What are Divorce Initial Packages?
California divorce initial packages, often referred to as dissolution packets, contain the necessary forms to start the legal divorce process and are organized by the local court.
They include the:
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Petition (FL-100)
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Summons (FL-110)
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Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) (FL-105)
and require a filing fee (or fee waiver request) and a mandatory waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. The initial packet focuses on initiating the case by informing the court and the other spouse of the intent to divorce and the basic information about the marriage, children, and residency requirements.
Key forms in an initial divorce packet:
This is the document that officially starts the divorce case and is filed with the court.
2) Summons (FL-110):
This is a formal notice to the other spouse that a divorce petition has been filed against them and that they must respond.
This form is required if children are involved and provides information about the child's residency history.
This document provides detailed information about your income and expenses, which is needed for support orders.
5) Property Declarations (FL-160) and Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142):
These forms are used to list and describe all community and separate property assets and debts.