Resources
CourtLoom Blog
Plain-English guides to California family law — divorce process, custody, support, and more.
Courtroom Decorum in California Family Court: How to Dress, Behave, and Address the Judge
Walking into a California family courtroom for the first time is nerve-racking. Here's exactly what to wear, how to address the judge, when to stand and sit, and how to stay composed when things get difficult.
The Cheapest Way to Get Divorced (Without Making Costly Mistakes)
How to keep your California divorce affordable without cutting corners that come back to hurt you, including real options, common traps, and where to spend vs. save.
What Happens If Your Spouse Doesn't Respond to Divorce Papers?
Your spouse's silence doesn't stop your divorce. Learn how California's default process works, what paperwork you'll need, and how to move forward when the other side won't participate.
How to Fill Out an FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration)
A step-by-step guide to California's most important financial form, covering what each section asks, common mistakes that hurt your case, and the financial traps that catch even careful filers.
How to Respond to Divorce Papers in California (FL-120 Response)
You have 30 days to respond after being served with divorce papers in California. This guide walks you through the FL-120 Response form, what else you need to file, and what happens if you miss the deadline.
How Much Does Divorce Cost in California? (Full Breakdown)
A practical guide to California divorce costs, from the $435 filing fee to six-figure contested cases, including attorney fees, hidden expenses, and affordable alternatives.
What Is a Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure (and Why It Matters)
California requires both spouses to exchange full financial disclosures early in every divorce. Here's what to include, common mistakes to avoid, and why getting this step wrong can unravel your entire settlement.
FL-105 UCCJEA Declaration: When You Need It and How to Complete It
If you have minor children and you're filing for divorce in California, the FL-105 is required. This guide explains the five-year residence history, jurisdiction rules, and the mistakes that cause deficiency notices.
Do You Really Need a Lawyer for Your California Divorce?
Not every divorce requires an attorney, and not every divorce should go without one. A practical framework for deciding when to hire a lawyer, when to go DIY, and what options exist in between.
FL-110 Summons: What It Means, What It Does, and Why It Matters
The FL-110 Summons does more than notify your spouse about a divorce filing. It activates automatic restraining orders that restrict what both of you can do with money, property, insurance, and children for the entire case.
How Divorce Actually Works in California: A Step-by-Step Guide
A plain-English walkthrough of every step in a California divorce, from filing the petition to final judgment, including timelines, costs, and the mistakes that delay cases by months.
How to Fill Out the FL-100 Petition for Divorce in California
The FL-100 is the form that starts your California divorce case. This step-by-step guide walks you through every section, explains the decisions you need to make, and flags the mistakes that cause delays.