General Information
Our Resource Center can assist self-represented litigants with their family law cases such as divorces, legal separations, and paternity cases. Although we can explain court procedures and review forms, we cannot provide legal advice, and do not have the ability to complete forms for you. Click here for information about our hours, locations and services provided. For general information on family law basics, you can click on each topic below.
Forms and Form Kits
Access and download forms related to family law, child support, guardianship, small claims, and landlord/tenant disputes.
Dissolution of Marriage / Domestic Partnership
There are 2 main ways to end a marriage or registered domestic partnership in California: divorce (dissolution) or annulment. Note: Legal Separation does not end a marriage.
Petition to Determine Parent-Child Relationship
If you and the other parent have never been married, you may need to file a Petition to Determine Parental Relationship in order to request child custody, visitation and/or child support. This type of case is used to determine parentage between minor child(ren) and their biological father and establish child custody and visitation orders.
Petition for Custody and Support
If you are married and do not want to file for divorce or legal separation, you can file a Petition for Custody and Support to ask the judge to make orders regarding the issues of custody, visitation and child support.
Request for Order
Through the Request for Order you can request court orders, such as child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney fees and other issues. You need an open case to file a Request for Order, or you can file a new case at the same time.
Responding to a Petition or Request for Order
If you have been served with a family law Petition or Request for Order, you may file a response to the Petition and/or a Responsive Declaration to the Request for Order. A response lets the Court know if there is something that you do not agree with on the Petition or Request for Order.
Finalizing your Case
When you are ready to finish your case, you will need to prepare a judgment. A judgment can be finalized in different ways. It may be by mutual agreement, by default, or decided in court.