File for Divorce Online in San Francisco County, California
MutualFile guides you through your San Francisco divorce — from interview to e-filing. We prepare your court forms, review them for errors, and file directly with the San Francisco County Superior Court.
File your San Francisco divorce online — start free, no lawyer needed.
Get startedSan Francisco Court Information
- Court
- San Francisco County Superior Court
- Family Law Courthouse
- Civic Center Courthouse
- Address
- 400 McAllister St, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Filing Fee
- $435 (statewide)
- Court Website
- sfsuperiorcourt.org
- Phone
- (415) 551-4000
E-Filing in San Francisco
The San Francisco County Superior Court accepts electronic filing (e-filing) for family law cases through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs).
E-filing is available for family law cases through approved EFSPs. San Francisco participates in the statewide eFileCA program. Check the court website or your EFSP for current document-type 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.
The Divorce Process in San Francisco
The process in San Francisco follows standard California divorce procedure:
- File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) with the San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee (Petition) | $435 |
| Court filing fee (Response) | $435 |
| MutualFile preparation + e-filing | Starting at $199 |
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.
San Francisco Family Law Resources
Family Law Facilitator's Office
Free assistance with child support calculations, paperwork, and guidance on family law procedures
Self-Help Center (ACCESS Center)
Workshops, forms assistance, and referrals for self-represented litigants at the Civic Center Courthouse
These services help you understand procedures and forms but do not provide legal advice.
Tips for Filing in San Francisco
- 1E-file when possible — the Civic Center Courthouse can be busy, and e-filing saves time.
- 2Submit complete, accurate paperwork — incomplete filings will be rejected and delay your timeline.
- 3Start gathering financial documents early — exchange disclosures promptly to keep your case moving.
- 4Parking near the courthouse is limited and expensive — consider Civic Center BART/Muni station nearby.
- 5Use the Self-Help Center or Family Law Facilitator if you have questions about forms or procedures.
What to Expect After Filing in San Francisco
- ✓San Francisco is a city-county — all family law cases are heard at the Civic Center Courthouse on McAllister St.
- ✓The Family Law Facilitator's Office is available at the courthouse for free assistance.
- ✓Judgment review processing times can vary — check the court website for current estimates.
Processing Times
San Francisco handles a moderate volume of family law cases relative to its population. As a city-county, all cases are heard at the Civic Center Courthouse. Court processing times for judgment packets vary. Check sfsuperiorcourt.org for current 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 San Francisco County?
Yes. The San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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. San Francisco handles a moderate volume of family law cases relative to its population. As a city-county, all cases are heard at the Civic Center Courthouse. Court processing times for judgment packets vary. Check sfsuperiorcourt.org for current estimates.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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.
Start Your San Francisco Divorce Online
MutualFile guides you through every step — from interview to e-filing with the San Francisco 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 sfsuperiorcourt.org for current information. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.