The process of divorce can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to filling out the necessary forms. In California, the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Domestic Partnership, also known as Form FL-110, is a crucial document that initiates the divorce proceedings. To help you navigate this complex process, we have compiled a list of 5 tips to complete California divorce form FL-110 accurately and efficiently.
Understanding the Basics of Form FL-110
Before we dive into the tips, it's essential to understand the purpose and structure of Form FL-110. This document is used to petition the court for a divorce or separation in California. The form requires you to provide personal and financial information, as well as specify the grounds for divorce. The form is divided into several sections, each addressing a specific aspect of the divorce proceedings.
Tips for Completing Form FL-110
Tip 1: Gather Required Information and Documents
To complete Form FL-110, you'll need to gather various documents and information, including:
- Your marriage certificate or domestic partnership registration
- Social Security numbers for you and your spouse/partner
- Dates of birth, marriage, and separation
- Information about your children, including their names, dates of birth, and addresses
- Details about your income, expenses, assets, and debts
- Any existing court orders or agreements related to your marriage or domestic partnership
Make sure you have all the necessary documents and information before starting to fill out the form.
Tip 2: Choose the Correct Grounds for Divorce
California allows for two types of divorce: no-fault and fault-based. No-fault divorce means that you and your spouse/partner are mutually agreeing to end the marriage, while fault-based divorce requires one party to prove that the other spouse/partner is at fault. You'll need to choose the correct grounds for divorce on Form FL-110.
- No-fault divorce: Check the box for "irreconcilable differences" or "permanent legal incapacity to consent."
- Fault-based divorce: Check the box for "incurable insanity" or "felony conviction."
Grounds for Divorce in California
- Irreconcilable differences
- Permanent legal incapacity to consent
- Incurable insanity
- Felony conviction
Tip 3: Provide Accurate Financial Information
Form FL-110 requires you to provide detailed financial information, including your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Make sure to provide accurate and complete information, as this will be used to determine property division, spousal support, and child support.
- List all sources of income, including employment, investments, and government benefits.
- Provide a detailed breakdown of your monthly expenses, including housing, transportation, food, and entertainment.
- List all assets, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement accounts.
- Disclose all debts, including credit cards, loans, and mortgages.
Tip 4: Specify Property Division and Support Requests
On Form FL-110, you'll need to specify how you want to divide your property and whether you're requesting spousal or child support.
- Property division: Check the boxes for the specific property you want to keep or divide, including real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement accounts.
- Spousal support: Check the box if you're requesting spousal support, and specify the amount and duration.
- Child support: Check the box if you're requesting child support, and specify the amount and duration.
Property Division Options
- Real estate
- Vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Retirement accounts
- Other property
Tip 5: Review and Sign the Form Carefully
Before submitting Form FL-110, review it carefully to ensure that all information is accurate and complete. Make sure to sign the form in the presence of a notary public, as this is required by law.
- Review the form for errors or omissions.
- Sign the form in the presence of a notary public.
- Make a copy of the signed form for your records.
By following these 5 tips, you'll be able to complete California divorce form FL-110 accurately and efficiently. Remember to gather all required information and documents, choose the correct grounds for divorce, provide accurate financial information, specify property division and support requests, and review and sign the form carefully.
What is the purpose of Form FL-110?
+Form FL-110 is used to petition the court for a divorce or separation in California.
What information do I need to provide on Form FL-110?
+You'll need to provide personal and financial information, including your marriage certificate, social security numbers, dates of birth, marriage, and separation, as well as details about your income, expenses, assets, and debts.
Do I need to have Form FL-110 notarized?
+Yes, you'll need to sign Form FL-110 in the presence of a notary public.