California DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
Use this checklist to track your progress. Print it and check off each item as you complete it.
Note: California divorce has specific financial disclosure requirements not found in most other states. Don't skip Section 4.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- At least one spouse has lived in California for 6 months
- At least one spouse has lived in the filing county for 3 months
- OR: considering filing for legal separation first to start the clock
- Checked whether you qualify for Summary Dissolution (married under 5 years, no children, minimal assets)
Gather Financial Documents
- Recent mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles for all vehicles
- Bank account statements (last 3 months)
- Investment account statements
- Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
- Pay stubs (last 2 months) for both spouses
- Most recent tax returns (federal and state, last 2 years)
- List of all debts with balances
- Business records (if applicable)
- Life insurance policy information
Key Decisions
- Agreed on joint petition vs. individual filing
- Agreed on property division (who keeps what, who pays which debts)
- Agreed on what to do with the home (keep/sell/defer)
- Agreed on retirement account division
- Agreed on spousal support (amount or waiver)
- If children: agreed on custody arrangement, schedule, and support
Filing
Get and Complete Forms (selfhelp.courts.ca.gov)
- Downloaded FL-100 (Petition for Dissolution)
- Downloaded FL-110 (Summons)
- Downloaded FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration) — if children
- Read and understood the ATROs on FL-110
- Completed FL-100 fully (no blanks)
- Made 2 copies of all forms
File at Superior Court
- Filed FL-100, FL-110 (and FL-105 if children) at county Superior Court
- Paid filing fee ($435–$450) OR submitted FW-001 fee waiver
- Received file-stamped copies with case number
- Noted filing date: ___________
- Noted 6-month deadline (filing date + 6 months + 1 day from service): ___________
Serving Your Spouse
Joint Petition (skip if filing individually)
- Both spouses signed Joint Petition together
- Clock started at filing date
Individual Filing
- Spouse signed FL-130 (Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers) voluntarily
- OR: Arranged for personal service by someone 18+ who is not a party
- Service completed — noted service date: ___________
- Person who served completed FL-115 (Proof of Service of Summons)
- Filed FL-115 with Superior Court
- 6-month clock starts from service date: ___________
- Response deadline (30 days after service): ___________
Financial Disclosures (MANDATORY — Don't Skip)
- Completed FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) — petitioner
- Completed FL-142 (Schedule of Assets and Debts) — petitioner
- Served FL-150 and FL-142 on spouse within 60 days of filing
- Filed FL-141 with court confirming service of disclosures — petitioner
- Spouse completed FL-150 and FL-142 and served on petitioner
- Filed FL-141 confirming receipt — respondent
- Both FL-141 declarations on file with court
During the 6-Month Waiting Period
Draft Your Agreement
- Drafted Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) covering all property, debt, and support
- Both spouses reviewed and approved MSA
- MSA signed and notarized (some counties require notarization)
- If children: drafted and agreed on Parenting Plan
- If children: completed FL-341 (Holiday Schedule Attachment)
- If children: calculated child support using official CA calculator
- If children: completed FL-342 (Child Support Order Attachment)
- If children: completed FL-192 (Health-Care Notice)
Prepare Judgment Forms
- Completed FL-180 (Judgment of Dissolution)
- All attachments prepared (MSA, support orders, parenting plan)
- Confirmed 6-month period has expired before submitting
Submitting the Judgment
- 6 months + 1 day have passed since service date
- Both FL-141 declarations on file
- Submitted FL-180 Judgment package to court clerk
- Received judge-signed Judgment
- Filed signed Judgment with clerk
- Obtained 3–5 certified copies of Judgment
After the Divorce Is Final
Property Transfers
- Home: refinancing process started (if one spouse keeping)
- Home: Grant Deed / Quitclaim Deed signed, notarized, recorded at county recorder
- Vehicle titles transferred at California DMV
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred
- QDRO filed with retirement plan administrator (if applicable)
Name Change (If Applicable)
- Social Security card updated (SSA office, bring certified Judgment)
- California driver's license updated (DMV)
- Passport updated
- Bank accounts updated
- Employer HR records updated
Financial Housekeeping
- Life insurance beneficiaries updated
- Retirement account beneficiaries updated
- Will and estate planning documents updated
- Health insurance coverage adjusted
- New W-4 filed with employer
Quick Reference
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Case number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date | |
| 6-month + 1 day deadline | |
| County Superior Court | |
| Self-help center | |
| Divorce final date |
Last reviewed: March 2026
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Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.