What to Expect in a California Divorce

Regular petition-and-response process - statewide overview

Important boundary

This map describes the regular petition-and-response process. Joint petition and summary dissolution start differently. Local court procedure can also change what happens at individual steps.

1. Start the case

The case is filed and the other person receives notice through legally valid service.

Petition and summons

Filing fee or fee waiver

Service and proof of service

Response - or no Response

2. Share financial information

Financial disclosure is a separate part of the case.

Disclosure forms

Income and expense information

Assets and debts

Proof that disclosures were served

3. Handle issues that cannot wait - if needed

Temporary orders are an optional side path, not a required stage in every case.

Custody / parenting time

Child support

Temporary spousal support

Attorney fees or other temporary family-law orders

4. Resolve the final issues

No Response: possible default path

Agreement: written agreement used in the judgment process

Disagreement: settlement efforts may continue

Unresolved issues may ultimately be decided by the court

5. Submit judgment paperwork

Prepare the judgment packet and required attachments

Check local judgment/final-step requirements

Submit for court review

Correct anything the court returns or rejects

6. Confirm when the divorce is final

Do not rely on the passage of six months alone

Confirm the judge signed the judgment

Review the Notice of Entry of Judgment

Confirm the effective marital-status termination date