Online Divorce in California
Get court-approved California divorce papers for filing an uncontested divorce without a lawyer’s fees.
- Complete divorce packet available in a few clicks
- Step-by-step filing instructions included
- Forms for cases with or without children
Ready-to-File California Divorce Package
- 4,000+Cases completed
- 98%Court approval rate
- 7+Years of experience
How It Works?
Answer Questions
Complete our easy online interview about your marriage terms
Review System
Our software generates the exact forms for your California county
Download Papers
Download, print, and sign your documents
File With Clerk
Follow our instructions to file at your local courthouse
California law requires a 6-month “cooling off” period before the court finalizes your divorce. We help you start that clock today.
Compare Your Options for Filing for Divorce in California
California Divorce Online
A simple and efficient way to start your uncontested divorce online and receive filled-out paperwork without lawyer’s fees.
- Guided online process to your document package
- Only court-approved and up-to-date forms
- Step-by-step filing instructions
- Access from any device, anywhere, anytime
- Dedicated support via phone, email, and chat
Divorce Lawyers
Hiring a divorce lawyer is typically the most expensive way to end a marriage. Many overpay significantly for basic paperwork.
- Unpredictable total costs that can multiply
- Extra fees for routine tasks like filing
- Incentives to fight rather than settle
- Drawn-out timelines due to scheduling
- Limited control over your own divorce case
We Can Assist You If
- You and your spouse agree to divorce
- You agree on property, debts and, if you have kids, custody and child support
- One of you has lived in California for 6+ months and in your county for 3+ months
- You have kids – child-related forms are included at the same price
- You and your spouse have common property or debts
- You are in a same-sex marriage
- You know nothing about the divorce process
- You want to file without hiring a lawyer
Our Reviews
Accepted without a single issue in Los Angeles County. Saved me thousands compared to hiring a lawyer.
The filing instructions were a lifesaver. I had no idea what to do at the courthouse and this made it simple.
Done in under 30 minutes. The full document set was exactly what the clerk needed. No back-and-forth.
Why Choose California Divorce Online?
2026 Standards
All documents are updated for current California court requirements and completed following the state’s legal standards.
Precision Document Prep
Custom-filled forms based on your unique household and financial data.
Attorney-Quality Papers
The same professional, precise documentation as a high-end law firm – at a fraction of the cost.
Court Compliance Guarantee
Guaranteed court-ready forms or your money back. See our Refund Policy for details.
Access Anywhere, Anytime
Your progress is saved securely. Start on your smartphone and finish on your laptop – the platform works on any device.
Step-by-Step Filing Guide
Our easy-to-understand filing guidelines give you a step-by-step roadmap for the courthouse.
Our Packages
*Same price with or without children.
Full Divorce Package – $159
- Complete divorce packet ready for court
- Forms for cases with or without children
- Step-by-step filing instructions
- Support via phone, email and chat
- 30 days of secure access to your documents
Installment Plan – $85 Today + $75 Later
- Same complete divorce packet
- Split your bill into partial payments
- Flexible terms & no extra fees
- Step-by-step filing instructions
Both packages include 30 days of access, then renew automatically at $34.99 every 30 days. Cancel anytime in your Profile. Court filing fee ($435 in most counties) is paid directly to the court.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Divorce in California
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period. By law, your divorce cannot become final until at least six months after your spouse is served with the divorce papers or files a response, even if you agree on everything.
Uncontested divorces, where spouses agree on all terms, usually take about 6 to 8 months from filing to final judgment. During this time, you and your spouse must exchange financial disclosures – the first set within 60 days of filing – and then submit your final paperwork. If everything is in order, a judge can approve your agreement without a hearing. Since January 2026, couples who agree on all issues can also file one joint petition together, but the 6-month waiting period still applies.
Contested divorces, where spouses disagree on property, support or custody, can take a year or longer because of negotiations, hearings and busy court calendars. While California law sets a 6-month minimum, the actual duration depends on your case and your county’s court schedule.
Residency Requirements in CA
To File for Divorce in California, Specific Residency Criteria Must Be Met: General Residency:
At least one spouse must have lived in California for the last six months and in the county where you file for the last three months. Only one spouse needs to meet these requirements.
Where to File:
You file with the Superior Court in a county where either you or your spouse meets the 3-month county requirement. If you recently moved to a new county, you can file in the county where your spouse lives, as long as they meet the requirement there. Not There Yet? If neither of you meets the residency rules yet, you can file for legal separation first and later amend it to a divorce once the requirements are met. These residency requirements ensure that California courts have jurisdiction over your divorce, making them a crucial first step in the divorce process in California.
California Divorce FAQs
Is an online divorce legally binding in California?
Yes. Our forms are the official California Judicial Council approved documents used by Superior Courts across the state.
Can I file for divorce in California without a lawyer?
Yes. As long as you file for an uncontested divorce, you can represent yourself instead of hiring a lawyer. If you and your spouse fully agree on dividing your property and debts, custody and support, a judge will likely approve your agreement as long as it’s fair.
How do I file for an uncontested divorce in California?
File your Petition, Summons and any other required forms with the Superior Court in a county where you meet the residency requirements. Have someone over 18 serve copies on your spouse and file a Proof of Service. Exchange financial disclosures within 60 days of filing, then submit your final judgment paperwork. If everything is in order, a judge can finalize your divorce without a hearing once the 6-month waiting period is over.
Where do I file for an uncontested divorce in California?
You file with the Superior Court in your county. You can find your local court and its family law clerk’s office on the California Courts website.
What forms do I need to start a divorce in California?
The main forms include the Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105) if you have children, and Property Declaration (FL-160). You may need more forms depending on your case and county – our system chooses the right ones for you.
How much does an uncontested divorce cost in California?
The court filing fee is $435 in most counties, and your spouse pays the same fee if they file a response. Hiring a lawyer typically costs $3,000–$10,000 or more, while preparing your paperwork online costs significantly less.
What are the residency requirements for California?
To file in California, at least one spouse must have been a state resident for at least six months and a resident of the filing county for at least three months before the petition is filed.
How long does a divorce take in California?
At least 6 months. California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period that starts when your spouse is served or responds, so even a fully agreed divorce can’t be final sooner. More complex cases take longer.
What if the court rejects my papers?
We offer a Document Compliance Guarantee. If your documents are rejected by the court clerk due to a preparation error on our part, we will issue a full refund.
How long does the online interview take?
Most users finish in 20–30 minutes. You can save your progress and download your papers upon completion.