Maxwell Hills | August 11, 2023 | Divorce

Divorce can be a challenging and emotionally charged process, but understanding the steps involved in serving divorce papers in California can help make the procedure more manageable. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process, from understanding the legal requirements to completing the proof of service.

Understanding the Legal Requirements

Before serving divorce papers in California, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the legal requirements. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

Residency Requirement: To file for divorce in California, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of the state for at least six months before filing. Additionally, either you or your spouse must have lived in the county where you plan to file for divorce for at least three months.

Grounds for Divorce: California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you do not need to prove that either you or your spouse is at fault for the breakdown of the marriage. Irreconcilable differences are sufficient grounds for filing for divorce.

Divorce Documents: The primary divorce document in California is the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. This document initiates the divorce process and outlines your initial requests regarding division of assets, child custody, child support, spousal support, and any other relevant issues. There are a number of other forms depending which County you file in. You should check your local court website and self-help center to ensure you have the entire divorce petition packet filled out properly.

Preparing the Divorce Papers

Once you have a clear understanding of the legal requirements, you can proceed with preparing the divorce papers. Here’s what you need to do:

Gather the Necessary Forms: Start by obtaining the required divorce forms from the courthouse or online on the California Courts website. The forms you will need typically include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Summons, and any other relevant forms specific to your case as mentioned above.

Complete the Forms: Carefully fill out all the forms, providing accurate and detailed information. Be thorough and transparent in disclosing your financial situation, assets, debts, and any requests regarding child custody or support.

Seek Legal Advice: If you have concerns or uncertainties about filling out the forms correctly, it is advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in divorce law. They can guide you through the process and ensure that your paperwork is accurate and comprehensive.

Filing the Divorce Papers

Once you have completed the divorce papers, it’s time to file them with the court. Follow these steps:

Make Copies: Before filing the original documents, make at least two copies of each form. Keep one set of copies for your records and give the other set to your spouse.

File the Original Papers: Take the original completed forms to the courthouse in the county where you or your spouse resides. Submit the documents to the court clerk and pay the filing fee, or request a fee waiver if you meet the eligibility criteria.

Obtain a Filed Stamped Copy: After filing, the court clerk will stamp the documents as “filed” and provide you with a filed stamped copy. This court stamped copy is essential for serving the divorce papers to your spouse. You will effectively serve your spouse the documents if you serve unfiled copies.

Serving the Divorce Papers to Your Spouse

Once the divorce papers have been filed, you must have them served on your spouse. It is essential to follow the proper serving process outlined by California law. Here’s what you need to do:

Choose a Method: California law offers several methods for serving divorce papers, including personal service, substituted service, and service by mail. Personal service is typically the most common method and involves physically delivering the papers to your spouse. Note that YOU are not eligible to serve your spouse by yourself.

Hire a Process Server: To ensure proper service, many individuals choose to hire a professional process server. A process server is a trained individual who knows how to serve legal documents and can provide proof of service.

The person who serves your papers MUST be over 18 and not involved in your case. This can be a friend or family member, a sheriff, or a professional process server.

Proof of Service: After serving the divorce papers, the process server or person who served the documents must complete a Proof of Service form. This form documents the date, time, and manner in which the papers were served and must be filed with the court.

Completing Proof of Service

Once the divorce papers have been served, the person who served them must complete a Proof of Service form. Here’s what you need to know:

Fill Out the Proof of Service: The Proof of Service form requires detailed information about the serving process, including the date and time of service, the location where the papers were served, and the method used.

File the Proof of Service: After completing the Proof of Service form, file it with the court clerk. This step is crucial to ensure that the court has proper documentation of the serving process.

Next Steps After Serving Divorce Papers

After serving the divorce papers and filing the Proof of Service form, there are additional steps you need to take:

Wait for Response: After being served with the divorce papers, your spouse will have a specific timeframe to respond. They may choose to file a response with the court, indicating their agreement or disagreement with the requests outlined in the initial divorce documents.

Negotiate or Mediate: Once both parties have responded, it is common to engage in negotiations or mediation to resolve any contested issues. This process can help reach agreements on matters such as the division of assets, child custody, and spousal support.

Proceed to Trial or Reach Settlement: If negotiations or mediation are unsuccessful, the case may proceed to trial, where a judge will make final decisions regarding the divorce settlement. Alternatively, the parties involved may reach a settlement agreement outside of court and finalize the divorce.

Remember, divorce proceedings can be complex, and it is always wise to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney to ensure that your rights and best interests are protected throughout the process.

By following this step-by-step guide, you will be better prepared to serve divorce papers in California and navigate the divorce process more efficiently.