Filing for divorce in Los Angeles doesn’t require an attorney. Thousands of Angelenos successfully navigate the process every year by representing themselves — known as filing “in pro per.” This guide walks you through every step specific to the LA Superior Court system.
Step 1: Meet California’s Residency Requirements
Before filing in Los Angeles, you must have been: – A California resident for at least 6 months – A Los Angeles County resident for at least 3 months
If you recently moved to LA, you’ll need to wait until you meet both requirements. If your spouse lives in another county or state, you can still file in LA as long as you meet the residency requirements.
Step 2: Gather Your Information
Before filling out any forms, collect: – Full legal names of both spouses – Date and location of marriage – Date of separation – Children’s names, birthdates, and current living arrangements – List of all property, assets, and debts (bank accounts, real estate, vehicles, retirement accounts, credit cards) – Income information for both spouses (pay stubs, tax returns, self-employment records)
Step 3: Complete the Required Forms
You’ll need these Judicial Council forms to start:
| Form | Name | Purpose |
| FL-100 | Petition — Marriage/Domestic Partnership | The main divorce petition |
| FL-110 | Summons | Official notice to your spouse |
| FL-105 | Declaration Under UCCJEA | Required if you have minor children |
| FL-115 | Proof of Service of Summons | Documents how your spouse was served |
Pro tip: Download current forms from the California Courts website or the LA Superior Court. Using outdated forms will get your filing rejected.
Step 4: File With the LA Superior Court
The LA Superior Court has multiple filing locations. For divorce cases, you can file at:
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse — 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012 (main downtown courthouse)
- Many outlying courthouses also accept family law filings
Filing fee: $435 (as of 2026). Can’t afford it? File Form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) along with your petition.
How to file: 1. Make 2 copies of every form (1 for you, 1 for your spouse) 2. Bring the originals + copies to the clerk’s window 3. Pay the filing fee or submit your fee waiver 4. The clerk stamps your copies and returns them 5. You’ll receive a case number — keep this for all future filings
Step 5: Serve Your Spouse
California law requires formal service — you cannot hand your spouse the papers yourself. Options include:
Personal Service (Recommended)
- Hire a process server ($50–$150)
- Ask any person over 18 who is not a party to the case to hand-deliver the documents
- The server completes Form FL-115 (Proof of Service)
Service by Mail (With Acknowledgment)
- Mail copies with Form FL-117 (Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt)
- Your spouse must sign and return the acknowledgment
- If they don’t return it, you’ll need personal service
Service by Publication (Last Resort)
- If you truly cannot locate your spouse, you can petition the court for service by publication (publishing in a newspaper)
- This requires Form FL-980 and court approval
Step 6: Your Spouse Responds (or Doesn’t)
After being served, your spouse has 30 days to file a Response (Form FL-120). The response filing fee is also $435.
If they respond: You proceed to negotiate a settlement agreement or, if you can’t agree, the case becomes contested.
If they don’t respond: After 30 days, you can request a default judgment — the court grants the divorce based on what you requested in your petition.
Step 7: Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both spouses must exchange Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure, even in an uncontested divorce:
| Form | Name | What It Contains |
| FL-140 | Declaration of Disclosure | Cover sheet for disclosures |
| FL-142 | Schedule of Assets and Debts | Every asset and debt of the marriage |
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | Income, expenses, and financial obligations |
This is not optional — the court will not finalize your divorce without proof that disclosures were exchanged. Many DIY divorces stall at this step because people don’t realize it’s required.
Step 8: Prepare the Marital Settlement Agreement
If you and your spouse agree on all terms, you’ll draft a Marital Settlement Agreement covering: – Division of property and debts – Child custody and visitation schedule – Child support amount – Spousal support (if any)
This document must be thorough and specific — vague language can cause problems later.
Step 9: Prepare and Submit the Judgment
Once everything is agreed upon, prepare the judgment package: – FL-180 (Judgment) – FL-190 (Notice of Entry of Judgment) – Your signed Marital Settlement Agreement – Any child custody/visitation orders
Submit the complete package to the court for review.
Step 10: Wait for the Mandatory Period
California requires a minimum 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse was served. Even if all your paperwork is done in month 2, the divorce isn’t final until month 7 at the earliest.
Common Mistakes When Filing Without a Lawyer
After years of preparing divorce documents, we see the same DIY mistakes repeatedly:
- Using the wrong forms or outdated versions — Courts reject these immediately
- Skipping financial disclosures — The divorce won’t be finalized without them
- Improper service — Mailing papers to your spouse doesn’t count (unless they sign the acknowledgment)
- Math errors on financial declarations — One wrong number can delay your judgment
- Incomplete marital settlement agreement — Forgetting to address even one asset or debt can require amendments
- Filing at the wrong courthouse — LA County has multiple courthouses with specific jurisdictions
How Superior Court Docs Makes It Easier
You don’t need a lawyer — but you also don’t have to figure it all out alone. Superior Court Docs prepares every form, every disclosure, and every agreement for your LA divorce, starting at $599.
We handle the paperwork. You make the decisions.
📞 Call (213) 973-7248 or get started today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Los Angeles?
The court filing fee is $435 for the petition and $435 for the response. With professional document preparation from Superior Court Docs, the total cost is typically $599–$999 plus filing fees — compared to $5,000–$15,000+ for an attorney.
Which courthouse do I file at in Los Angeles?
Most LA County divorce cases are filed at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown (111 N. Hill St.). However, some outlying courthouses also accept family law filings. Contact us and we’ll tell you exactly where to file based on your address.
Can I file for divorce online in Los Angeles?
LA County offers limited online filing for some family law forms through the court’s e-filing system. However, not all forms can be e-filed, and the process can be confusing. Many people find it easier to file in person at the clerk’s window.
Related: The Complete Guide to Divorce in California | Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce | How Much Does a Divorce Cost in LA?
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