How do you find out if a divorce has been filed in California?

Record information for divorce filings is available at the Los Angeles Superior Court where the divorce was filed. If the Superior Court location is not known, information can be obtained at the County Courthouse by calling at (213) 830-0803 or going to 111 North Hill St., Los Angeles, CA, 90012.

How do you file for divorce in California?

A divorce proceeding in California begins with the submission of a completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Make at least two copies of all submitted documents. You must file the Petition with the Clerk’s Office of the Superior Court in the county of residence.

How to file for divorce or legal separation?

Access the forms you will need and resources where you can get help. Learn about the requirements to file for divorce or legal separation to end your marriage or domestic partnership (or both), and where to get help.

What does a certificate of record in divorce mean?

A Certificate of Record includes the names of the parties to the divorce, the county where the divorce was filed, filing date, and the court case number. A Certificate of Record is not a certified copy of the divorce decree and does not indicate whether the divorce was ever finalized in court.

When to ask the court for a divorce?

If you have been served with a petition and summons for dissolution (divorce) or legal separation, your spouse or domestic partner is asking the court to end your relationship.

How to get copy of divorce papers from California?

Contact the California superior court where a divorce case was filed to get copies of divorce documents. You can get a Divorce Certificate of Record from the California Department of Public Health, but it only includes the names of the parties, the name of the court and the fact that the divorce was filed.

How do you finalize a divorce in California?

Submit the forms to your local California court for finalization of your divorce. The judge will sign your divorce decree as soon as the six-month waiting period has passed.

How do you serve divorce papers in California?

How to Serve Divorce Papers in California. If you intend to serve your spouse with divorce papers, you have several options, including: Personal service. Service by mail. Service by notice and acknowledgement of receipt. Service by publication or service by posting (in very rare instances)

How to start your divorce in California?

Part 2 of 4: Drafting and Serving Your Divorce Petition in California Determine in which county to file for divorce. In order to file for divorce in California, you must meet certain residency requirements. Fill out a Petition to start divorce proceedings. Once you have determine where you can file for divorce, you can begin preparing the required paperwork. Fill out and read the Summons form.