Where and When Do I File?
I Live in California.
I Want a Divorce … Where Do I File?
Although the answer to the question “Where do I file?” is important – the first question that needs to be asked is “Do I meet the state’s residency requirements?”
California requires:
- You or your spouse to have been a resident of the state for at least six months; and
- You or your spouse to have been a resident of one county for the last three months
The requirements for filing other family law matters such as legal separation or paternity are different. Please consult with an attorney for the specifics of your case.
As to when do I file? Not only is that subject to the aforementioned rules, but there are numerous tactical issues that affect custody determinations and control of property, as well as child and spousal support.
If either you or your spouse can meet these basic requirements, or if you have questions about them as they pertain to your case, the experienced attorneys at Holstrom, Sissung, Marks & Anderson can help you to file for and obtain a California divorce. Our lawyers provide aggressive representation designed to fully protect your legal rights and can start working to prepare a divorce petition and summons on your behalf as soon as you’d like.
For a free telephone consultation — call any of our three Southern California office locations directly or, contact us online to schedule a call today.
Starting the Divorce Process
In California, divorces are handled by the state’s Superior Courts. Some counties have Family Law Divisions, in some cases the family law departments are in the same buildings as the civil or criminal courts. If you and your spouse meet the residency requirements and both live in the same county, that is the county where you will want to file your divorce petition and summons. If you and your spouse have been living in different counties for at least three months, you may choose to file in either county. However, talk to an attorney about where you should file, and why, before moving forward with your plans.
Where can I file for divorce in Orange County?
- Santa Ana
- Laguna Hills
- Laguna Niguel
- Newport Beach
- Orange
- Fullerton
- Westminster
Where can I file for divorce in Riverside County?
- Blythe
- Banning
- Hemet
- Indio
- Moreno Valley
- Murrieta
- Palm Springs
- Riverside
- Temecula
Where can I file for divorce in San Bernardino County?
- Barstow
- Big Bear
- Joshua Tree
- Needles
- Rancho Cucamonga
- San Bernardino
- Victorville
For answers to other divorce questions — call any one of our office locations directly or contact us online.
Free Telephone Consultations/Major Credit Cards Accepted
- Corona Office: (951) 734-6371
- Orange Office: (714) 633-8258
- Riverside Office: (951) 274-9448
- San Bernardino Office: (909) 919-2041
