How to File Family Law Court Forms in California
Learn how to file Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) and Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage or Domestic Partnership) Forms in California. This guide covers an introduction to filing, an overview of preparing your court documents for filing, and a step-by-step process of filing your completed court documents in the courthouse.
Note: If you are looking for guidance on how to electronically file your documents (E-Filing), visit your court’s website for specific instructions.
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1. What is Filing?
Filing
Filing means officially submitting your legal documents to the court so that your case can be processed.
In California, a document is considered "filed" when the court clerk endorses (stamps) it with the date and time it was received. This establishes the legal start date of your request or response.
California Rules of Court, Rule 2.259(a)(1) and Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6(b)(3)
E-Filing*
Electronic filing (e-filing) is the process of submitting court documents online rather than in person.
E-filing is available in many—but not all—California counties.
When you e-file, your documents are transmitted to the court through an approved e-filing service provider (EFSP) and receive a digital court "file stamp."
Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6, California Rules of Court, Rules 2.250–2.261
*Important Note for Restraining Order Filings:
Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) filings are often exempt from mandatory e-filing in California. Many counties do not require or allow DVRO forms to be submitted electronically due to confidentiality concerns and the need for prompt judicial review.
Always check your local court’s website or contact the family law clerk’s office to confirm whether e-filing is allowed or recommended for your DVRO case.
Legal Reference: Cal. Rules of Court, Rule 2.253(b)(2) — Courts may exclude certain case types, including DV matters, from mandatory e-filing.
2. Preparing Your Court Documents for Filing
Step 1. Review each of your forms one more time.
Make sure everything is correct.
Even if you are using UDIL software to complete your court documents, you must read and reread each court form and attachment generated with your answers to the interviews to ensure that they reflect everything you want to tell the court.
If there are certain sections of your court forms and documents that you do not understand, or if you would like to ask specific questions about your case, contact your local Family Law Facilitator or visit your local court self-help center.
Make corrections, if necessary.
You can edit your forms digitally, or directly on the form itself. Note, any text on your forms must be typewritten or hand printed in blue or black ink.
Step 2. Print, date, and sign your forms
If everything looks correct, print your forms.
Ensure you print one-sided.
(i.e. do not print on the front and back of each sheet of paper).
Sign each form where your signature is required.
Use blue or black ink only.
If a form asks for your signature “under penalty of perjury”:
This means that when you sign the form, you are affirming that what is on the form is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
If a form has attachments:
Write where requested the number of pages attached in the space provided.
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If you do not have access to a personal printer or copy machine, here are a few options you may use to print your court documents:
Local Courthouse: Visit your local courthouse and check if they have a law library or self-help center. Many courthouses provide public access to computers and printers, allowing you to print your court forms securely. Additionally, these facilities often have staff available who can assist you in preparing and making copies of your forms for filing.
Public Libraries: Public libraries often offer computer workstations and printing services. Check with your local library to see if they provide access to computers and printers for public use. Ensure that you follow their privacy guidelines and take necessary precautions to protect your sensitive information.
Community Centers: Some community centers or nonprofit organizations may offer computer and printing facilities for public use. Reach out to these centers in your area to inquire about their available resources and any associated costs.
Print Shops and Copy Centers: Commercial print shops and copy centers are an option for printing court forms. Some examples of commercial print shops around California are FedEx Office, the UPS Store, Office Depot/OfficeMax, Staples, and local printing companies. However, exercise caution when using these services, as they are not specifically designed for handling sensitive legal documents. Before using a print shop or copy center, ensure that they can maintain the confidentiality and privacy of your information.
Friends, Family, or Trusted Contacts: If you have friends, family members, or trusted contacts who have access to a printer, you can ask for their assistance in printing your court forms. Make sure to only share your documents with individuals you trust and consider taking precautions to protect your privacy.
Step 3: Check Court Filing Requirements
Any individual who files court forms and other documents with the court is required to comply with the rules governing filing.
Before filing, the Court recommends that you review the California Rules of Court, specifically Rules 2.100-2.119 and visit the California Court website's Basics of Court forms page.
Pay special attention to the section titled "Tips for Filling Out Judicial Council Forms" to ensure that your completed forms adhere to the latest court standards for filing.
Note that per Rule 2.100(c), papers that are submitted or filed electronically must meet the requirements in Rule 2.256(b).
California Judicial Council forms and their attachments must abide by the following requirements (Last Updated: March 2025)
Paper Type:
Prepared on white or unbleached paper – 8 1/2 by 11 inches
Paper Printing:
Prepared and printed (if filing in-person) on one-sided paper – only one side of each page may be used
Font:
Text written in 12 pt font (Courier, Times New Roman, Arial or equivalent (Handwritten papers are OK – but write legibly)
Text Color:
All forms must be typewritten or printed in blue or black ink. (See California Rules of Court, Rules 2.100-2.119)
Line Spacing:
One and one-half or double-spaced
Margins:
At least 1 inch from the left edge and ½ inch from right edge
Page Numbers:
Pages must be numbered consecutively on the bottom
Binding:
Original and copies must be firmly bound (e.g. stapled) AND the Original must be 2-hole punched at the top.
To read more about these rules, see the links below:
Step 4. Make copies of your forms
The original court documents with your signatures (in blue or black ink) and 2-hole punched at the top
For yourself: One set of copies of each original court form and document (including attachments)
To be served: One set of copies of each original court form and document (including attachments)
Make at least 2 copies of your completed and signed court forms.
To be clear, you’ll need 3 sets in total:
The court will keep the original forms and return the 2 file-stamped copy sets to you.
Step 5. Check for Local Court Filing Requirements
Why should I check for Local Court Filing Requirements?
Some counties in California have local rules or additional forms that must be submitted when filing DVRO paperwork, like proposed order forms. Filing procedures can also vary by courthouse—some accept forms in person, while others may offer electronic filing.
To avoid delays or rejection due to incomplete paperwork, it’s a good idea to review your local court’s filing requirements in advance. These may include cover sheets or other forms specific to that court.
Click here to review your county’s local rules, organized by county on the Judicial Branch of California’s website page titled ‘Local Rules.’
Tip: If your court website asks you to choose a case type or division, Divorces and DVROs are generally filed under the “family law” division.
Click here to view a list of general filing requirements and local forms used for DVRO proceedings that we’ve compiled for many California counties. Because forms and procedures may change, it’s still important to confirm with the court where you’ll be filing.
Helpful links:
You can also contact your courthouse clerk’s office directly to ask about any local forms or specific filing instructions for DVRO or Dissolution cases in your county.
3. Filing Your Completed Court Documents in the Courthouse
If your local Courthouse requires that you file your court documents electronically, visit their website for specific instructions.
Step 1. Locating the Clerk’s Office
Once you arrive at the courthouse, the Clerk’s Office is usually located on the ground floor.
However, courthouses vary in design, so if it’s not immediately evident, look for signs or directories that might guide you.
The Clerk’s Office is where most legal documents are filed and processed.
Note that some courts may have multiple clerk offices that are dedicated to a particular area of law, e.g., Family Law, Probate, General Civil.
If you’re having trouble locating the Clerk’s Office:
Don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re having trouble locating the Clerk’s Office.
Court security officers, often located at the entrance of the courthouse, can guide you. They are there to help ensure everything runs smoothly, and that includes helping visitors navigate the courthouse.
Step 2. At the Clerk’s Office
Once you’ve located the Clerk’s Office, the process of filing may vary. Some offices use a ticketing system where you take a number and wait to be called to a window. Others may have you wait in line. Be prepared for either system, or another.
Interacting with the Clerk:
When it’s your turn, approach the counter and let the clerk know that you’re there to file papers for a [your case type] proceeding.
Be polite and patient - they handle a lot of cases and are there to help you.
Have your papers ready to hand over, and make sure you have all the necessary copies as stated in your instructions.
Step 3. Conformed/Endorsed (Stamped) Copies
After the clerk reviews your forms, they will keep the original and return copies to you.
They will “conform” or “endorse” these copies, by either physically stamping a copy, or by providing you a computerized court endorsement on the copy, showing your documents have been filed.
Make sure you have these copies before leaving the office. If your court cannot provide these copies to you on the same day that you file, ask the clerk when these copies will be available for pickup.
Additional Information:
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The court is only typically open on weekdays between 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM (though your local Courthouse’s hours may vary).
Note for those seeking restraining orders: If the court is closed and you need a restraining order immediately, take your court forms/documents to your local police station. They can help you apply for a restraining order right away.
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Family Code section 6222 states, “There is no filing fee for an application, a responsive pleading, or an order to show cause that seeks to obtain, modify, or enforce a protective order or other order authorized by this division when the request for the other order is necessary to obtain or give effect to a protective order. There is no fee for a subpoena filed in connection with that application, responsive pleading, or order to show cause. There is no fee for any filings related to a petition filed pursuant to Part 4 (commencing with 6300) of this division.”
In other words, you are not required to pay a filing fee to file your initial court documents in a Domestic Violence Restraining Order proceeding.
If this is your first time filing documents in this case, you may be required to pay a “first appearance fee.” This fee is generally required of all parties making their initial filing in a legal matter.
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If the cost of a fee is a financial burden, you can apply for a fee waiver. To request a waiver, complete and submit:
Form FW-001: Request to Waive Court Fees
Form FW-003: Order on Court Fee Waiver
Note: By law, California courts should not charge filing fees to Petitioners or Respondents filing initial paperwork in Domestic Violence Restraining Order proceedings.
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If you do not speak English well, you can ask the court clerk for an interpreter. The clerk may ask you to complete a request form if you want to have an interpreter at the hearing. If the court cannot give you an interpreter, bring an adult to interpret for you. Do not ask a witness in your case or a child involved in your case to interpret for you.
More post-filing information is available to UDIL members who have purchased packages through their member homepage.
Last Updated: Feb 2026
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Note: While some information is specific to DVRO proceedings, the majority of this information is applicable to other California family law proceedings as well, such as dissolution (divorce) and parentage cases.
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