Where to File Your Paperwork in San Mateo County?
In San Mateo County, all divorce paperwork is handled by the Superior Court. Even though you might visit the County Clerk for a marriage license, you must go to the Family Law Division for a divorce.
📍San Mateo County Superior Court (Family Law)
Address: 400 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (650) 261-5100
Business Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Note: Public counters often close earlier than the building; checking the court’s website for daily “limited service hours” is recommended).
Where to File: Submit your petition and summons at the Clerk’s Office in the Hall of Justice. The court also offers e-filing options for those who prefer to submit documents electronically.
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Divorce Requirements: Do You Qualify?
To file for divorce in San Mateo County, you must meet California’s strict residency requirements:
- State Residency: Either you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months.
- County Residency: Either you or your spouse must have lived in San Mateo County for at least three months immediately before filing.
Using an online divorce service like DivorceCanBeSimple.com makes following these residency rules much easier. We make sure your paperwork is set up correctly to meet the specific requirements of the San Mateo County Superior Court, including the latest 2026 updates.
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Filing for an Uncontested Divorce (When Both Spouses Agree)
An uncontested divorce is the most efficient way to end a marriage in California. If you and your spouse agree on all terms – including property division, child support, and alimony – you can avoid a trial.
The process follows these key steps:
- File the Petition: You start by filing a Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110). The standard filing fee in San Mateo County is $435 (as of 2026).
- Serve Your Spouse: California law requires that your spouse be “served.” If they agree to the divorce, they can sign a Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115), which bypasses the need for a professional process server.
- Financial Disclosures: Both parties must exchange “Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure,” which are detailed lists of assets, debts, income, and expenses.
- The 6-Month Waiting Period: California has a mandatory cooling-off period. Your divorce cannot be finalized until six months and one day have passed from the date your spouse was served.
- Submit the Judgment Packet: Once you have a written agreement (Marital Settlement Agreement), you submit a final Judgment (FL-180) packet. In most uncontested cases, a judge will sign the decree without requiring you to appear in court.
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Common San Mateo County Divorce Forms You Will Need
To complete your divorce, you will need a specific set of California Judicial Council forms, along with local San Mateo forms. Basic forms include:
- FL-100 (Petition): The document that starts the case.
- FL-110 (Summons): Informs your spouse of the case and the “Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders” (ATROs) that prevent moving money or children.
- FL-140 & FL-150: Financial disclosure forms used to share income and asset information.
- FL-170 (Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution): A sworn statement asking the judge to sign the decree without a hearing.
- FL-180 (Judgment): The final document that legally ends the marriage.
If you have minor children, you will also need:
- FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration): To confirm where the children have lived for the past five years.
- FL-311 (Child Custody and Visitation Attachment): To outline your agreed-upon parenting schedule.
You can find the most up-to-date forms at the San Mateo Superior Court Self-Help Center.
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Divorce Filing Fees and Costs
As of 2026, the fee to file a divorce petition in San Mateo County is $435. If the respondent (your spouse) files a formal “Response,” they must also pay a $435 filing fee.
If you cannot afford the filing fees due to low income, you may file a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001). If approved, the court will waive the $435 entry fee entirely.
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