How to File for Divorce in Los Angeles County, California (2026)

Los Angeles County handles more family law cases than any other county in California. That means the process works — but it also means things can take longer if you're not prepared. This guide covers everything specific to filing in LA County, from where to file to how to avoid common delays.

For the full California divorce process, see our step-by-step guide to filing for divorce in California. You can also browse court info for all 58 California counties.

Where to File

Family law cases in Los Angeles County are handled by the Los Angeles County Superior Court. The main family law courthouse is:

Stanley Mosk Courthouse 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 lacourt.org

LA County is large, and family law matters may also be heard at other courthouses depending on your location. Check lacourt.org for the courthouse nearest you.

E-Filing in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County accepts electronic filing through eFileCA. If you're filing in LA, e-filing is strongly recommended — lines at the courthouse can be long, and e-filing lets you submit your documents from home.

MutualFile prepares court-ready documents for the LA County Superior Court, along with step-by-step filing instructions for the county — so whether you e-file through eFileCA or file in person at the courthouse, your paperwork is complete and ready to submit.

Filing Fee

The court filing fee for a divorce petition in California is approximately $435–$450. The base fee is set statewide, but some courts add local surcharges — confirm the current amount with the Los Angeles court. If you can't afford the fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver by filing form FW-001.

The respondent pays a separate fee of the same amount if they file a response.

Step-by-Step Process

The divorce process in LA County follows the same steps as anywhere in California:

1. Prepare your petition — Complete the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110). See our guide to California divorce forms.
2. File with the court — Submit your forms to the LA County Superior Court (in person or via e-filing).
3. Serve your spouse — Your spouse must be officially notified. Learn more about how to serve divorce papers in California.
4. Exchange financial disclosures — Both spouses must share income, assets, and debts. See our financial disclosures guide.
5. Reach an agreement — If you agree on all terms, prepare a Marital Settlement Agreement. Most divorces in California are uncontested.
6. Submit your judgment — File the Judgment (FL-180) for the court to review and sign.

California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served. Learn more about how long divorce takes in California.

Tips for Filing in Los Angeles County

1. E-file whenever possible. LA courthouses are busy and lines can be long. E-filing saves you time and ensures your documents are received immediately.
2. Double-check your paperwork. The high volume of cases means less tolerance for errors. Incomplete or incorrectly filled forms will be rejected, adding weeks to your timeline.
3. Keep copies of everything you file. You'll need filed-stamped copies for service and for your own records.
4. Be patient with processing. LA handles more family law cases than any other county in California. Judgment review can take longer than in smaller counties.
5. Serve promptly. The 6-month waiting period doesn't start until your spouse is served — don't delay this step.

Local Resources

• Family Law Facilitator's Office — Free assistance with divorce paperwork and child support calculations. Available at the courthouse.
• Self-Help Center — Guidance on court procedures and form completion for self-represented litigants.

Both services are free and available to anyone filing without an attorney.

Tracking Your Case

After your petition is accepted, you'll receive a case number and filed-stamped copies. Los Angeles County provides online case access at lacourt.org/casesummary, where you can check your case status at any time.

Cost Breakdown

| Item | Cost | |---|---| | Court filing fee (petitioner) | ~$435–$450 | | Court filing fee (respondent) | ~$435–$450 (if filing a response) | | MutualFile | From $199 | | Total for most couples | Under $750 with MutualFile |

For a full breakdown, see our California divorce cost guide.

How MutualFile Can Help

MutualFile guides you through the entire process online. We generate your court forms based on a simple interview, run an AI-assisted review to catch errors, and give you everything you need to file with the LA County Superior Court — starting at $199.

Start your case for free →

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a divorce take in Los Angeles County?

California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served. The paperwork itself can be completed in a few hours with MutualFile. However, judgment review in LA County can take longer than in smaller counties due to the volume of cases.

Can I file for divorce online in Los Angeles County?

Yes. LA County accepts e-filing through eFileCA. MutualFile lets you complete the whole preparation process online — the interview, your court-ready forms, and county-specific filing instructions — and you then submit them yourself through eFileCA or at the courthouse.

Which courthouse do I go to for a divorce in LA County?

Family law cases are primarily handled at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012. However, LA County has multiple courthouses — check lacourt.org for the location nearest you.

Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Los Angeles County?

No. Many couples in LA County complete an uncontested divorce without hiring lawyers. MutualFile helps you prepare all required forms and shows you exactly how to file them. If your case involves complex assets, custody disputes, or safety concerns, consult a licensed attorney.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.