Check signatures, required attachments, copies, and any local forms before submitting anything.
Ready to file this?
Start with the statewide filing basics, then check what your county says about local forms, filing methods, courthouse procedures, and electronic filing. The court's current instructions always control.
Your filing step
Start a divorce case
File the starting forms with the court clerk. Filing starts the court case; serving the other party is a separate next step.
California Courts permits in-person and mail filing for many family-law papers. Some courts also allow e-filing, but availability, providers, and procedures are local.
California Courts currently says the initial divorce filing fee is usually $435–$450. A fee waiver may be available.
The clerk keeps the original, stamps the copies, and gives the case a case number. Keep the filed copies for service and your records.
Common filing methods
Your court decides which options are available.
Bring the required originals and copies to the clerk at the courthouse that handles the filing.
When mail filing is permitted, include the required copies, filing fee or fee-waiver papers, and a properly stamped return envelope when the instructions require it.
Some Superior Courts allow electronic filing. Check the county's official court website for availability, approved providers, document rules, and any local e-filing requirements.
County overlay
Choose your county above.
We won't guess whether your court requires e-filing, a local cover sheet, a particular filing location, or another local procedure.
Filing returned or rejected?
Read the clerk's notice before changing anything.
A returned filing or unsigned judgment packet should tell you what the court wants corrected. Do not assume the reason. Compare the notice to your submitted papers and the current local instructions.