Divorce in San Mateo County
Get a ready-to-file set of forms for your uncontested San Mateo County divorce in a fast and affordable way. We make the process easier so you can move forward with confidence without spending a fortune on lawyers.
- Easy-to-use online platform
- Court-approved forms customized for your situation
- Step-by-step filing instructions included
- Friendly 24/7 customer support
- All for just $99
Step 1: Complete the questionnaire
Step 2: Download the forms
Step 3: File the documents with the court
Complete San Mateo County Divorce Forms Online
Thinking of handling your divorce paperwork on your own to avoid attorney fees? You’re not alone. But be aware – it’s not always as simple as it sounds. Locating all the correct forms, especially those unique to your situation, can be tricky. And once you find them, figuring out how to complete them properly (without a law degree) can take up a lot of time. Worse still, even small errors in the paperwork can cause frustrating delays or added court costs.
That’s exactly why we built our online service. It helps you skip the confusion by providing professionally prepared divorce forms and step-by-step filing instructions. All you need to do is answer a short questionnaire – usually under 30 minutes – and within just 5 days, your completed documents and a clear guide for filing will be ready. Fast, simple, and stress-free. Give it a try!
File for Divorce in San Mateo County
Filing for divorce in uncontested cases usually follows a similar path, though small differences can depend on your specific situation. In San Mateo County, the process starts with preparing the right paperwork to file with the clerk’s office. You can speed things up by using our trusted online divorce service.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in San Mateo County with online document help:
Take a few minutes to answer some easy questions about your situation. This will help us check if you can use online document preparation for your divorce. It makes sure you meet the important rules before you start, so you don’t run into problems later.
Fill out our user-friendly questionnaire, which walks you through each section about your marriage, separation, and both parties involved. After you submit your answers, the system will automatically generate the divorce forms required in San Mateo County - customized to fit your case and ready for filing.
When your documents are ready, simply download and print them. Review and sign where needed. You can then either file for divorce online through the San Mateo County court’s system or bring the papers directly to the clerk’s office to begin the process in person. If you’re up for the second option, we included the filing instructions for you.
How to Get an Uncontested Divorce in San Mateo County?
If both spouses agree on all the divorce details, they can file for an uncontested divorce in San Mateo County. This works best when there are no children under 18, no fights over property, and no requests for spousal support.
To file for divorce in San Mateo County, at least one spouse must have lived in California for at least six months and in San Mateo County for at least three months before starting the process. These residency rules are derived from California Family Code Sections 2320 and 2321.
Here are the basic steps to follow for a simple divorce in San Mateo County:
Step 1. Filing the Petition.
- Determine the correct forms you need to start the divorce. Usually, this includes the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form FL-100) and a Summons (Form FL-110).
- Carefully fill out these forms using black ink or type them on your computer. Double-check names, dates, and addresses for accuracy.
- Avoid errors or incomplete sections, as courts may reject or delay your case if forms are incorrect.
- Make at least two copies of all completed forms – one for your records and one for your spouse.
- File the original forms with your local county court clerk’s office and pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver request if you qualify.
Step 2. Serving the Papers and Waiting.
- Arrange for someone 18 or older (not you) to serve the filed divorce papers on your spouse. This can be done by a process server, sheriff, or a trusted adult.
- After service, your spouse has 30 days to respond with a formal reply (Response, Form FL-120).
- While waiting, start discussing key issues such as child custody, support, and property division if you can. Consider mediation or informal talks to avoid court battles.
- Keep organized records of all communication and any agreements reached during this time.
- If your spouse doesn’t respond within 30 days, you can request a default judgment to move forward.
Step 3. Finalizing the Divorce.
- Work on completing all necessary paperwork for your settlement or prepare for court hearings if you cannot agree.
- Submit your final agreements or motions to the court for review and approval. Make sure all forms are signed and notarized if required.
- Attend any scheduled court hearings or mediation sessions if needed.
- Once the judge signs the Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage, request a certified copy for your records.
- The divorce is official when the court signs the Judgment, but keep in mind there’s a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse was served.
Where to File for Divorce in San Mateo County?
In San Mateo County, California, divorce cases are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. The primary location for filing is the Southern Branch in Redwood City.
📍 Southern Branch (Main Filing Location):
- Addreess: 400 County Center (1st Floor)
Redwood City, CA 94063 - Phone: (650) 261-5100
- Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
- Website: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/location/southern-branch
📍 Northern Branch (Limited Services):
- 1050 Old Mission Road
South San Francisco, CA 94080 - Phone: (650) 261-5100
- Office Hours: Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Website: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/location/northern-branch
Frequently Asked Questions
To start a divorce process in San Mateo County, you must prepare the required forms and file them at the courthouse in Redwood City. If your case is uncontested, you can complete the paperwork yourself by following California court guidelines.
To start an uncontested divorce in San Mateo County, you must pay a filing fee of $435, submitted when you file your Petition and related forms at the courthouse. If you cannot afford the fee, you can submit a fee waiver request (Form FW‑001 and Order FW‑003) together with your divorce papers to file without payment.
To finalize an uncontested divorce in San Mateo County, the process takes at least six months and one day from the date your spouse was served (or responded, or you filed appearance waivers), due to California’s mandatory waiting period. Even if everything is agreed upon, you won’t be legally divorced until that period ends and a judge signs the Judgment.