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
Submit judgment paperwork
A judgment packet is submitted for court review. Submission does not mean the divorce is finished and does not mean the judge has signed it.
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.
Judgment submission procedures and any additional fees can vary. Check the court's current local instructions before submitting the packet.
If the packet is complete, the judge can sign the Judgment. If something is missing or incorrect, the court can return the packet with instructions about what needs to be fixed.
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.