Divorce or Separation
Divorce or Separation Information
There are three ways to end a marriage or registered domestic partnership.
- Dissolution (Divorce)
- Legal Separation
- Annulment
You can find more information regarding Divorce or Separation, and the difference between the three types of cases, at the California Courts’ website:
Starting a Case
For more information on starting a case, click on the following flyers:
Fill Out Your Forms
Offline
You can download our current forms packet here:
Dissolution/Legal Separation/Annulment—Part 1.
You can print out your forms, fill them out and then file them with the Court.
Online
You can also fill out your forms online:
Step 1: Click on the following link: Online Form Preparation.
There is an instructional video on this page to help you with filling out your forms.
Step 2: Click on the link under FAMILY LAW for either ‘Begin a Divorce/Legal Separation’ or ‘Begin a Nullity (Annulment)’. You will answer questions and at the end your forms will be prepared for you.
You can then print them, sign them, and file them with the Court.
If you need to request a Fee Waiver, please find information and forms on our Fee Waiver page.
Completing Your Case
There are several steps to complete your case for Dissolution or Legal Separation. You can find a list of all the steps in form FL-107-Info. If you are on Step 4 and no Response has been filed, you can complete the forms to finish your case online:
Online
Step 1: Click on the following link: Online Form Preparation.
There is an instructional video on this page to help you with filling out your forms.
Step 2: Click on the link under FAMILY LAW for ‘Finish a Divorce/Legal Separation by Default’.
You will answer questions and at the end your forms will be prepared for you. You can then print them, sign them, and file them with the Court.
Offline
To fill out your forms by hand, send an e-mail to selfhelp@mercedcourt.org and ask for help to finish your case. Be sure to include your case number, your name, and a telephone number in your e-mail.
If you have filed for an Annulment and you have completed steps 1, 2 and 3 from the form FL-107-Info, then you will need to have a hearing date scheduled in order to finish your case.
- If a Response has not been filed, you can file form MSC-FL-024.
- If a Response has been filed, you can file form MSC-FL-022. You can download our forms packet with instructions for this form: At-Issue Memorandum.
Get Help
If you do not know what your next step is in your case, or you would like more information, you can email the Self-Help Center at selfhelp@mercedcourt.org. Be sure to include your case number, your name, and a telephone number in your e-mail.
Self-Help Center
The Self-Help Center can help you fill out your forms and answer your questions regarding Restraining Orders. For information on how to get help, visit the Self-Help Center page.