Where to File for Divorce in Orange County?
In Orange County, divorce cases are handled by the Family Law Division of the Superior Court. All divorce filings must be submitted to the Lamoreaux Justice Center, which serves as the central courthouse for family matters.
341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868
Phone: 657-622-6878
Business hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Drop Box hours: 8:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
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The Requirements for Divorce in Orange County
Before you can move forward with a divorce in Orange County, you need to meet the basic residency rules under California Family Code. At least one spouse must have lived somewhere in California for the past six months and must have resided in Orange County for at least three months before filing. Many people overlook this, but missing the timeline can delay your case or push you to file in a different county.
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Filing for Uncontested Divorce in Orange County
If you and your spouse can see eye to eye on all the big issues, like splitting property, custody, or support, an uncontested divorce is often the smoothest route. It saves time, cuts down on stress, and usually costs less than fighting it out in court. Here’s how it generally works:
- Check Residency: Ensure you meet California’s six-month state and three-month county residency rules.
- Complete the Forms: Prepare required documents like the Petition for Dissolution (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110).
- File with the Court: File your paperwork at the Orange County Superior Court — Lamoreaux Justice Center is the main family law courthouse.
- Serve the Other Party: Arrange for your spouse to be officially served with copies of your filed forms.
- Exchange Financial Details: Both spouses must disclose financial information, including income, debts, and assets.
- Settle or Proceed: If you both agree on issues like property, child custody, and support, submit a written settlement. If not, the case may require a hearing.
- Wait for Finalization: California law sets a six-month minimum waiting period from the date the other party is served before the court can finalize the divorce.
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Required Divorce Forms in Orange County
When filing for divorce in Orange County, you’ll typically need the following forms:
- FL-100: Petition for Marriage/Domestic Partnership
- FL-110: Summons
- FL-115: Proof of Service of Summons
- FL-120: Response
- FL-140: Declaration of Disclosure
- FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration
- FL-160: Property Declaration
If you have children under 18, additional paperwork is usually needed:
- FL-105: Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act
- FL-311: Child Custody and Visitation Attachment
This list may vary based on your situation. Always check with the Orange County Superior Court or the official California Courts site to confirm which forms you’ll need.
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Orange County Divorce Filing Fees
When you submit your divorce petition in Orange County, expect to pay a filing fee, which generally ranges from $435 to $450. There can be extra costs for copies, motions, certified judgments, or serving papers. If paying the fee creates financial hardship, you can request a fee waiver by filing the appropriate court form and providing proof of income. Many people overlook other costs like mediation fees or document preparation services. To confirm current fees or get help with the waiver process, visit https://www.occourts.org/ or speak with the clerk’s office directly.
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