Documents Needed for a California Divorce

What do divorce papers look like and what documents do you need to file? The core filing documents in a California divorce are: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), and if children are involved, a Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105). These documents initiate the proceeding. After filing, both parties must complete financial disclosures: the Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure includes a Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) and an Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150). These disclose everything — income, expenses, assets, and debts. Serving divorce papers: the petitioner cannot serve their own papers; a third party over 18 must personally deliver the summons and petition to the respondent, then complete a Proof of Service (FL-115) filed with the court. How to serve divorce papers when the respondent is difficult to locate: a registered process server can perform skip tracing and effecting service. How to serve divorce papers on a military member: standard personal service applies, with SCRA rights for the respondent.

What do divorce papers look like for property division? The Judgment of Dissolution (FL-180) or Judgment (FL-180) with an attached Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) contains all the property division terms. For real estate, a Quitclaim Deed (or Grant Deed) transfers title. For retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) divides the account between the spouses. For military pensions, a Military Retired Pay Division Order (MRPDO) serves the same function as a QDRO. Divorce records california — what is kept by the court? All filed documents including the petition, summons, response, financial disclosures, and final judgment are maintained by the Superior Court and are accessible through the court's online portal. Divorce decree example: a typical California judgment of dissolution lists the parties' names, the marriage date and date of separation, orders for property division by item, support orders by amount and duration, custody and parenting plan terms, and the effective date of the dissolution.

Fl300 — Request for Order: this additional form is used during the divorce proceedings whenever a party needs interim court orders on contested issues — temporary custody, temporary support, attorney fee requests, and discovery motions. Can text messages be used in court as evidence in a California divorce? Yes — digital communications are regularly admitted as evidence when properly authenticated. Forensic accountant divorce proceedings may require production of bank statements, tax returns, business records, credit card statements, and investment account records through formal discovery. Asset division attorney at Furubotten Law, APC assists clients in identifying, valuing, and dividing all categories of community property.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Furubotten Law, APC. Every legal matter is unique, and general information cannot substitute for advice tailored to your specific facts and circumstances. If you have a family law matter in California, you should consult with a qualified California family law attorney before taking any action. Denise Furubotten, Esq. and Furubotten Law, APC practice law in the State of California only.

By Denise Furubotten, Esq. · March 2026 · California Family Law

What Documents Do You Need to File for Divorce in California?

California divorce requires specific Judicial Council forms for filing, specific financial records for disclosure, and — as the case progresses — additional documentation for property valuation, custody proceedings, and support calculation. Understanding what is required at each stage prevents delays and ensures the proceeding moves efficiently. This guide covers the documents needed from initial filing through final judgment.

Initial Filing Documents

The petition package filed with the Superior Court clerk includes:

FL-100 (Petition) — The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (or Legal Separation or Nullity). This is the primary pleading that initiates the proceeding. It identifies the parties, the date of marriage, the date of separation, whether there are minor children, and the general relief being requested. The petitioner signs under penalty of perjury.

FL-110 (Summons) — The Family Law Summons accompanies the petition and formally notifies the respondent of the proceeding. The Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders are printed on the back and become effective upon the petitioner's filing and upon the respondent's service.

FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration) — Required when the parties have minor children. This form provides information about where the children have lived for the past five years and whether any other court proceedings involving the children are pending. It is required by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act to establish California's jurisdiction over the children.

CM-010 (Civil Case Cover Sheet) — A required administrative form for case assignment. Most courts require it with the initial petition filing.

Financial Disclosure Documents

Within 60 days of service of the petition, both parties must serve (not file with the court) a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure package under Family Code §2104. This includes:

FL-140 (Declaration of Disclosure) — The cover form for the disclosure package.

FL-142 (Schedule of Assets and Debts) — A comprehensive listing of all community and separate property assets and debts, with estimated values and characterization (community, separate, or mixed).

FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) — A detailed monthly income and expense statement supported by pay stubs, tax returns, and other income documentation. This is used for support calculations throughout the proceeding.

Supporting documents for FL-142 and FL-150 include: the last two years of federal and state income tax returns (all schedules); recent pay stubs or profit and loss statements; recent bank and investment account statements; mortgage statements; credit card statements; retirement account statements; and documentation of any separate property claims.

After the Response Is Filed — Additional Documents

As the case progresses, additional documents become necessary depending on the issues involved:

FL-300 (Request for Order) — Used to request temporary orders for custody, support, attorney fees, or property use at any point during the proceeding.

FL-115 (Proof of Service) — Filed after the respondent is served, confirming the method and date of service.

FL-165 (Request to Enter Default) — Filed if the respondent fails to respond within 30 days of service.

For custody cases: declarations supporting the parenting plan, any custody evaluation reports, school records, and medical records may all be relevant depending on the dispute.

Documents Needed for Final Judgment

The final judgment package submitted to the court includes:

FL-180 (Judgment) — The proposed dissolution judgment form.

FL-170 (Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution) — Required for default or uncontested cases.

FL-190 (Notice of Entry of Judgment) — Served on the parties after the judgment is entered to provide official notice of the dissolution date.

For cases involving real property: a deed transferring or confirming title must be prepared and recorded. For retirement accounts: Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) must be prepared, reviewed by plan administrators, and submitted as separate court orders concurrent with or following the judgment.

Serving Orange County and Riverside County Clients

Furubotten Law, APC prepares complete, accurate case filings and financial disclosures for clients throughout our service area. Call (714) 795-3862 for a case evaluation and to ensure your documents are complete and correct from the outset.