Divorce papers.
Served with care.
Your spouse or domestic partner has to be formally served before your case can move forward. A California registered process server delivers the papers and completes the proof of service for you to file.
Divorce service packet
To be served
- Copies of the forms you filed
- A blank Response (FL-120)
- Any other blank forms to respond
- Served by
- California registered process server
- Returned to you
- Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115)
Your court’s instructions decide the forms and deadlines. Affid serves the papers you’ve prepared.
How serving divorce papers works.
What official California court sources say about serving these papers, with a link to each source. It explains the practical workflow; it isn’t legal advice.
You can’t serve your own papers. The server must be 18 or older and not a party to the case.
California Courts: Serving court papersPersonal service, handing the papers to your spouse or partner, is the usual way to serve divorce papers.
California Courts: Serve your divorce papersIf they’re willing to sign it, papers can be served by mail with a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (FL-117).
California Courts: Serve your divorce papersOnce served, the other person has 30 days to respond. After that, the case can move forward even if they don’t.
California Courts: Serve your divorce papersThe server fills out the proof of service, which you file with the court.
California Courts: Serve your divorce papersWhat to prepare.
- Copies of every form you filed, except fee waiver forms
- The blank response forms the court requires
- Your spouse or partner’s home and work addresses
- A photo or description and the best times to find them
What you receive.
- A record of each attempt and its outcome
- The completed Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115) for you to file
Questions people ask.
All questionsCan I serve my spouse myself?
No. Papers in your own case have to be served by someone 18 or older who isn’t a party, such as a registered process server.
What if my spouse lives outside California?
The court describes options for serving someone in another state. Affid’s published service covers California addresses, so ask the team about an out-of-state address before you order.
Can Affid help me fill out divorce forms?
No. Affid serves the papers you’ve prepared and doesn’t give legal advice. Your court’s self-help center can help with the forms.
Official sources
Get your divorce papers served.
Share the prepared papers, the address and your deadline. Scope and fees are confirmed before work begins.