Online Divorce Filing in Los Angeles County
Filing for divorce in Los Angeles shouldn't feel like a battle. Whether you're filing at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse downtown or a local branch court, MutualFile streamlines your California divorce paperwork into a simple, guided experience — from interview to court-ready documents and step-by-step instructions for filing them with the LASC.
File your Los Angeles divorce online — start free, no lawyer needed.
Get startedSB 1427: Joint Petition Filing
California now allows couples to file a Joint Petition — starting the 6-month waiting period together without the traditional Petitioner vs. Respondent process. This eliminates the need for formal service of process, saving time and money.
See how the Joint Petition worksLos Angeles Court Information
- Court
- Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Family Law Courthouse
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse
- Address
- 111 N Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Filing Fee
- ~$435–$450 (confirm with court)
- Court Website
- lacourt.ca.gov
- Online Case Access
- Look up your case
Courthouses Handling Family Law
E-Filing in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles County Superior Court accepts electronic filing (e-filing) for family law cases through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs).
E-filing is available in many family law situations, but eligibility varies by document type and court program. Check the EFSP or court website for current eligibility.
Availability can vary by document type. Check the court website or your EFSP for current eligibility.
MutualFile prepares your Los Angeles divorce forms so they are court-ready, then walks you through exactly how to submit them — whether you e-file through an EFSP, file in person, or file by mail. You file with the court yourself; we make sure the paperwork is complete before you do.
How It Works in Los Angeles
Guided Interview
Answer simple questions about your assets and children. Our system ensures your answers meet California legal standards.
Collaborate
Invite your spouse to a secure portal. In 2026, you can now sign the same Joint Petition to skip formal service.
File With the Court
Download your court-ready packet with step-by-step instructions for filing it at the Los Angeles Superior Court. The clerk returns your stamped conformed copies.
See the detailed step-by-step process below.
The Divorce Process in Los Angeles
The process in Los Angeles follows standard California divorce procedure:
- File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) with the Los Angeles County Superior Court
- Serve your spouse with the filed documents
- Exchange financial disclosures (FL-140, FL-142, FL-150)
- Spouse has 30 days to respond after being served
- Reach a settlement agreement or proceed through court proceedings
- Submit the Judgment (FL-180) for the court to review and sign
- The 6-month waiting period must pass before the divorce is final
For a full walkthrough, see our step-by-step California divorce guide.
Filing together in Los Angeles?
If you and your spouse both want the divorce, California's Joint Petition (SB 1427) lets you file as co-petitioners — no process server, and no one has to be “served.” See how the California Joint Petition works.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Los Angeles?
| Fee Type | Traditional Lawyer | MutualFile |
|---|---|---|
| LASC Filing Fee | $435 (2026 statewide schedule) | $435 (2026 statewide schedule) |
| Service of Process | $50 – $100 | FREE (with Joint Petition) |
| Professional Fees | $5,000+ | Starting at $199 |
| Total Estimated | $5,500+ | ~$634+ |
Court fees are paid to the Los Angeles Superior Court. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford the filing fee — file form FW-001 with the court. See our full California divorce cost breakdown for more details.
Los Angeles Family Law Resources
Family Law Facilitator's Office
Free assistance with family law paperwork and child support calculations
Self-Help Center
General guidance on court procedures and form completion
These services help you understand procedures and forms but do not provide legal advice.
Tips for Filing in Los Angeles
- 1Use e-filing when possible — LA courthouses are busy and lines are long.
- 2Double-check your paperwork. With high volume, the court is less likely to overlook errors.
- 3Keep copies of everything filed — maintain records of all filed documents and proof of service.
- 4Be patient with processing — LA handles more family law cases than any other county in California.
- 5Serve promptly — the 6-month waiting period doesn't start until service is complete.
What to Expect After Filing in Los Angeles
- ✓You'll receive a case number and filed-stamped copies after your petition is accepted.
- ✓LA County provides online case access — check your case status at lacourt.ca.gov.
- ✓Judgment review can take longer than in smaller counties due to volume.
Processing Times
LA County handles the highest volume of family law cases in California. Court review times for judgment packets can vary significantly. Check lacourt.ca.gov for current processing estimates.
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period. In a traditional divorce it runs from the date your spouse is served; in a joint petition (SB 1427) it runs from the date you file, because there is no service step. Either way this is the legal minimum — no divorce can be finalized before this period passes, regardless of how quickly you complete your paperwork.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for divorce online in Los Angeles County?
Yes. The Los Angeles County Superior Court accepts e-filing for family law cases. You complete the entire interview online with MutualFile and get court-ready forms, then submit them to the court yourself — by e-filing through an approved EFSP, in person, or by mail. Availability can vary by document type — check the court website for current eligibility.
How much does divorce cost in Los Angeles County?
Under the Judicial Council's 2026 statewide civil fee schedule the court filing fee is $435 for the Petition and $435 for the Response in most California counties. Riverside and San Francisco charge $450 because of a local courthouse-construction surcharge, and a joint petition carries a single $870 fee covering both spouses instead of two separate first-paper fees. Confirm the current amount with the court before you pay. MutualFile's document preparation service starts at $199, and you file the completed forms with the court yourself. Fee waivers are available for those who qualify.
How long does divorce take in Los Angeles County?
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period. In a traditional divorce it runs from the date your spouse is served; in a joint petition (SB 1427) it runs from the date you file. This is the legal minimum. The total timeline depends on how quickly you complete paperwork, exchange disclosures, and reach an agreement. LA County handles the highest volume of family law cases in California. Court review times for judgment packets can vary significantly. Check lacourt.ca.gov for current processing estimates.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in Los Angeles County?
No. You are not required to have a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in California. Many people successfully file on their own or with the help of a document preparation service like MutualFile. If your case involves complex issues, consulting an attorney is recommended.
What forms do I need to file for divorce in Los Angeles County?
The basic forms include the Petition (FL-100), Summons (FL-110), and if you have children, the Declaration Under UCCJEA (FL-105). You'll also need financial disclosure forms (FL-140, FL-142, FL-150) and a final Judgment (FL-180). MutualFile generates all required forms automatically based on your answers.
Which courthouse will handle my case?
Most Los Angeles divorces are routed through the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, but depending on your zip code, you may be assigned to Pomona, Santa Monica, Long Beach, or another branch. MutualFile automatically identifies the correct branch for your filing.
Can I file if we have children and a house?
Yes. Unlike Summary Dissolution, MutualFile handles complex cases including child custody (UCCJEA forms) and real estate division. We generate all required forms based on your situation.
Does a joint petition cost more to file in Los Angeles?
No — it costs the same in total. Under the Judicial Council's 2026 Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, a joint petition for dissolution carries a single $870 fee that covers the appearance of both petitioners, instead of two separate $435 first-paper fees. The schedule also notes that if one party later revokes the joint petition, no additional first-appearance fee is charged to either spouse. Los Angeles is not one of the counties with a local courthouse-construction surcharge, so the statewide amounts apply — but confirm current fees with the court before you pay.
Does Los Angeles still accept fax filings in family law?
No. The court stopped accepting fax filings for family litigation cases when it implemented e-filing for those case types. File electronically through an approved EFSP, in person, or by mail. MutualFile prepares your packet; you submit it to the court yourself.
Start Your Los Angeles Divorce Online
MutualFile guides you through every step — from interview to court-ready documents, plus instructions for filing them with the Los Angeles County Superior Court.
Start your case for freeFile for Divorce in Other California Counties
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court procedures and processing times may change. Visit lacourt.ca.gov for current information. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.