Filing for divorce in California – officially a Dissolution of Marriage – can feel like running a paperwork marathon. Unlike other states with simple packets, California insists on a dozen-plus Judicial Council forms, all filled out correctly, filed in order, and served on your spouse. Whether you hire an attorney or go pro se, mistakes can cost you time, money, and sanity.
This guide walks you through the must-have California Divorce Forms in PDF. From the initial Petition (FL-100) and essential financial disclosures (FL-150) to the final Judgment (FL-180), we’ll show you where to get official, up-to-date forms and how to avoid the errors that make the court roll its eyes at your paperwork.
Who Should Use Pro Se Divorce Forms PDF Kits?
Pro se (self-represented) divorce PDF kits in San Mateo County are designed for people who can actually handle their own legal paperwork without a lawyer breathing down their neck. These kits are mainly for uncontested divorces – when both spouses are on the same page and drama is optional.
You should consider using a pro se kit only if you and your spouse agree on everything: division of property, spousal support, and, if kids are involved, custody, visitation, and child support. Your spouse also needs to cooperate by signing the Waiver of Service and Final Decree, usually in front of a notary. Simple assets – no businesses, complicated retirement accounts, or multiple high-value properties – make you a perfect candidate.
San Mateo County pro se kits are not for everyone. Any disagreement, history of domestic violence, missing spouse, or complex financial issues instantly disqualifies you. Trying a DIY divorce in these situations is like juggling chainsaws – messy and dangerous.
Court-Ready Forms. Zero Hassle.
Our online platform guides you through the entire uncontested divorce process, ensuring every document is prepared court-ready for San Mateo County.
Check Eligibility (Free)In short, pro se forms are best for straightforward, amicable divorces in San Mateo County where both parties know what they want and want a fast, low-cost resolution. Everything else, and you’re just signing up for headaches and court drama.
Key San Mateo County Divorce Forms
| Form Number | Form Name | Stage of Divorce | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FL-100 | Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership | Start | Initiates the Divorce: This is the foundational document that officially starts the divorce case. It establishes the court’s jurisdiction, provides details of the marriage (dates, names, children), and outlines what the filing party (Petitioner) is requesting regarding property, support, and custody. |
| FL-120 | Response – Marriage/Domestic Partnership | Response | Formal Participation: This form allows the non-filing spouse (Respondent) to formally participate in the case. It tells the court their position, whether they agree or disagree with the Petition’s requests, and states their own requests for court orders. |
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | Financial Disclosure | Mandatory Financial Statement: This detailed form must be completed by both parties and filed with the court. It provides a comprehensive accounting of a party’s income, expenses, assets, and debts, which is essential for the court to calculate child support and spousal support orders. |
| FL-140 | Declaration of Disclosure | Financial Disclosure | Certification of Truth: This form acts as a cover sheet and certification that the party has gathered and provided their complete and accurate financial documents (like the FL-150 and asset/debt lists) to the other spouse, fulfilling the mandatory disclosure requirement. |
| FL-180 | Judgment (Family Law) | Finalization | The Final Decree: This is the most critical document that the judge signs. It legally terminates the marriage, states the official date the marriage ends, and incorporates all the final, legally binding orders regarding property division, custody, and support. |
How to Fill Out San Mateo County Divorce Forms
If You Are the Petitioner (Filing Party):
- FL-100 (Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership): Enter your basic info, marriage and separation dates, and check the orders you want (child support, spousal support, property division). Because who doesn’t love filling out forms about their personal drama?
- FL-110 (Summons – Family Law): Fill out the case caption. Page 2 has Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) that legally stop major financial changes or taking kids out of state. Yes, the court wants to micromanage your life instantly.
- FL-105 (Declaration Under UCCJEA): Required if you have minor kids. List their residences for the last five years to confirm custody jurisdiction. Because apparently the court needs a full history of your kids’ sleepovers.
- FL-115 (Proof of Service of Summons): Filled out by your server (over 18, not you). You just fill the top; they do the rest. Handing papers—finally, a job for someone else.
If You Are the Respondent (Responding Party):
- FL-120 (Response – Marriage/Domestic Partnership): Tell the court if you agree or disagree with FL-100 requests and state your own. Time to have your say… or at least pretend you do.
- FL-105 (Declaration Under UCCJEA): Also required if you have minor kids. Yes, your kids’ address history again – because one form wasn’t enough.
Filing Your Divorce Forms
Filing for a divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) in San Mateo County means heading to the Family Law Clerk’s Office at the Southern Branch, Hall of Justice and Records, 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063. First, make sure you meet the state and county residency requirements – no exceptions.
Start by filing the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) along with copies, pay the filing fee (or submit a fee waiver), and grab your case number.
The final, unavoidable step is serving your spouse properly and filing the Proof of Service (FL-115) with the court. Skip this, and the court will happily ignore your paperwork. In short, follow the steps, dot your i’s, cross your t’s, and maybe your divorce won’t take forever.
SanMateoCountyDivorce.com makes uncontested divorces in San Mateo County fast and simple. Fill out a short questionnaire and get court-ready forms—no lawyer required. Everything you need to file is prepared and ready.