Where to File for Divorce in Riverside County, California?
In California, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court’s Family Law Division. In Riverside County, you’ll file your paperwork at one of the courthouses that handle family law.
4175 Main Street, Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 777-3111
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
📍 Hemet Courthouse
880 N. State Street, Hemet, CA 92543
Phone: (951) 791-3400
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
📍 Indio Courthouse
46-200 Oasis Street, Indio, CA 92201
Phone: (760) 863-2500
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
📍 Banning Courthouse
311 E. Ramsey Street, Banning, CA 92220
Phone: (951) 922-6900
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
📋
The Requirements for Divorce in Riverside County
Before you file, California law (Family Code § 2320(a)) requires that either you or your spouse meet residency rules:
- You must have lived in California for at least 6 months
- And in Riverside County for at least 3 months
If you don’t meet these requirements yet, you can still file for legal separation and later switch it to a divorce once you qualify. Many of our clients choose this route so they can get the process started without waiting.
📌
Filing for an Uncontested Divorce in Riverside County
Filing for an uncontested divorce in Riverside County is simpler than a contested case. Even with full agreement, California law requires a six-month wait after your spouse is served before the divorce is final.
Generally, to file for divorce in Riverside County, you need to take the following steps:
- Step 1: Meet Residency Requirements. You or your spouse must live in California for six months and in Riverside County for three months. If not, you can file for legal separation first and change it to divorce later.
- Step 2: Complete the Forms. Download the forms from the California Courts or Riverside Superior Court website. The main ones are FL-100 (Petition) and FL-110 (Summons). You may also need forms for children or a fee waiver.
- Step 3: File with the Court. Take the completed forms to the Riverside County Superior Court Family Law Division. Filing costs about $435–$450 unless you get a fee waiver. The clerk will stamp your papers and return copies to you.
- Step 4: Serve Your Spouse. Give your spouse copies of the filed papers plus a blank FL-120 Response form. The server then fills out the FL-115 Proof of Service, which you file with the court.
- Step 5: Wait for a Response. Your spouse has 30 days to reply. If no reply comes, you may request a default judgment. If they respond, the case becomes contested unless you both reach a full agreement.
- Step 6: Exchange Financial Information. Both sides must share financial disclosure forms. These include FL-140 (Declaration of Disclosure) and FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration). This step ensures the court has complete financial details before finalizing the divorce.
- Step 7: Finalize the Divorce. After all forms are complete and both parties agree, submit the final judgment forms, including a marital settlement agreement if needed. Often, a court appearance isn’t required. The divorce can’t be finalized until six months have passed since your spouse was served.
🗂️
Required Divorce Forms in Riverside County
Filing for divorce involves several important forms. Here’s a simple guide to the main ones you’ll need to file for divorce in Riverside County:
Starting Your Divorce
- FL-100 – Petition: You need this form to tell the court you want a divorce and give info about your family and property.
- FL-110 – Summons: This form lets your spouse know the divorce has started and explains basic court rules.
- FL-115 – Proof of Service: You use this to show the court that your spouse received the papers.
- FL-130 – Agreement Forms: If you both agree on everything, this form helps you skip extra notices or court visits.
- FL-180 – Judgment: The judge signs this form to make your divorce official.
- FL-190 – Notice of Judgment: You get this form to see that the divorce is final.
Money and Property Forms
- FL-140 – Financial Disclosure: You fill this out so both of you share your income, property, and debts.
- FL-150 – Income and Expense Form: This form shows how much you earn and spend each month.
- FL-142 – Assets and Debts List: You list all property, money, and debts here for the court.
Forms About Children (if needed)
- FL-192 – Child Support Info: This form explains your rights and obligations for child support.
- FL-105 – Children’s Living History: Use this form to show where your kids have lived for the past five years.
- FL-311 – Custody Plan: If you want, you can suggest a custody and visitation schedule with this form.
💳
Riverside County Divorce Filing Fees
Filing for divorce in Riverside County comes with a fee of about $435–$450. This applies when you file your divorce papers (FL-100) or when your spouse responds (FL-120). The good news? Only one of you has to pay it.
If paying the fee is a challenge, don’t worry – you might qualify for a court fee waiver. To request one, you’ll fill out Form FW-001 (your request) and Form FW-003 (the judge’s decision). People who receive public benefits, have a low income, or struggle to cover basic living expenses often qualify.
Once approved, the court will waive the filing fees and related costs, so you won’t have to pay to file your divorce. You can submit these forms in person at the courthouse or online via Riverside County’s eFiling system, whichever is easiest for you.
Start Divorce in 3 Simple Steps
Our service can complete the paperwork for your agreed-upon divorce, minimizing your stress and the risk of submitting the wrong forms.
Check Your Eligibility
Answer several simple questions on our platform to see if our service is suitable in your specific circumstances.
Fill out a Questionnaire
Complete a full online questionnaire, providing the details of your case so the system can select and fill in the right forms.
Print out the Papers
Download the completed documents from your account, print, sign, and notarize them to start the case with the local court.
- Court-Approved Divorce Packet 📂
We prepare all the forms for your uncontested divorce in Riverside County. You won’t waste hours searching which papers you need. Everything comes complete and ready to file at the courthouse. - Forms Filled Automatically Based on Your Answers 📝
Our simple guided questionnaire fills out the forms for you. No confusing legal language or hours spent figuring out instructions – we make it easy. - Step-by-Step Filing Instructions 🛠️
Along with your forms, you’ll get simple instructions that show how to file with the court. This makes the process easier and less stressful.