Divorce Response Paperwork in California

The court says the served spouse has 30 days from the date of service to file a response, form FL-120. Another adult must serve the response on the petitioner. If you file a response, the court may also require a children declaration, form FL-105.

The court describes three options: file a response, do not respond, or reach a default with a signed written agreement. Each leads to a different path in the case. We prepare the paperwork for the option you choose and give no advice on which to pick.

The court says you can still file a response if no default has been entered yet. Because a default can change what the court may order, check with the court clerk about the case status before you do anything else.

Yes, both spouses exchange financial disclosures. The court says a respondent serves preliminary disclosures within 60 days of filing the response. The forms include a declaration of disclosure, a schedule of assets and debts, and an income and expense declaration.

No, we cannot give legal advice or choose terms for you. You decide what the response asks for, and we prepare the forms to match your instructions. The court's self-help center can explain your options in general terms.