How to File for Divorce in Riverside County: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re considering divorce in Riverside County, understanding the county-specific requirements is crucial to avoid costly delays or rejection. At Gramling Law Group, based in Redlands, we assist clients throughout Riverside, Moreno Valley, Corona, and the surrounding Inland Empire with accurate filings and strategic guidance.

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you start the process.

Step 1: Meet Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Riverside County, either you or your spouse must have lived in:

• California for at least six months, and

• Riverside County for at least three months

You’ll need to certify your residence using a local court form at the time of filing.

Step 2: Complete the Required Divorce Forms

You’ll need to complete the following mandatory forms:

• FL-100: Petition for Dissolution of Marriage

• FL-110: Summons

• FL-105: Declaration Under UCCJEA (if minor children are involved)

• FL-160: Property Declaration (required if there are assets or debts)

• RI-FL036: Declaration of Residence (Riverside County)➤ Download it here

The RI-FL036 Declaration of Residence is a county-specific form that must be filed with your petition. It determines which court location your case will be assigned to based on your ZIP code.

Step 3: File Your Petition at the Correct Courthouse

You must file your case at the court location designated by your residence. Riverside County has several courthouses that handle family law matters:

• Riverside Family Law Courthouse – 4175 Main St, Riverside, CA 92501

• Southwest Justice Center (Murrieta)

• Larson Justice Center (Indio)

• Blythe Courthouse

Use the Riverside Court Locator to determine your assigned courthouse.

The filing fee is currently $450, unless you qualify for a fee waiver.

Step 4: Serve Your Spouse

A third party over the age of 18 (not you) must serve the other spouse with the filed forms. You’ll then need to file the Proof of Service (FL-115).

Step 5: Exchange Financial Disclosures

Each party is required to complete and exchange Preliminary Declarations of Disclosure, which includes:

• FL-140: Declaration of Disclosure

• FL-142: Schedule of Assets and Debts

• FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration

• FL-160: Property Declaration

You must serve and file these documents early in the process to comply with Family Code §2104.

Let Gramling Law Group Guide You

At Gramling Law Group, we handle the procedural and legal details for clients throughout Riverside County and the greater Inland Empire.

Whether you need:

• Flat-fee document preparation

• Limited scope representation

• Full litigation support

We make sure your case is filed correctly, assigned to the right court, and moved forward without unnecessary delay.

🔗 Learn more at thegramlinglawgroup.com📅 Schedule a consultation

Disclaimer: This post is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless a signed retainer is executed.