Where to File for Divorce in San Diego County?

Divorce cases must be filed in the Family Law Division of the Superior Court. In San Diego County, there are several locations where you can file, depending on your zip code:

Central Courthouse
πŸ“ 1100 Union Street
San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 844-2777
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
East County Courthouse
πŸ“ 250 East Main Street
El Cajon, CA 92020
Phone: (619) 456-4100
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
North County Courthouse
πŸ“ 325 South Melrose Drive
Vista, CA 92081
Phone: (760) 201-8600
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
South County Courthouse
πŸ“ 500 Third Avenue
Chula Vista, CA 91910
Phone: (619) 746-6200
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

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The Requirements for Divorce in San Diego County

To file for divorce in San Diego County, a couple must meet residency requirements set by the state law. According to the California Family Code, either spouse must have lived in the county for at least 3 months and be a California resident for no less than 6 months before submitting a Petition to the court.

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Filing for Uncontested Divorce in San Diego County

The common steps of an uncontested divorce process are following:

  1. Fill out and sign the forms required for your case.
  2. File the initial set of papers with the local Family Court.
  3. Pay a filing fee and get the stamped copies of the documents from the clerk.
  4. Serve the other party with the papers, notifying them that the divorce case was initiated and they have 30 days to respond.
  5. Share a financial disclosure with your spouse within 60 days of filing the Petition.
  6. Get a financial disclosure from your spouse within 60 days of serving their Response.
  7. File the proof of disclosure with the court.
  8. File the final set of divorce papers, including a Final Judgment, with the court.
  9. Receive the stamped copy of the Final Judgment signed by the judge.

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Required Divorce Forms in San Diego County

The forms required for marriage dissolution in San Diego County vary depending on each case. Yet, the basic forms for an uncontested divorce with children include:

  • Petition (FL-100)
  • Summons (FL-110)
  • Response (FL-120)
  • Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
  • Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140)
  • Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
  • Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
  • Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure (FL-141)
  • Divorce Judgment (FL-180)
  • Declaration under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) (FL-105)
  • Child Support Case Registry (FL-191)
  • Income Withholding for Support (FL-195)
  • Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Application Attachment (FL-311)
  • Notice of Rights and Responsibilities (FL-192)

Naturally, child-related forms are unnecessary for couples who do not have kids. Instead, some other may be required depending on your paying capacity, income size, agreement with the spouse on property division or alimony, and other factors. Consult with the court clerk to learn what forms you will need in your situation.

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San Diego County Divorce Filing Fees

The fee for filing the first Petition for dissolution of marriage in San Diego County is currently $435. Filing additional requests or motions with the court would entail more costs. Similarly, other fees are charged for supplementary services required in your case. They may include copies, records, reports, translations, certifications, service of process, etc.

If you cannot afford court fees, you may request to waive them by filing a corresponding form. If you contact the San Diego County Clerk’s Office website, you can clarify with the clerk all the expenses your case may entail as well as your options for a fee waiver.


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