest and most affordable option for couples who agree on the major issues. California supports “pro se” (self-represented) divorce, and the Sacramento Superior Court provides clear procedures to help people file on their own.

This guide breaks down exactly how to divorce without an attorney in Sacramento County, including the forms you need, where to file, how much it costs, and when legal help may still be useful.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Sacramento?

Yes. California allows every resident to file for divorce without hiring an attorney. This process works best when:

• Your divorce is uncontested

• You and your spouse can agree on property, custody, and support

• You want to keep costs low

• Your finances are straightforward

If your case is complex or high-conflict, you can still begin without an attorney and hire one later if needed.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Sacramento — Step by Step

1. Make Sure You Meet California’s Residency Rules

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

• At least 6 months in California, and

• At least 3 months in Sacramento County

If you don’t yet qualify, you can file for legal separation first, then convert to divorce later.

2. Gather All Required Sacramento Divorce Forms

You need a combination of statewide California forms and Sacramento County supplements.

Core California Divorce Forms

• FL-100 — Petition for Dissolution

• FL-110 — Summons

• FL-115 — Proof of Service

• FL-140 — Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts

• FL-150 — Income & Expense Declaration

• FL-160 — Property Declaration

Sacramento County Forms

Forms vary based on your situation but often include:

• Civil Case Coversheet Addendum (CV/E-100)

• Family Law Certificate of Assignment (FL/E-132)

• Additional Sacramento-specific forms may be required depending on custody or support issues.

Using Divorce.com automates all forms and ensures you have the correct Sacramento County versions.

3. File Your Divorce Forms With the Sacramento Superior Court

You can file in person or electronically.

Where to File

Gordon D. Schaber Courthouse
720 9th Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Filing Fee

• Standard filing fee: $435

• Fee waivers available using FW-001 and FW-003

Once filed, the court returns stamped copies for serving your spouse.

4. Serve Your Spouse Properly

California requires formal service. You cannot serve your spouse yourself.

Allowed servers include:

• A friend or family member (18+)

• A process server

• Sacramento County Sheriff’s Civil Division

Once served, the server completes FL-115 (Proof of Service).

5. Complete Your Mandatory Financial Disclosures

Both spouses must exchange disclosures early in the case. These include:

• FL-140

• FL-142

• FL-150

These forms list income, assets, debts, and expenses so both parties can reach a fair agreement. Failure to disclose can delay your divorce or invalidate the agreement.

6. Create a Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA)

To finalize an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse must agree on:

• Division of property and debts

• Parenting plan and custody

• Visitation schedules

• Child support

• Spousal support

A written settlement agreement is required for the court to finalize your divorce.

Divorce.com provides guided MSA tools to help you build a legally sound, court-ready agreement.

7. Submit Your Judgment Packet

After service, disclosures, and your settlement agreement, submit your final packet to the Sacramento Superior Court.

Typical judgment documents include:

• FL-180 — Judgment

• FL-190 — Notice of Entry of Judgment

• Signed Marital Settlement Agreement

• Sacramento County supplements if required

The court reviews the packet and mails you a copy once approved.

8. Wait for California’s Mandatory Waiting Period

California requires a six-month minimum waiting period from the date your spouse was served.

Even if your paperwork is done early, the court cannot finalize your divorce before this date.

How Long Does an Uncontested Sacramento Divorce Take?

Most Sacramento divorces without a lawyer take:

• 6–8 months, sometimes longer

• Faster if your forms are complete and mistake-free

• Delays occur if documents are missing or incomplete

Using an online service reduces errors and speeds up the process.

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

Typical Sacramento divorce costs:

• $435 filing fee

• $0–$150 for service of process

• $0 if completing all forms yourself

• $499–$999 using Divorce.com (forms, guidance, MSA)

By comparison, attorney-led divorces in Sacramento average $12,000–$20,000+.

When You Should Still Consider a Lawyer

You may want attorney support if:

• There is domestic violence

• One spouse is hiding or mismanaging assets

• Your estate is complex (business, stocks, retirement accounts)

• You can’t agree on custody

• One spouse has significantly more financial knowledge

Many couples start with a lawyer-free process and bring in an attorney only if needed.

Why Sacramento Couples Use Divorce.com

Divorce.com simplifies the entire process:

• Generates all Sacramento and California forms

• Provides step-by-step guidance

• Helps create your Marital Settlement Agreement

• Reduces court rejections

• Offers optional attorney support

It’s the most affordable, stress-free way to complete your divorce without a lawyer.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Sacramento is entirely doable — especially if you and your spouse agree on the major issues. With the right forms and a clear step-by-step plan, you can complete your divorce affordably and efficiently.

When you're ready, Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and finalize your Sacramento divorce from start to finish.