How to Get a No-Fault Divorce in California – State Requirements and Documents

Do you want to know how to apply for divorce in California?

Fill out your paperwork

You will need to fill out several papers when applying for a no-fault divorce. All individuals applying for no-fault divorce in California must fill out the following forms:

Petition-Marriage Form: Some individuals may run out of room on the Petition to disclose property. You can use the Property Declaration form to describe joint or distinct assets and obligations if you need more space. Read the directions for assistance in finishing this questionnaire.
Summons document: This document enables you to notify your partner that you have filed a court case and the consequences of his or her failure to reply within thirty days.
Divorce Settlement arrangement: This document is used to inform the court that the parties have made an arrangement regarding the divorce and how their marriage assets should be split. If the parties concur on all problems in their divorce and do not want to go through a long hearing, they should submit a Divorce Settlement Agreement.

Additional Forms for Childless Couples:

Declaration in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Form: These papers inform the court about who the children have been residing with, as well as any other current custody decisions pertinent to the case.

Determine if a local form is required.

Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be required to complete out a municipal document. If this is the case, contact your county clerk’s office, a family law mediator, or a divorce advocate through RocketLawyer.com and inquire about your county’s documents.

Make duplicates of your forms.

Make at least three duplicates of each document after you have completed it. One pair will be given to your partner, while the other two will be retained for your documents.

Bring your completed forms to your local court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee.

Bring the originals and duplicates of your papers to the court clerk’s office. If everything is in order, the assistant will use the original papers and charge a filing fee. If you are unable to pay the costs, you may request a charge reduction.