Where to File Your Paperwork in Los Angeles County?
To start your divorce in Los Angeles County, you must hand in your official paperwork to the local family court system (the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, which processes thousands of family law cases every year).
While Los Angeles has multiple courthouse locations that handle family matters – like the branch buildings in Santa Monica (1725 Main Street), Van Nuys (6230 Sylmar Avenue), or Long Beach (275 Magnolia) – most people living in the middle of the city will have their first paperwork processed at the main downtown location (the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 North Hill Street).
Just keep in mind that even though your case will be sent to a specific neighborhood building based on your home zip code, all your official records and paperwork are actually organized and managed by the main court records office (the Family Law Clerk’s Office, located in Room 426 at the main downtown building).
Address: Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: (213) 830-0803
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Where to File: You can file in person at the Clerk’s Office, by mail, or via the court’s e-filing system, which is now the preferred method for many residents.
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Divorce Requirements: Do You Qualify?
To file for divorce in Los Angeles County, you must meet California’s residency requirements (established under California Family Code Section 2320):
- State Rule: At least one spouse must have lived in California for the last six months (minimum of 180 days).
- County Rule: At least one spouse must have lived in Los Angeles County for the last three months (minimum of 90 days).
If you don’t meet the six-month state requirement yet, you can often start by filing for legal separation (using Form FL-100) and then “amend” it (changing the legal request by filing Form FL-115) to a divorce once you hit the six-month mark. Using a service like ours ensures you are filing in the correct local courthouse branch and meeting these strict jurisdictional rules.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce (When Both Spouses Agree)
An uncontested divorce in California is the most efficient way to end a marriage. As of January 1, 2026, California has introduced a Joint Petition for Dissolution (SB 1427), which allows couples who agree on everything to file together, skipping the need to “serve” each other with papers.
The process follows these steps:
- File the Petition: You file either a Petition (FL-100) or the new Joint Petition (FL-710). The current filing fee is approximately $435.
- Financial Disclosures: Both spouses must exchange “Declarations of Disclosure.” This is a mandatory step where you list everything you own and owe. The court will not finalize your divorce without proof that this was done.
- The 6-Month Waiting Period: California law (Family Code § 2339) requires a mandatory six-month waiting period before the divorce is final. This clock starts the day the respondent is served or the day the Joint Petition is filed.
- Written Agreement: You will submit a “Judgment” that includes a written agreement (Marital Settlement Agreement) explaining how you’ve divided your assets, debts, and handled child support or alimony.
- Final Decree: Once the 6-month period passes and the judge signs your Judgment, you will receive your Notice of Entry of Judgment.
In fact, though, you can use that six-month waiting period to finalize your settlement. The best way to handle this is to have your agreement drafted and signed early so it can be submitted to the court well before the six months are up.
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Common Los Angeles County Divorce Forms You Will Need
To complete your divorce, you will need a specific set of California Judicial Council forms. These include.
- FL-100 (Petition): Starts the case.
- FL-110 (Summons): Contains the “Standard Family Law Restraining Orders” (e.g., you can’t move the kids out of state or change insurance during the case).
- FL-105 (UCCJEA): Required if you have children under 18.
- FL-141 (Proof of Service of Disclosure): Tells the court you shared your financial info with your spouse.
- FL-130 (Appearance, Stipulations, and Waivers): Used in uncontested cases to show you are working together.
- FL-180 (Judgment): The final document the judge signs to end the marriage.
Always double-check the Los Angeles Superior Court website or use a professional service to ensure you are using the most recent versions of these forms, as they are updated frequently.
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Divorce Filing Fees and Costs
For 2026, the standard fee to file a divorce petition in Los Angeles County is $435. If the other spouse files a formal “Response,” they must also pay a $435 fee. However, if you file a Joint Petition, you may be eligible for a streamlined fee structure.
If you have a low income and cannot afford these fees, you can file a Request to Waive Court Fees (Form FW-001). If approved, the court will waive the filing costs entirely.
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