Where to File for Divorce in Contra Costa County?
If you live in Contra Costa County and need to file for divorce, your paperwork must be submitted through the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa. This court handles all family law matters, including divorce, legal separation, and child custody cases.
Address: 751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553
Phone: (925) 608-1000
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (excluding court holidays)
Where to File: File your divorce petition with the Family Law Clerk’s Office at this location.
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The Requirements for Divorce in Contra Costa County
DivorceCanBeSimple.com knows families often feel confused about divorce in Contra Costa County, so we made this guide to explain California laws clearly. To file for divorce in Contra Costa county, you must meet residency rules under California Family Code § 2320. In Contra Costa County, a couple can file if at least one spouse has lived in California for six months and in the county for three months before submitting divorce papers to the court.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce in Contra Costa County
If your divorce is uncontested in Contra Costa County, you can complete the process faster since both spouses agree on all terms. Here are the steps to file for an uncontested divorce in Contra Costa county:
- Find out which divorce forms you need and check the court’s local rules.
- Fill out the first papers, called the Petition for Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage), and give them to the court clerk.
- Pay the filing fee (or ask for a fee waiver if you can’t afford it). The clerk will stamp your papers.
- Give (serve) a copy of the papers to your spouse. They must either file a Response or sign a paper saying they received them.
- Wait six months. The waiting period starts on the day you file the Petition.
- During this time, finish any other divorce papers the court requires.
- Write up the final divorce agreement (Judgment of Dissolution) and let your spouse review and sign it if they agree.
- After the six months, call or visit the clerk to set a final court hearing.
- Bring all your papers to the hearing and answer the judge’s questions.
- After the judge signs your divorce papers, give them back to the clerk. Ask for a certified copy to keep for your records.
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Required Divorce Forms in Contra Costa County
When filing for divorce, you should know which forms apply to your situation. For an uncontested divorce in Contra Costa County, the basic forms may include:
- Petition—Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-100)
- Summons (FL-110)
- Response—Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-120)
- Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105/GC-120)
- Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
- Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142)
- Judgment (FL-180)
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Contra Costa County Divorce Filing Fees
In Contra Costa County, California, the divorce filing fee is $435. If you cannot afford this fee, you may request a fee waiver by submitting the “Request to Waive Court Fees” (Form FW-001) along with your divorce petition. If your request is denied, you have 10 days to pay the fee or provide additional information. Failure to act may result in your documents being voided.
For more details and to download the forms, visit the Contra Costa Superior Court website at https://contracosta.courts.ca.gov/.
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