Where to File for Divorce in Sacramento County?
In Sacramento County, divorce cases and other family law matters are reviewed in the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse.
3341 Power Inn Road Sacramento, CA 95826
Phone: 916-875-3400
Business Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding court holidays)
Self-Help Center Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
đź“‹ The Requirements for Divorce in Sacramento County
A couple is eligible to file for divorce in Sacramento County if they meet legally defined residency requirements. As stipulated in the California Family Code, before filing a Petition, either spouse must be:
- A Sacramento County resident for at least 3 months.
- A California resident for at least 6 months;
đź“Ś Filing for an Uncontested Divorce in Sacramento County
A divorce in Sacramento County starts with obtaining and completing the forms required for your specific case. Take the initial paperwork package, submit it to the local court clerk, and pay a filing fee.
When you get the time-stamped copies back, serve them on the other party to officially notify them about the commenced action. The respondent has 30 days to file the Response and serve it on you. A process server must also file a Proof of Service of Summons with the court.
After the papers were served, a 6-month waiting period provided by the California Family Code starts for a couple to think their decision through once again and exchange the preliminary financial disclosures.
A petitioner must complete certain financial forms and serve them on the respondent within 60 days of filing the Petition. A respondent must complete and serve the same forms on a petitioner within 60 days of filing the Response. These papers must not be filed with the court. However, each party must file a Declaration Regarding Service to prove the step was completed.
After the waiting period is over, file the final paperwork package with the court and get copies of your Divorce Judgment after the judge signs it.
🗂️ Required Divorce Forms in Sacramento County
The primary set of divorce forms you will need in Sacramento County depends on the case type and your specific situation: whether you have children or property, if any party requests alimony or requires restrictive orders, etc.Mind that it is not final: while some of them may be unnecessary in your case, you might need some additional forms. Make sure to clarify this issue with the court clerk.
Here is a list of the most basic forms:
- Petition—Marriage (FL-100);
- Summons (FL-110);
- Declaration under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105) (if you have children);
- 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) or Property Declaration (FL-160);
- Declaration Regarding Service (FL-141);
- Judgment (FL-180).
đź’ł Sacramento County Divorce Filing Fees
A court fee in Sacramento County is $435 for filing the first Petition in civil cases, including family matters like marriage dissolution. If you cannot afford such expenses, you may waive this fee by providing proof of your insolvency to the court and filing a corresponding request.
Additionally, your case may involve other costs associated with serving services, filing supplemental motions, making copies, mailing, etc. It is better to contact the clerk at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office website and consult them on all the involved costs and fee waiver eligibility.
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Check Your Eligibility
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