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 filing into a simple, guided experience — from interview to e-filing 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.
Los 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 (statewide)
- Court Website
- lacourt.org
- 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 handles e-filing for you as part of the process — no need to navigate the filing system yourself.
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.
One-Click E-File
We submit your packet to the Los Angeles Superior Court. You'll receive your stamped conformed copies digitally.
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.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in Los Angeles?
| Fee Type | Traditional Lawyer | MutualFile |
|---|---|---|
| LASC Filing Fee | $435 | $435 |
| 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.org.
- ✓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.org for current processing estimates.
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date your spouse is served. 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. MutualFile handles e-filing for you as part of the process. Availability can vary by document type — check the court website for current eligibility.
How much does divorce cost in Los Angeles County?
The court filing fee is $435 for the Petition and $435 for the Response — this is a statewide fee that applies in every California county. MutualFile's preparation and e-filing service starts at $199. 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 from the date your spouse is served. 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.org 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.
Start Your Los Angeles Divorce Online
MutualFile guides you through every step — from interview to e-filing 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.org for current information. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.