The divorce process

Divorce in California takes at least 6 months to finish.

There are 4 main steps in the process. The steps are the same if you are married or in a domestic partnership.

Legal separation uses the same steps, but there is no 6-month waiting period.

⚠️ These steps are not for joint divorce cases

If you are filing one of these cases, go to those pages instead:

• Joint petition for divorce or legal separation

• Joint summary dissolution

Select a step to get instructions and forms

Choose a step below to learn what to do and which forms you need.