Is the DIVORCE CENTER the right option for me?

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What is the DIVORCE CENTER?

The Divorce Center is a do-it-yourself dissolution (divorce) service. We help prepare the proper paperwork for you, but we do not represent you in court.

The Divorce Center provides assistance in processing your dissolution of marriage in the California court system.  Our procedure is a low-cost alternative to hiring a lawyer when your dissolution (also called “divorce”) does not involve a dispute between you and your husband or wife. 

If there is any disagreement between you and your spouse about this dissolution, you will probably not be able to use the procedure offered to you by the Divorce Center.  If you have any question about whether you can use the process described below, you must seek the advice of an attorney.  Very often we can tell you whether we can provide this service.

How does it work?

We assist you in preparing the papers that must be filed, and we instruct you in the procedures involved in serving (making sure you use the proper method to get the papers to your spouse) and filing (getting the papers to court) the documents. You will prepare and file your own documents; however, we will type the official forms for you once you give us the necessary information.

If you decide to use the Divorce Center, we will send you an initial packet of information, which will have the Fee Agreement, a General Information Questionnaire, a Child Custody Questionnaire, and a Community Property and Support Issues Questionnaire. These documents need to be filled out by you. You will then return them to the Divorce Center office with your payment for the services.

How much will it cost?

The cost for a dissolution (divorce) is $499.00, and you pay the court filing fee. The amount of the filing fee is different in each county, so we will be able to tell you the exact fee once we know in which county you will file your dissolution action.

The cost for a dissolution without children and less than five years of marriage is $150 (Summary Dissolution, see below).

How long will it take?

The divorce process will take at least 6 months from the date the person filing for divorce officially lets his or her spouse or domestic partner know about the divorce. The case can take longer BUT it cannot be faster than the 6 months.

This is a mandatory waiting period required by California law and no couple can be divorced faster than 6 months. You will be able to get all your paperwork turned in to the court and your divorce judgment approved, but the divorce itself will not be final until at least 6 months after starting the case.

Residency Requirements:

For a married couple to divorce, you must meet California's residency requirements. Either you or your spouse must have lived in:
  • California for the last 6 months; AND
  • The county where you plan to file the divorce for the last 3 months.

If you and your spouse have lived in California for at least 6 months but in different counties for at least 3 months, you can file in either county.

If you do not meet the residency requirement, you can still file for a legal separation. Once enough time has passed so that you meet the residency requirement for a divorce, you may file an "amended petition" and ask the court for a divorce.

Who qualifies for a summary dissolution? 

To qualify for a summary dissolution of your marriage you must meet ALL of the following requirements.
You and your spouse:

  • Have been married for less than 5 years (from the date you got married to the date you separated);
  • Have no children together born or adopted before or during the marriage (and you are not expecting a new child now);
  • Do not own any part of land or buildings;
  • Do not rent any land or buildings (except for where you now live, as long as you do not have a 1-year lease or option to buy);
  • Do not owe more than $6,000 for debts acquired since the date you got married (called "community obligations");




  • Have less than $38,000 worth of property acquired during the marriage (called "community property");
  • Do not have separate property worth more than $38,000;
  • Agree that neither spouse will ever get spousal support; AND
  • Have signed an agreement that divides your property (including your cars) and debts.

In addition, you must meet the residency requirements above to qualify for summary dissolution. 
Information provided by the Judicial Council of California & Administrative Office of the Courts and the San Francisco Superior Court Family Law Facilitator 
Divorce Center | 1630 Union Street | San Francisco, CA 94123
phone: (415) 956-5757| fax: (415) 749-3205 | info@divorcecentersf.com
www.divorcecentersf.com