File for Divorce Online in San Mateo County, California
MutualFile guides you through your San Mateo divorce — from interview to e-filing. We prepare your court forms, review them for errors, and file directly with the San Mateo County Superior Court.
File your San Mateo divorce online — start free, no lawyer needed.
Get startedSan Mateo Court Information
- Court
- San Mateo County Superior Court
- Family Law Courthouse
- Hall of Justice
- Address
- 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063
- Filing Fee
- $435 (statewide)
- Court Website
- sanmateocourt.org
- Online Case Access
- Look up your case
- Phone
- (650) 261-5000
E-Filing in San Mateo
The San Mateo County Superior Court accepts electronic filing (e-filing) for family law cases through approved Electronic Filing Service Providers (EFSPs).
San Mateo County accepts e-filing for family law cases through approved EFSPs.
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 Mateo
The process in San Mateo follows standard California divorce procedure:
- File the Petition (FL-100) and Summons (FL-110) with the San Mateo 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 Mateo?
| 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 Mateo Family Law Resources
Family Law Facilitator
Free help with child support calculations, family law forms, and court procedures for self-represented parties.
These services help you understand procedures and forms but do not provide legal advice.
Tips for Filing in San Mateo
- 1E-file through an approved EFSP for faster processing — the court accepts electronic filings for family law cases.
- 2The Family Law Facilitator's office provides free guidance on child support and other family law matters.
- 3For in-person filings, arrive early — the clerk's office can have wait times during peak hours.
Processing Times
San Mateo County handles family law cases at the Hall of Justice in Redwood City. Processing times are typically 5–10 business days. Check sanmateocourt.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 Mateo County?
Yes. The San Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo County handles family law cases at the Hall of Justice in Redwood City. Processing times are typically 5–10 business days. Check sanmateocourt.org for current estimates.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in San Mateo 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 Mateo 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 Mateo Divorce Online
MutualFile guides you through every step — from interview to e-filing with the San Mateo 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 sanmateocourt.org for current information. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney.