California county guide
Divorce in Orange County
Where to file in Orange County, what it costs, the local rules that apply and where to find help, checked against official court and clerk websites.
Orange County at a glance
The local facts
Court
Superior Court of California, County of Orange
Where
Santa Ana
Filing fee
$435
Residency
6 months in California, 3 in the county
Official website
Self-help
Checked against official court and clerk websites in September 2026. Fees and local rules change, so confirm with the the court before you file.
Where to file in Orange County
Divorces in Orange County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange.
File in the superior court of the county where you or your spouse has lived for the last 3 months.
Each California court sets its own e-filing rules; check the court's website before you file online.
Official website: occourts.org. Divorce and self-help information: family law page.
Who can file here
One spouse must have lived in California for 6 months and in the county for 3 months right before filing (Family Code 2320). Read the law.
That 3-month county rule is why it matters which county you file in: if you moved recently, you may need to file where your spouse lives, or wait.
What it costs
The Orange County court lists the divorce filing fee as $435 (fee schedule).
California's first filing fee for a divorce is $435 statewide (January 2026 schedule). A few counties add a courthouse surcharge.
If you cannot afford the fee, file a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001).
Local rules and help in Orange County
Family cases are handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, and if both spouses represent themselves the case may be set on the Self-Represented Party calendar, where Self-Help Center staff assist. Source.
The the court's family law page has current forms, hours and fees.
The forms you will use
California divorces use California Judicial Council forms. KindSplit's Paralegal fills in California's official forms from your case, and you check every answer before you download them. See forms and filing.
Read the full California divorce guide for waiting periods, property, custody and support.
Other California county guides
Los Angeles County · San Diego County · Riverside County · San Bernardino County · Santa Clara County · Alameda County · Sacramento County · Contra Costa County · Fresno County
Straight answers
Orange County, plain answers
Where do I file for divorce in Orange County?
Divorces in Orange County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Orange. File in the superior court of the county where you or your spouse has lived for the last 3 months.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Orange County?
The clerk lists $435. California's first filing fee for a divorce is $435 statewide (January 2026 schedule). A few counties add a courthouse surcharge. If you cannot afford the fee, file a Request to Waive Court Fees (FW-001).
Do I have to live in Orange County to file there?
One spouse must have lived in California for 6 months and in the county for 3 months right before filing (Family Code 2320). File in the superior court of the county where you or your spouse has lived for the last 3 months.
Is there help in Orange County if I do not have a lawyer?
Family cases are handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, and if both spouses represent themselves the case may be set on the Self-Represented Party calendar, where Self-Help Center staff assist. The clerk's family law page lists current forms, hours and fees.
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