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California Divorse

Divorse documents facilitate the legal process of ending a marriage. Attorney-drafted templates are quick and easy to complete.

Jayne Welch
Reviewed by Jayne Welch Content Attorney / Legal Editor, US Legal Forms

Similar documents: key differences

  • Divorce vs. Legal Separation — divorce ends the marriage; legal separation allows for living apart while remaining married.
  • Uncontested Divorce vs. Contested Divorce — uncontested means both parties agree on terms; contested involves disputes.
  • Marital Settlement Agreement vs. Divorce Decree — the former outlines agreements; the latter is the court's final ruling.
  • Divorce Petition vs. Complaint for Divorce — both start the process, but terminology may vary by state.
  • Separation Agreement vs. Marital Settlement Agreement — separation agreements are for couples not yet divorced; marital settlement agreements finalize divorce terms.

Types of Divorce forms

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Property Agreements

Separation Agreement

Establish clear terms for separating partners, detailing property division and support obligations.

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Other

Separation + Support: Joint Custody & Mutual Support

Create a binding agreement for custody, visitation, and support of children after separation, ensuring both parents maintain shared responsibilities.

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Petitions

Petition — Marriage or Domestic Partnership (FL-100)

Use this form to initiate a legal separation, divorce, or nullification of marriage, ensuring proper court recognition of your relationship status.

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Motions

Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution (FL-170)

Use this declaration when responding to a default or uncontested dissolution or separation case, simplifying court proceedings without a hearing.

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Motions

Request to Enter Default (FL-165)

Use this request to seek a court's acknowledgment of default when no response is submitted in a family law case.

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Summons

Summons — Family Law (FL-110)

Act promptly to respond to court orders impacting marriage, property, and child custody. Missing deadlines can lead to unfavorable outcomes.

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Answers

Response — Family Law (FL-120)

Respond to a marriage dissolution or legal separation petition by clarifying your position and requests regarding property and marital status.

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Stipulations

Appearance, Stipulation and Waivers (FL-130)

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Stipulations

Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (FL-117)

Ensure proper notification in family law cases by acknowledging receipt of essential documents like petitions and summons.

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Stipulations

Proof of Service by Mail (FL-335)

Document delivery through mail requires proof that recipients received their copies. Use this form to confirm that service was completed correctly.

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Stipulations

Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)

Essential for serving legal documents, this form ensures parties involved in family law cases receive notice of the petition filed against them.

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Stipulations

Stipulation Regarding Spousal Support

Use this form when both partners agree to waive spousal support during a divorce process, ensuring clarity on financial arrangements.

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Orders

Family-Centered Case Resolution Order (FL-174)

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Judgments

Judgment (FL-180)

Finalize legal separation, dissolutions, or nullity with this essential judgment form, ensuring your marital status is officially recognized.

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Judgments

Judgment Checklist — Dissolution (FL-182)

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Decrees

Petition to Modify

Request to end child support due to visitation interference and child's adulthood status.

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Notices

Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190)

Utilize this document to officially record a family law judgment regarding custody, support, and other parental issues.

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Modifications

Affidavit — Divorce

Use this document to request a court review of alimony after the remarriage of the other party, highlighting potential changes in financial circumstances.

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Name Change

Motion to Modify Decree — Restore Name

Easily request a court order to revert your name to your married name after a divorce, addressing difficulties you've faced with your maiden name.

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Common

Case Information — Family Law (FL-172)

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Common

Marital Settlement Agreement

Finalize your separation with a comprehensive agreement detailing property, custody, and support arrangements. Essential for amicable divorce settlements.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (No Kids · No Joint Property · Immediate)

Use this agreement to settle financial and property matters during a separation without filing for divorce, effective immediately.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (No Kids · Joint Property · Immediate)

Establish clear terms for property division and financial matters in a separation without children, ensuring mutual understanding and acceptance.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (No Kids · Joint Property · Future Filing)

Use this agreement to settle property and debt issues when separating before divorce, ensuring both parties' rights are clear.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (No Kids · No Joint Property · Future Filing)

Enter a separation agreement before or during divorce proceedings without children, joint property, or debts, streamlining the process for both parties.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Minor Kids · No Joint Property · Future Filing)

Ideal for spouses with minor children, no shared debts, and an impending divorce, this agreement outlines separation terms.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Minor Kids · Joint Property · Future Filing)

Enter a settlement agreement for separation before divorce, covering child custody, property division, and financial obligations.

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Standard

Child Support Case Registry Form (FL-191)

Essential for documenting child support orders, ensuring all relevant parties are informed and registered.

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Standard

UCCJEA Declaration (FL-105)

Essential for child custody cases, this declaration helps establish jurisdiction and ensures compliance with custody laws across states.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Minor Kids · Joint Property · Immediate)

Create a binding agreement for immediate separation and asset division when you have minor children and shared property or debts.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Minor Kids · No Joint Property · Immediate)

Use this agreement for immediate legal separation when there are minor children, but no joint property or debts involved.

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Standard

Notice of Rights and Responsibilities (FL-192)

Notify the other parent about health-care costs and request reimbursement when insurance doesn't cover expenses.

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Standard

Order — Income Withholding for Child Support (FL-195)

Use this notice to instruct employers to withhold income for child support, ensuring timely payments for obligations.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Adult Kids · Joint Property · Immediate)

Navigate separation with a clear agreement on property and debt responsibilities involving adult children.

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Standard

Separation Agreement (Adult Kids · Joint Property · Future Filing)

Use this agreement to formalize a property settlement and terms of separation when planning for divorce, especially if you have adult children.

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Worksheets

Divorce Worksheet and Law Summary for Contested

Prepare for your divorce consultation by gathering essential information on assets, children, and marital history, streamlining the process for you and your attorney.

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Discovery

Discovery Interrogatories: Divorce (Either Party)

Use this form to gather detailed financial and personal information during a divorce proceeding, ensuring transparency between parties.

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Discovery

Continuation of Property Declaration (FL-161)

Necessary for detailing property division in family law cases, especially during divorce or separation proceedings.

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Discovery

Declaration Regarding Service of Disclosure (FL-141)

Provide proof of serving necessary financial disclosures in family law cases to ensure fair proceedings.

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Discovery

Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)

Essential for family law cases, it ensures proper disclosure of assets and debts between parties during legal separation or dissolution.

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Discovery

Discovery Interrogatories: Defendant → Plaintiff

Gather essential information from the plaintiff during discovery in a legal case, ensuring transparency and clarification of facts.

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Discovery

Discovery Interrogatories: Plaintiff → Defendant

Gather detailed responses and document requests from a defendant during civil litigation.

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Discovery

Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)

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Discovery

Property Declaration (FL-160)

Clarify and propose the division of assets during family law proceedings with this essential declaration.

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Discovery

Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)

Gather and list all your assets and debts to ensure fair division in family law matters.

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Common California Divorse documents

  • Divorce Petition — initiates the legal process to end a marriage.
  • Divorce Decree — finalizes the divorce and outlines terms.
  • Marital Settlement Agreement — details the division of assets and responsibilities.
  • Complaint for Divorce — a formal statement requesting a divorce.
  • Divorce Filing Forms — documents required to file for divorce.
  • Separation Agreement — outlines terms for living apart before divorce.
  • Divorce Judgment Forms — record the court's final decision on the divorce.

FAQs

Divorce permanently ends the marriage, while legal separation allows couples to live apart but remain married.

Separation does not legally end a marriage; filing for divorce is necessary to terminate it.

The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and court schedules.

Yes, you can withdraw your petition, but it may involve additional paperwork.

California allows no-fault divorce, meaning no reason needs to be provided beyond irreconcilable differences.

How to get started

Begin the process with these simple steps.

  • Find a template or package that fits your situation.
  • Review the description, preview, and signing requirements.
  • Get full access with a subscription.
  • Complete it in the online editor.
  • Export or send: download, email, USPS mail, notarize online, or send for e-signature (Premium).

Practical tip

Consider discussing asset division early in the process to minimize conflict.

Glossary

DivorceLegal termination of a marriage.
PetitionFormal request to initiate divorce proceedings.
DecreeCourt order finalizing the divorce.
Settlement AgreementDocument outlining terms agreed upon by both parties.
ComplaintFormal documentation stating the desire for divorce.
SeparationLiving apart without legally ending the marriage.
FilingSubmitting legal documents to the court.
MediationProcess of resolving disputes with a neutral third party.
JudgmentCourt's final ruling on the divorce.

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