Forms to Start a Dissolution (Divorce), Legal Separation or Nullity

These are the basic forms necessary for you to start a Dissolution (Divorce), Legal Separation, or Nullity case when there are no minor children of the relationship.

Sample Forms

We have provided sample forms filled with fictional information as a guide to assist you. Do not blindly copy all information as-is without understanding what you're doing.  Additional information is provided on this website or from our Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator.

Download Sample Forms Packet: Divorce with No Kids

• Sample Forms as PDF - all forms bundled as a single PDF file
• Samples Forms as a .zip - all forms bundled in a .zip file

The original source for these forms is the Judicial Council's website. There are additional attachments that you may use as well.

Complete these forms on a computer and print them out, or print blank copies and use a blue or black pen.

The following information corresponds to Steps 1-3 of the General Overview.

1 - Start Your Case

Once the following forms are completed you should double hole-punch each original at the top and make two copies of the completed originals.  Bring originals and 2 copies to court for filing.

• Summons: FL-110
  Mandatory
• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage FL-100 or Petition for Dissolution of Domestic Partnership FL-103
  Mandatory (Only complete the one Petition that is appropriate for your case).
• Property Declaration FL-160
  Optional - Complete this form only if item 5 of the Petition does not provide enough space to list the community property assets or debts that the Court must divide. Generally, the Court is interested in an equal division of community property assets and debts, unless the parties agree to something different. 
• Statement of Venue FL013
  Mandatory

Remember if you cannot afford to pay the $355 filing fee you will need to complete the fee waiver forms listed in the General Overview.

Helpful Tips!

• Petitioner & Respondent - If you are filing the Petition you will always be the Petitioner in this case and the other party will be called the Respondent.
• Date of Separation is the date that in your mind you knew the marriage or domestic partnership was over and you did something to show that you no longer wanted to be together.
• Separate Property is any assets or debts that were purchased or incurred before your date of marriage/domestic partnership or after your date of separation.
• Community Property is any assets or debts that were purchased or incurred after your date of marriage/domestic partnership and before your date of separation.

2.1 - Serve Papers

The opposing party must be given a copy of all the completed forms listed above, as well as the following documents, after your case is file with the court:

• Response FL-120 (for Marriages) or Response FL-123 (for Domestic Partnerships)
  Leave Blank - This is for Respondent to complete.  Give the other party the one Response that is appropriate for your case.
• Notice of Case Assignment - (no download)
  The court gives you this document once you file your case.

2.2 - Proof of Service

After your case is filed with the court, you must have proof that the opposing party personally received a copy of all the documents listed above. Someone 18 years or older, not you, must give the other party a copy of all the filed documents listed above.

• Proof of Service of Summons FL-115
  After your case is filed, this form is completed, signed and dated by the person who gives a copy of the legal papers to the other party. Once it is completed you may file it with the court. You should keep a copy for your records.

Next Steps