California Form FL-825 is the Judgment form used to finalize a dissolution, legal separation, or nullity of a domestic partnership or marriage in California, and it is the document a judge signs to officially end your legal relationship under California Family Code §§ 297–299.6. Filers submit FL-825 to the Superior Court clerk along with supporting forms once every other step of the case — service, response (or default), and disclosures — has been completed.
Getting FL-825 wrong is the single most common reason California courts reject final judgment packets, with some county family law facilitators reporting rejection rates above 40% on self-represented filings. The form is short, but each box ties directly to other forms in your packet, and one mismatched checkbox can send the whole judgment back for correction.
In this guide, you will learn:
- 📄 What every box, checkbox, and attachment line on FL-825 means in plain English
- 🧾 Which companion forms (FL-141, FL-160, FL-170, FL-180, FL-343, FL-345) must travel with FL-825
- 🏛️ How to file FL-825 by mail, in person, or through your county’s e-filing portal
- ⏱️ The deadlines, fees, and waiting periods that decide when your judgment becomes final
- ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that cause clerks to reject FL-825 packets
Always confirm you are using the current Judicial Council revision printed in the lower-left corner of the official FL-825 PDF on courts.ca.gov before you start writing on it.
What Form FL-825 Is and Who Must File It
Form FL-825 is the Judicial Council’s official Judgment form for ending a California domestic partnership or marriage, and it is governed by California Rules of Court, Rule 5.405. The form sits at the very end of the case timeline — after the petition (FL-103 or FL-100), after service, after the response or default, and after both partners exchange their preliminary and final declarations of disclosure on FL-141.
Any registered domestic partner or spouse seeking a court-signed judgment in California must use FL-825 if their case is a dissolution, legal separation, or nullity that is being finalized by default, uncontested agreement, or after trial. Same-sex and opposite-sex registered partners both use this form when the partnership was registered with the California Secretary of State.
The form is filed by the petitioner in default cases, by either party in stipulated judgments, and by the prevailing party after a contested trial. Attorneys file it on behalf of clients, but more than half of California family law judgments are filed pro se, according to the Judicial Council’s Court Statistics Report. The receiving agency is the Superior Court clerk in the county where the case was opened, and the statute that requires a written judgment is Family Code § 2338.
If you skip FL-825 or file it with wrong information, you remain legally married or partnered, you cannot remarry, and any property settlement you signed is unenforceable until a judge signs the judgment.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Before opening FL-825, gather every document the clerk and judge will cross-check against the form. Missing even one item is the fastest path to a rejection notice from the clerk’s office, often delaying your judgment by 30–60 days.
Use this pre-filing checklist:
- Your file-stamped Petition (FL-103 for partnerships, FL-100 for marriages). The case number and party names on FL-825 must match exactly, and a single typo will trigger rejection under local rules like LASC Rule 5.4.
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115). Without filed proof, the court cannot enter default or judgment, and FL-825 will sit unsigned indefinitely.
- Request to Enter Default (FL-165) if proceeding by default. The default must be entered by the clerk before the judge signs FL-825.
- Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution (FL-170). This sworn declaration tells the judge you completed every prerequisite, and it is required by California Rules of Court, Rule 5.405(c).
- Declaration Regarding Service of Disclosures (FL-141). Both preliminary and final disclosures must be served before judgment, per Family Code § 2105.
- Property Declaration (FL-160) for community and separate property. If you have any assets or debts beyond pocket change, you need at least one FL-160 attached.
- Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) or stipulation if uncontested. The MSA is attached to FL-825 and incorporated by reference in Item 4(l).
- Child support and custody attachments (FL-341, FL-342, FL-343, FL-344, FL-345). Required only if the case involves minor children or support orders.
- Two stamped envelopes addressed to each party. Clerks use these to mail the conformed Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190) back to you.
- Your $435–$450 first-appearance fee receipt or fee waiver order (FW-003). If you never paid the filing fee on the original petition, the judgment will not be processed.
Set aside 60–90 minutes of uninterrupted time to complete the form, and keep a clean second copy of every document — clerks routinely require duplicates.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official, fillable version of FL-825 is hosted on the Judicial Council’s website at the courts.ca.gov forms page. Always download the current revision directly from the Judicial Council, because outdated PDFs floating on third-party sites are a leading cause of clerk rejection.
You can also pick up a paper copy at the clerk’s window of any California Superior Court family law division, including the Los Angeles Superior Court Stanley Mosk Courthouse, the San Diego Superior Court Family Court, or the Alameda County Superior Court Hayward Hall of Justice. Self-help centers attached to most courthouses will also hand out blank packets at no charge.
The form opens in any standard PDF reader and is fillable on screen. Type your entries directly into the PDF rather than handwriting where possible, because typed forms reduce data-entry errors at the clerk’s office. Save the completed PDF to your computer with a clear filename like Smith_FL825_FINAL.pdf before printing.
If you have a fee waiver, complete Form FW-001 at the same time you prepare FL-825. County e-filing portals such as Odyssey eFileCA and File & ServeXpress accept FL-825 in PDF form, but each county configures its portal differently, so confirm acceptance with your county’s family law clerk before submitting.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form FL-825 Line by Line
The line-by-line walkthrough below moves through FL-825 in the exact order printed on the form. Every entry on FL-825 must be consistent with the matching entry on your petition, your default packet, and your settlement documents — the judge does not accept conflicting information.
Caption Box: Attorney or Party Without Attorney
The top-left caption box asks for the name, State Bar number (if any), address, and contact information of the person preparing the form. Self-represented filers write their own name and write “In Pro Per” where the bar number would go.
Type your full legal name in all caps, your mailing address, telephone number, and email if you accept email service. Maria Lopez writes MARIA LOPEZ, 1422 OAK ST, OAKLAND, CA 94607, (510) 555-0142, maria.lopez@email.com in the caption.
If you live in a domestic violence shelter or have a confidential address under Safe at Home, use the Safe at Home substitute address rather than your real address. Listing your true address in this scenario can defeat the entire purpose of the confidentiality program.
The most common mistake is leaving the email line blank when you actually accept electronic service elsewhere in the case, which causes the court to default to slower mail service. A widespread misconception is that “In Pro Per” is unprofessional or weakens your case — it is simply the legal label for a self-represented party and judges treat it neutrally.
Court Identification Box
Directly below the caption sits the court identification block, which asks for the Superior Court name, street address, mailing address, city/zip, and branch name. Copy this information verbatim from your file-stamped petition.
Use the exact branch name, not just the county. Marcus Chen writes SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, 111 N. HILL ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90012, STANLEY MOSK COURTHOUSE.
If your case has been transferred between branches mid-case, use the current branch where the case lives now, not the branch that opened it. Filing FL-825 at the wrong branch is grounds for the clerk to refuse the document at the window.
A frequent mistake is shortening the courthouse name (writing Mosk instead of Stanley Mosk Courthouse), which can cause the document to be misrouted internally. Many filers wrongly believe any courthouse in the county will accept FL-825 — branches are not interchangeable.
Petitioner and Respondent Names
Enter the petitioner’s full legal name on the Petitioner line and the respondent’s full legal name on the Respondent line. Use the names exactly as they appear on the original petition, including any middle name or suffix.
Janet Marie Williams on the petition must remain Janet Marie Williams on FL-825 — not Janet Williams and not Janet M. Williams. Mismatched names cause the clerk’s docketing system to flag the document.
If a party legally changed their name mid-case, you still use the name on the petition unless you formally amended the case caption. The judgment can later restore a former name in Item 4(g), which is a separate process from amending the caption.
The most common mistake here is writing a married name when the petition used a maiden name, or vice versa. Filers commonly believe they can update the caption informally — they cannot, and an informal change will trigger rejection.
Case Number Box
Write the case number exactly as it appears on the file-stamped petition, including any letter prefixes such as 24STFL00123 in Los Angeles or 24FL000456 in San Diego. The case number is the single most important matching field on the form.
Carlos Ramirez writes 25STFL09877 if his Los Angeles dissolution was filed in early 2025. Do not add spaces, dashes, or county codes that are not printed on the petition.
If your case number contains a letter that is hard to distinguish (such as the letter O versus the digit 0), pull the petition and confirm the character against the file stamp. A single wrong character causes the clerk to be unable to find the case file.
The most common mistake is transposing two digits, which is functionally fatal — the document will be rejected or, worse, filed in the wrong case. A common misconception is that the clerk will “figure it out” from the names — clerks file strictly by case number.
Item 1: Type of Judgment Checkboxes
Item 1 asks the judge to check the type of judgment being entered: Dissolution, Legal Separation, Nullity, or Parent-Child Relationship. Check exactly one box that matches the relief requested in your petition.
Aisha Johnson, who filed for dissolution of her domestic partnership, checks the Dissolution box and leaves the other three blank. The petition’s Item 1 controls which box you check here.
If your petition originally asked for legal separation but you later amended to dissolution, check Dissolution — the controlling document is your most recent operative pleading. Always confirm against the file-stamped amended petition if one exists.
The most common mistake is checking Legal Separation when you actually want a divorce, which leaves you legally partnered. A widespread misconception is that the boxes can be combined — they cannot, and checking more than one will cause the judge to return the form unsigned.
Item 1(a)–(c): Judgment Status Checkboxes
The sub-items under Item 1 indicate whether the judgment is by Default, Uncontested (with written agreement), or after Trial/Contested Hearing. Check the one that fits your case.
Carlos, whose partner never responded to the petition, checks 1(a) Default without agreement. Aisha, whose partner signed an MSA, checks 1(b) Uncontested with written agreement.
If the respondent signed a stipulated judgment but never filed a Response (FL-120), you usually check 1(b) and attach a Stipulation and Waiver of Final Declaration of Disclosure (FL-144). Skipping FL-144 in this scenario is one of the top three reasons stipulated judgments get rejected.
The most common mistake is checking Default when the respondent actually appeared, which voids the judgment if discovered later. Filers often mistakenly believe a default and an uncontested judgment are the same thing — they have entirely different procedural requirements.
Item 2: Hearing Information
Item 2 records whether the matter was heard by the court, including the hearing date, department, judicial officer, and appearances. For a true default with no court appearance, write N/A across the hearing fields and check the box that says judgment is entered without a hearing.
If a hearing took place, Janet Williams writes 03/14/2026 under date, Department 24 under department, Hon. Patricia Lee under judicial officer, and lists who appeared. Use the format MM/DD/YYYY.
If your county requires a default prove-up hearing (some judges do, even on paper defaults), include the hearing details exactly as they appear on the minute order. Do not estimate or guess — pull the order.
The most common mistake is leaving Item 2 blank when a hearing occurred, which forces the clerk to send the form back. A common misconception is that this section is “optional paperwork” — it is the judge’s evidentiary record of the hearing.
Item 3: Status-Only Termination
Item 3 lets the court terminate the partnership or marriage status while leaving property, support, or other issues to be decided later, sometimes called “bifurcation.” Check Item 3 only if you actually want a status-only judgment under Family Code § 2337.
Marcus Chen, who needs to remarry quickly but has unresolved retirement-account issues, checks Item 3 and lists the conditions imposed by the court. The conditions usually include preserving health insurance and naming each other as beneficiaries on retirement accounts.
If you check Item 3, you must complete the additional bifurcation conditions on a separate attachment, because the form’s space is tiny. Failing to attach those conditions guarantees the judge will not sign.
The most common mistake is checking Item 3 when you really want a full judgment, which leaves financial issues unresolved. A widespread misconception is that status-only is faster — it usually is, but it doubles the paperwork over the long run.
Item 4: Judgment Provisions (the Heart of the Form)
Item 4 is the longest section and contains checkboxes 4(a) through 4(p), which list every possible provision the judgment can include — termination of partnership, restoration of former name, jurisdiction reservations, child custody and support, spousal support, attorney fees, property division, and incorporation of the MSA. Check every box that applies to your case and only the boxes that apply.
Aisha checks 4(a) Partnership terminated, 4(g) Former name restored to Aisha Marie Johnson, 4(l) Marital Settlement Agreement attached and incorporated, and 4(p) Other orders set forth in attachment. Each checked box must be supported by a corresponding attachment or paragraph in the MSA.
If you check 4(d) Child custody and visitation, you must attach FL-341. If you check 4(e) Child support, you must attach FL-342 and FL-191 (Child Support Case Registry Form). Forgetting these attachments is the most common reason child-related judgments are rejected.
The most common mistake is checking 4(l) Incorporation of MSA without actually attaching the MSA, which makes the judgment internally inconsistent. A widespread misconception is that checking more boxes “makes the judgment stronger” — checking boxes you do not have evidence for makes the judgment unenforceable.
Item 4(g): Restoration of Former Name
Item 4(g) is where a party asks the court to restore a former name. Write the exact former name you want restored, with correct spelling and any middle name.
Janet Marie Smith (formerly Janet Marie Williams) writes Janet Marie Williams on the line. Use the spelling that matches a government-issued ID like a birth certificate or prior driver’s license.
If you want a name that is not a prior legal name, you cannot use Item 4(g) — you must file a separate name change petition under Code of Civil Procedure § 1275. Trying to use 4(g) for a brand-new name will be denied at signature.
The most common mistake is misspelling the former name, which forces you to file a corrected judgment (FL-180-amended) later. A misconception is that 4(g) automatically updates Social Security and DMV records — it does not, and you must take the conformed judgment to each agency yourself.
Item 4(l): Marital Settlement Agreement
Item 4(l) tells the judge that the parties’ written settlement agreement is attached and is incorporated into the judgment as a court order. Check this box only if the MSA is signed by both parties and notarized (or signed under penalty of perjury).
Aisha and her partner sign their 14-page MSA in front of a notary and attach it to FL-825. The MSA controls property division, support, and any other negotiated terms.
If portions of the MSA conflict with FL-825 checkboxes, the more specific MSA language usually controls, but courts dislike conflicts and may reject the package. Always cross-check every checkbox against the MSA before filing.
The most common mistake is attaching an unsigned draft MSA instead of the fully signed final version. A common misconception is that an MSA can be attached after judgment — it cannot, and post-judgment changes require a stipulation and order under Family Code § 3651.
Item 4(m)–(o): Property and Debt Division
These sub-items cover the division of community property, separate property confirmation, and debt allocation. Each requires a Property Declaration (FL-160) attached or full description in the MSA.
Marcus Chen checks 4(m) Property division as set forth in attached Property Declaration, attaches a completed FL-160 listing the family home, two retirement accounts, and a vehicle, and confirms each spouse’s separate property in 4(n). Debts are listed in 4(o).
If real estate is being transferred, you also need an Interspousal Transfer Deed and a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR) recorded with the county recorder. Forgetting the PCOR triggers a property tax reassessment that can cost thousands.
The most common mistake is leaving 4(m)–(o) blank when assets exist, which leaves property in legal limbo. A widespread misconception is that “we already divided everything ourselves, so we don’t need to write it down” — undocumented divisions are unenforceable.
Item 5: Jurisdiction Reservations
Item 5 lets the court keep (“reserve”) jurisdiction over specific issues — usually spousal/partner support, attorney fees, or property not yet identified. Check Item 5 only when you intentionally want the court to retain power over a specific issue.
Marcus reserves jurisdiction over a pending personal-injury settlement that has not yet been paid out. He writes Personal injury settlement, claim no. PI-2024-887, Alameda Superior on the line.
If you waive support and do not check Item 5, you usually cannot come back later and ask for it. Reservation is a one-shot decision under Family Code § 4336 for long-term partnerships.
The most common mistake is checking Item 5 with vague language like “all issues not decided” — judges reject vague reservations. A common misconception is that you can always re-open support later — for short-duration partnerships, jurisdiction terminates automatically.
Item 6: Other Orders / Attachment
Item 6 is a catch-all where the filer attaches any additional orders that do not fit on the form’s face. Use a separate sheet labeled Attachment 6 and reference it on the line.
Carlos attaches a one-page Attachment 6 requiring his ex-partner to maintain a $250,000 life insurance policy naming their child as beneficiary. He references the attachment by writing See Attachment 6 on the line.
If you have multiple attachments, number them clearly (Attachment 6.1, 6.2, 6.3) and list each on FL-825. Unnumbered or jumbled attachments cause clerks to refuse the package.
The most common mistake is referencing an attachment that is not actually attached, which is grounds for immediate rejection. A misconception is that handwritten attachments are unprofessional — typed is preferred but neat handwriting is accepted.
Date and Signature Block
The bottom of FL-825 has a signature line for the judicial officer, plus a clerk’s certification stub. You do not sign as the judge — that line is blank when you submit the form.
You do type the date you are submitting and your name on any preparer line, if your county uses one. Aisha types 02/10/2026 and her name on the preparer block before mailing.
Some counties use a separate “Approved as conforming to court’s order” line for attorneys, which only attorneys of record sign. Pro per filers leave attorney signature lines blank.
The most common mistake is signing on the judge’s line, which voids the form entirely. A common misconception is that the form needs to be notarized — FL-825 itself does not, although the underlying MSA usually does.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Below are three full walkthroughs showing how three different filers complete FL-825 from caption to signature. Each named filer represents one of the three most common case types.
Scenario 1: Aisha Johnson — Short Partnership, No Property, No Kids
Aisha registered her domestic partnership in 2022 and is dissolving it in 2026 by default after her partner failed to respond.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | AISHA M. JOHNSON, IN PRO PER, 88 ELM ST, SAN JOSE, CA 95112 |
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Downtown Family Courthouse |
| Petitioner / Respondent | Aisha Marie Johnson / Taylor R. Briggs |
| Case Number | 24FL013422 |
| Item 1 | Checks Dissolution and 1(a) Default without agreement |
| Item 2 | Writes N/A — no hearing |
| Item 4(a), 4(g) | Checks both; restores former name Aisha Marie Okafor |
| Item 4(l), 4(m)–(o) | Leaves blank — no MSA, no property |
| Item 6 | Leaves blank |
| Date submitted | 02/10/2026 |
Scenario 2: Marcus Chen — Long Partnership With Real Estate and Retirement
Marcus has been registered with his partner for 17 years, owns a Berkeley duplex with him, and has a stipulated judgment.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | MARCUS T. CHEN, IN PRO PER, 1422 OAK ST, OAKLAND, CA 94607 |
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Alameda, Hayward Hall of Justice |
| Petitioner / Respondent | Marcus Tyler Chen / David Lin |
| Case Number | RG24-998877 |
| Item 1 | Checks Dissolution and 1(b) Uncontested with written agreement |
| Item 4(a), (l), (m), (n), (o) | All checked; MSA attached |
| Item 4(j) Spousal support | Checked; $1,800/month for 8 years |
| Item 5 | Reserves jurisdiction over pending PI settlement |
| Attachments | FL-141, FL-160 (×2), FL-144, signed MSA, FL-180 |
| Date submitted | 03/22/2026 |
Scenario 3: Carlos Ramirez — Partnership With Minor Children and Support
Carlos has two children with his ex-partner and is finalizing by default after the partner served and failed to respond.
| Form Section | What Carlos Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | CARLOS J. RAMIREZ, IN PRO PER, 5510 SUNSET BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90028 |
| Court | Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Stanley Mosk Courthouse |
| Petitioner / Respondent | Carlos Javier Ramirez / Jordan A. Mills |
| Case Number | 25STFL09877 |
| Item 1 | Checks Dissolution and 1(a) Default without agreement |
| Item 4(a), (d), (e), (f) | All checked — custody, child support, health insurance |
| Attachments | FL-341 (custody), FL-342 (child support), FL-191, FL-115, FL-165, FL-170 |
| Item 4(g) | Restores name to Carlos Javier Vega |
| Item 6 | See Attachment 6 — life insurance order |
| Date submitted | 04/05/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
Once FL-825 and every supporting form are signed and assembled, you file the package with the family law clerk in the same county where the case was opened. California gives you three filing channels, and each county handles them differently.
By mail. Send the original FL-825, all attachments, two stamped self-addressed envelopes, and your fee waiver order or fee receipt to the family law clerk. For example, Los Angeles Superior Court mails judgments to the Stanley Mosk Courthouse at 111 N. Hill St. Processing time runs 4–10 weeks depending on county backlog. Keep certified mail tracking as your proof of filing.
In person. Take the package to the family law filing window during business hours. Bring photo ID and either your fee waiver or payment for any outstanding fees. The clerk file-stamps your copy on the spot, which is your immediate proof of filing.
By e-filing. Many counties — including Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Sacramento, and Riverside — require or allow e-filing through Odyssey eFileCA or File & ServeXpress. Upload FL-825 and each attachment as separate PDFs, pay the e-filing convenience fee (usually $7–$15 in addition to court fees), and download the file-stamped copy from your portal account.
The first-appearance filing fee in California family law is currently $435–$450 depending on county, but FL-825 itself usually carries no additional fee unless your case has been dormant for over five years. Accepted payment methods are credit card (online and in person), check, money order, and cash (in person only at most courts). Keep the file-stamped FL-825 and the FL-190 Notice of Entry of Judgment as your two essential proofs of filing — banks, the DMV, immigration, and the IRS all ask for the conformed FL-180 judgment plus FL-190.
What Happens After You File
After you file FL-825, the clerk routes the package to a family law judge for review, which usually takes 2–8 weeks depending on the county and the season (summer and December are slowest). The judge either signs the judgment, signs with corrections, or returns the package with a rejection slip listing what to fix.
If the judge signs, the clerk enters the judgment, mails you a conformed copy of FL-180 and FL-190 in your stamped envelopes, and updates the case docket to Judgment Entered. The earliest your dissolution can be final is six months and one day after the respondent was served with the summons, under Family Code § 2339. Until that date passes, you cannot remarry or re-register a new partnership, even if the judge has already signed.
If the judge rejects, the clerk returns everything with a Notice of Rejection explaining the defect — typically a missing signature, missing attachment, or inconsistent checkbox. You fix the defect and re-file; there is no re-filing fee for a rejected packet under most county rules.
Once the judgment is entered and final, take the conformed FL-180 to the California Department of Public Health Vital Records if you need a certified copy, to the DMV to update your name and license, to the Social Security Administration for your card update, and to your employer’s HR for benefits changes.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
These are the 10 most frequent FL-825 errors that cause rejection or post-judgment problems:
- Mismatched names between petition and FL-825. The clerk’s docketing system rejects any name that doesn’t match the file-stamped petition.
- Wrong case number. A single transposed digit causes the document to be filed in the wrong case or returned.
- Checking both Default and Uncontested. The boxes are mutually exclusive, and checking both voids the form.
- Missing FL-141 disclosure declaration. Without proof both parties exchanged disclosures, the judge cannot sign under Family Code § 2105.
- MSA referenced but not attached. Item 4(l) is checked but the actual signed agreement is missing from the package.
- Forgetting FL-191 Child Support Case Registry Form. Required whenever child support is ordered, no exceptions.
- Wrong courthouse branch. Filing at a branch other than where the case is currently assigned causes the document to be refused.
- No stamped envelopes. The clerk needs envelopes to mail the conformed FL-190 back, and packages without them are returned.
- Signing the judge’s signature line. Self-signing voids the form and embarrasses the filer.
- Filing before the six-month waiting period is calculated. The judge can sign before the six months, but the dissolution does not become final until the waiting period expires.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do download the current revision of FL-825 from the official Judicial Council forms page every time, because outdated revisions are rejected at the clerk’s window.
Do type the form on screen rather than handwriting it, because typed entries are easier for clerks to read and reduce data-entry errors.
Do make at least three full copies of the entire package — one for the court, one for yourself, and one for the other party — because the clerk only file-stamps copies you provide.
Do attach two stamped self-addressed envelopes, because the clerk uses them to return your conformed FL-190 and conformed judgment.
Do confirm every checkbox against your petition and your MSA, because internal inconsistencies are the leading cause of rejection.
Do call the family law facilitator in your county if anything is unclear, because each Superior Court has a free self-help facilitator under Family Code § 10005.
Don’t check boxes you do not have supporting documents for, because unsupported boxes make the judgment unenforceable.
Don’t sign the judge’s signature line, because doing so voids the entire judgment.
Don’t mix up FL-180 (the Judgment) and FL-825 if your county uses different versions — confirm the correct form name with the clerk before filing.
Don’t file FL-825 before the default has been entered (FL-165), because the judge cannot sign a default judgment without an entered default.
Don’t rely on third-party form websites, because outdated PDFs are a top reason for rejection.
Don’t ignore the FL-190 notice once it arrives, because the date stamped on FL-190 is what banks, the DMV, and immigration officials rely on.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
| Filing Pro Se | Filing With an Attorney or Paralegal |
|---|---|
| Pro: Free or low-cost — only court fees apply. | Pro: Far lower rejection rate, often under 5%. |
| Pro: Full control over your timeline and decisions. | Pro: Attorneys can negotiate the MSA terms for you. |
| Pro: Free help available at the self-help center in every county. | Pro: Legal document assistants registered under Business & Professions Code § 6400 cost less than attorneys. |
| Pro: Builds personal understanding of the case. | Pro: Faster — professionals know which boxes pair with which attachments. |
| Pro: Suitable for short, no-asset, no-children partnerships. | Pro: Critical for cases with retirement accounts, real estate, businesses, or contested custody. |
| Con: Higher rejection rate, often 30–40%. | Con: Attorney fees range from $300–$600/hour. |
| Con: Easy to miss FL-141 or FL-191 attachments. | Con: You cede some control over timing and strategy. |
| Con: Property division mistakes can be permanent. | Con: Document assistants cannot give legal advice under Business & Professions Code § 6400. |
| Con: No professional check on tax consequences. | Con: Even with a lawyer, you still review and sign the form yourself. |
| Con: Emotional stress of handling paperwork during a separation. | Con: Choosing the wrong professional can be worse than going pro se. |
FAQs
Is FL-825 the same as FL-180?
No. FL-825 is the older Judgment form historically used for domestic partnerships, while FL-180 is the current statewide Judgment form for both marriages and partnerships. Always confirm with your county clerk which version they currently accept.
Can I file FL-825 without an attorney?
Yes. California allows any party to file family law documents pro se, and free help is available at every county’s family law facilitator office under Family Code § 10005.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in the Petitioner box?
Yes — write whichever name appears on the file-stamped Petition. The caption must match your operative pleading exactly, even if you plan to restore a former name in Item 4(g).
Can I check both “Default” and “Uncontested”?
No. Items 1(a) and 1(b) are mutually exclusive. A default means the respondent never appeared; an uncontested case means both parties signed an agreement. Check exactly one.
What goes in Item 4(g) if I want a brand-new name?
No — Item 4(g) only restores a prior legal name. To take a brand-new name, file a separate name change petition under Code of Civil Procedure § 1275.
Do I sign the judge’s signature line?
No. The judicial officer signs that line. Pro per filers sign only the preparer line (if any) and any attached MSA or stipulation.
Is there a filing fee for FL-825?
No — there is no separate fee for FL-825 itself. The $435–$450 first-appearance fee was paid when the petition was filed, unless you have a fee waiver under FW-001.
How long after I file FL-825 will the judgment be final?
No earlier than six months and one day after the respondent was served, under Family Code § 2339. The judge may sign sooner, but the legal status changes only after that date.
Do I have to attach the MSA to FL-825?
Yes, if you check Item 4(l). The MSA must be the fully signed, final version, attached to and incorporated into the judgment. An unsigned draft will trigger rejection.
Can I e-file FL-825 in Los Angeles?
Yes. Los Angeles requires e-filing for represented parties and accepts pro per e-filing through Odyssey eFileCA. Pro per filers may still file by mail or in person.
What if I forgot to check a box and the judge already signed?
Yes — you can fix it, but you must file a stipulation and order, or in some cases an FL-180-amended, under Family Code § 3651. Do not write on the signed judgment.
Does the clerk send me a copy after the judge signs?
Yes, but only if you provided two stamped self-addressed envelopes. The clerk mails back a conformed FL-180 and FL-190 Notice of Entry of Judgment.
Do I need FL-191 if my partner and I agreed on no child support?
Yes, whenever there are minor children of the partnership, even if support is set at zero. FL-191 is required by the Department of Child Support Services for every case involving children.
Can I use FL-825 for a marriage, not just a domestic partnership?
Yes, in counties that still accept the older FL-825 for marriages, but most counties have moved to FL-180 statewide. Always confirm with your county clerk before filing.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-141 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-160 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-180 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-190 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-820 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-800 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs