Step 1: Fill out the right forms
The California Guide & File site has some free, online, guided interviews that will help you fill out the right forms for a divorce case. You can e-file directly at the end of some of the interviews. If you can't e-file at the end, save your documents and follow the instructions in the next step to e-file. You can access all the divorce interviews through this link:
If you don't find what you need on the California Guide & File site, visit the California Courts Self-Help Center (in English and Spanish) to find the right forms. The site has forms for divorce and other family law issues. After you prepare your documents, follow the instructions in Step 2.
Step 2: e-File your documents
- Make sure your documents are in PDF format for e-filing. If you used a fill-in PDF form that lets you type in answers, you may need to do a "Print to PDF" before you can e-file your forms. Click here to learn how to turn documents into PDFs or do a "Print to PDF."
- Visit the eFileCA site to file your documents electronically. If you created an account on the California Guide & File site, you can use the same login on the eFileCA
- To learn how to file a new case, click here to read how or click here to watch a video.
- To learn how to file into an existing case, click here to read how or click here to watch a video.
Do you need more legal help?
Click the links below for more information.
- Information (in English and Spanish) about Court Basics and Preparing for Court
- Law Libraries and other resources, and information about doing legal research
- Court Self-Help Centers and other onsite resources
- Free legal answers (if you qualify)
- Search for legal aid providers (you must qualify for help based on your income)
- Find a lawyer through the State Bar of California Lawyer Referral Services