Filing
Select a method to serve your spouse with the divorce papers. Your state allows the following methods:
You cannot serve the papers yourself. The server must be 18+ and not a party to the case.
Petition Filed
February 17, 2026
Your petition was filed with the court.
Spouse Served
Serve your spouse with the petition and summons.
Response Window
Est. 30 days after service
Your spouse has 30 days to file a response.
Financial Disclosures Exchanged
Est. 60 days after filing
Both parties exchange preliminary financial disclosures.
Waiting Period Ends
Est. 6 months after service
California has a mandatory 6-month (180-day) waiting period from the date the respondent is served. Your divorce cannot be finalized before this period ends.
Judgment Entered
Final divorce decree issued by the court.
Response Countdown
Countdown starts when your spouse is served.
Here's your complete roadmap from filing to final divorce decree, based on California law.
California-Specific Rules
Summary Dissolution
A simplified divorce process available for short marriages with limited assets, no children, and mutual agreement. Requires both parties to sign a joint petition.
Applies when: Marriage under 5 years, no children, limited property/debts, both parties agree
Mandatory Financial Disclosure
Both parties must exchange Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure (FL-140, FL-142) within 60 days of filing. Failure to disclose can result in penalties.
Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs)
Upon filing, automatic orders prevent both parties from removing children, disposing of property, changing insurance, or creating new debt outside normal living expenses.