Fill out Form FL-100, Petition for Dissolution with Instafill.ai

Form FL-100, officially known as the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage or Domestic Partnership, is a legal document used in California to initiate the process of divorce, legal separation, or annulment. It outlines the petitioner's requests regarding child custody, support, and division of assets and debts. Filling out this form accurately is crucial as it sets the foundation for the legal proceedings.
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Form specifications

Form name: Form FL-100, Petition for Dissolution
Form issued by: Judicial Council of California
Number of fields: 158
Number of pages: 3
Version: 2020
Download form: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl100.pdf
Language: English
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Follow these steps to fill out your FL-100 form online using Instafill.ai:
  1. 1 Visit instafill.ai and select FL-100
  2. 2 Enter petitioner and respondent details
  3. 3 Specify legal relationship and residence
  4. 4 Fill in statistical facts and grounds
  5. 5 Detail child custody and support requests
  6. 6 List property and debt information
  7. 7 Sign and date electronically
  8. 8 Check for accuracy and submit

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Frequently Asked Questions About Form FL-100

Form FL-100, also known as the Petition for Dissolution, is used to initiate the legal process of dissolving a marriage or domestic partnership in the state of California. It outlines the petitioner's requests regarding property division, spousal or partner support, child custody, and support, among other issues.

Form FL-100 can be filed by a spouse or domestic partner seeking to dissolve their marriage or domestic partnership in California. The petitioner must meet the state's residency requirements to file for dissolution.

To file Form FL-100 in California, at least one of the parties must have lived in the state for at least 6 months and in the county where the petition is filed for at least 3 months immediately preceding the filing of the petition.

On Form FL-100, you indicate the legal relationship by checking the appropriate box that applies to your situation, whether it is a marriage or a domestic partnership. This helps the court understand the nature of the relationship being dissolved.

If there are minor children involved in the dissolution, you must provide detailed information about the children, including their names, ages, and current living arrangements. Additionally, you may need to address issues related to child custody, visitation, and support in the petition. It's often advisable to consult with a family law attorney to ensure the children's best interests are adequately represented.

Form FL-100, the Petition for Dissolution, lists irreconcilable differences as the primary legal ground for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership in California. This means that the marriage or partnership can be dissolved without either party being at fault.

Form FL-100 includes sections where the petitioner can request orders for child custody and visitation. It allows for the specification of legal and physical custody arrangements, as well as a visitation schedule that serves the best interests of the child(ren).

The form requires detailed information about both parents' incomes, expenses, and the needs of the child(ren) to calculate child support. This includes employment information, other sources of income, and any special needs the child(ren) may have.

Form FL-100 allows the petitioner to request spousal or domestic partner support. The court considers factors such as the length of the marriage or partnership, each party's earning capacity, and the standard of living during the marriage or partnership to determine the amount and duration of support.

The form includes provisions for the division of property and debts. Parties can indicate whether they have reached an agreement on the division or if they are requesting the court to decide. California is a community property state, meaning assets and debts acquired during the marriage are generally divided equally.

Yes, you can request attorney's fees and costs in Form FL-100. The form includes sections where you can ask the court to order the other party to pay your attorney's fees and costs associated with the dissolution process. This is often considered when there is a significant disparity in the financial resources of the parties.

Form FL-100 includes automatic temporary restraining orders (ATROs) that go into effect when you file the petition. These orders prevent both parties from taking certain actions, such as transferring, encumbering, or disposing of any property, except in the usual course of business or for necessities of life, and from changing insurance beneficiaries. These orders are designed to maintain the status quo until the court makes further orders.

Dissolution of marriage can affect rights under a will or trust. In California, unless specified otherwise, a dissolution revokes any dispositions or appointments of property made by the will or trust to the former spouse. It's important to review and update your estate planning documents after a dissolution to ensure they reflect your current wishes.

When filing Form FL-100, you are required to provide the last four digits of your social security number and the last four digits of your spouse's social security number, if known. This information is used for identification purposes and is kept confidential. It's important to ensure accuracy to avoid delays in the processing of your petition.

For more information about divorce or legal separation in California, you can visit the California Courts Self-Help website (www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp) or consult with a family law attorney. The website provides resources, forms, and guidance on the dissolution process, including how to file, what to expect, and how to navigate the legal system.

The date of separation in Form FL-100 is significant because it marks the point at which the spouses began living apart with the intention to end their marital relationship. This date can affect the division of property, debts, and the determination of spousal support, as it helps establish the timeline of the marital and separate property.

To amend a Petition for Dissolution, you must file an amended petition with the court. The amended petition should include all the changes you wish to make, and it must be served on the other party, just like the original petition. It's important to follow the court's rules and procedures for amending legal documents to ensure the changes are properly recorded and considered.

The UCCJEA stands for the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. It is required for minor children in Form FL-100 to establish which state has jurisdiction over child custody matters. This ensures that custody decisions are made in the state where the child has the closest connections, promoting stability and preventing conflicting custody orders across state lines.

To restore a former name using Form FL-100, you must request the name change in the petition. There is a specific section in the form where you can indicate your desire to return to a former name. If the court grants the dissolution of marriage, the name change will be included in the final judgment, allowing you to legally use your former name again.

Form FL-100 requires statistical facts such as the date of marriage, date of separation, and information about any minor children involved, including their ages and current living arrangements. These facts help the court understand the background of the case and are used for statistical purposes by the state to track marriage and divorce trends.

You can download a printable version of Form FL-100 here.

Compliance FL-100
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai

1
Verifies that the type of legal relationship (marriage or domestic partnership) is correctly identified and the appropriate boxes are checked.
Ensures that the form accurately reflects the legal relationship between the parties, whether it is a marriage or domestic partnership. Confirms that the corresponding checkboxes are marked to avoid any discrepancies. Validates the selection to prevent processing delays due to incorrect relationship type. This step is crucial for the court to understand the nature of the petition.
2
Ensures that the residence information is provided and at least one party meets the residency requirements for divorce, unless in a domestic partnership established in California.
Verifies that the residence details of at least one party are clearly stated to meet the jurisdictional requirements. Confirms compliance with the residency stipulations necessary for filing a divorce petition in California. Checks for exceptions applicable to domestic partnerships established within the state. This validation ensures the court has proper jurisdiction over the case.
3
Confirms that the statistical facts section is filled with accurate dates of marriage or domestic partnership registration, separation, and the duration of the relationship.
Ensures all critical dates related to the relationship are accurately reported in the statistical facts section. Validates the dates of marriage or domestic partnership registration, separation, and the total duration to provide a clear timeline. Confirms the accuracy of these dates to support the legal basis of the petition. This information is vital for the court's records and statistical purposes.
4
Checks if there are minor children involved and verifies the attachment of a completed Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) form.
Determines the involvement of minor children in the petition to address custody and support issues. Verifies the inclusion of a completed UCCJEA form, ensuring compliance with child custody jurisdiction laws. Confirms that all necessary details regarding the children are accurately provided. This step is essential for safeguarding the interests of any minor children involved.
5
Validates that the legal grounds for the petition are specified, such as irreconcilable differences or other applicable reasons.
Ensures the petition clearly states the legal grounds for dissolution, such as irreconcilable differences. Confirms that the specified reasons align with the legal requirements for dissolution in California. Validates the grounds to prevent any ambiguities that could affect the petition's processing. This clarification is necessary for the court to proceed with the case appropriately.
6
Ensures that requests for child custody, visitation, and support are detailed, including any specific forms or attachments.
The AI software meticulously checks that all sections pertaining to child custody, visitation, and support are thoroughly filled out. It ensures that any necessary forms or attachments related to these requests are included and properly referenced. This step is crucial for avoiding delays in the dissolution process due to incomplete information. Additionally, it verifies that the details provided are clear and comprehensive to facilitate a smooth legal review.
7
Confirms that spousal or domestic partner support is addressed, indicating whether it should be terminated, reserved for future determination, or specified otherwise.
The software confirms that the section on spousal or domestic partner support is accurately completed. It checks whether the petitioner has indicated the desired action regarding support, such as termination, reservation for future determination, or other specifications. This ensures that the court has all necessary information to make informed decisions. It also helps in preventing any ambiguities that could lead to disputes or additional filings.
8
Verifies the confirmation of separate property or the listing of assets and debts to be confirmed as separate property.
The AI verifies that the form includes a clear confirmation of separate property or a detailed listing of assets and debts designated as separate property. This step is essential for the accurate division of property and debts during the dissolution process. It ensures that all relevant financial information is disclosed and properly categorized. The software also checks for consistency and completeness in the provided details to avoid legal complications.
9
Checks that all community and quasi-community property assets and debts are listed to be divided or indicates there are none.
The software checks that the form comprehensively lists all community and quasi-community property assets and debts to be divided, or explicitly states that there are none. This ensures transparency and fairness in the division process. It also helps in preventing future disputes over undisclosed assets or debts. The verification process includes ensuring that all listed items are accurately described and valued.
10
Ensures that any other requests, such as attorney's fees, name restoration, or additional specifications, are included.
The AI ensures that any additional requests, such as attorney's fees, name restoration, or other specifications, are clearly stated in the form. This step guarantees that all legal and personal requests are documented and considered during the dissolution process. It also checks for the completeness and clarity of these requests to facilitate their proper handling. The software aims to cover all possible aspects to ensure a comprehensive and accurate petition.
11
Validates that both the petitioner and attorney (if applicable) have signed and dated the form, declaring under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct.
Ensures that the form includes the necessary signatures from both the petitioner and any representing attorney, confirming the accuracy of the provided information under penalty of perjury. Confirms that these signatures are accompanied by dates, establishing a timeline for the submission. Verifies that the declaration of truthfulness is explicitly stated, adhering to legal standards. Checks that the presence of an attorney's signature, if applicable, is properly documented to validate legal representation.
12
Confirms the acknowledgment of the restraining orders on the back of the summons and understands they apply upon filing.
Ensures that the petitioner acknowledges the existence and implications of restraining orders detailed on the summons. Confirms that the petitioner understands these orders become effective immediately upon the filing of the petition. Verifies that the acknowledgment is clearly documented within the form to prevent any disputes. Checks that the petitioner is aware of the legal consequences of violating these restraining orders.
13
Ensures the automatic cancellation of rights under certain circumstances is noted and the option to redact social security numbers from filed materials is understood.
Confirms that the form includes a note about the automatic cancellation of specific rights under predefined circumstances. Ensures the petitioner is informed about the option to redact social security numbers from any filed documents for privacy protection. Verifies that the understanding of these provisions is clearly indicated to comply with legal requirements. Checks that the petitioner acknowledges the importance of these notes for the processing of their petition.

Common Mistakes in Completing FL-100

Selecting the wrong legal relationship type can lead to delays or dismissal of the petition. It is crucial to accurately identify whether the petition involves a marriage, domestic partnership, or other legal relationship. Review the form instructions carefully to ensure the correct selection. Consulting with a legal professional can also help avoid this error.

Failing to meet or accurately report residency requirements is a common mistake that can result in the petition being denied. The petitioner must ensure they meet the state's residency duration before filing. Accurate documentation and proof of residency should be prepared in advance. Misreporting residency can lead to unnecessary legal complications.

The statistical facts section requires precise dates to ensure the petition is processed correctly. Omitting or providing incorrect dates can cause processing delays. Double-check all dates, including marriage and separation dates, for accuracy. Incomplete or inaccurate information may require amendments to the petition.

Neglecting to attach the UCCJEA form when minor children are involved can halt the petition's progress. This form is essential for addressing custody and visitation matters across state lines. Ensure the UCCJEA form is completed and attached if applicable. Overlooking this requirement can lead to significant delays in the dissolution process.

Providing incorrect or omitting legal grounds for the petition can jeopardize the case. The petitioner must clearly state the legal basis for dissolution, such as irreconcilable differences. It is important to review the applicable laws to ensure the grounds are correctly cited. Inaccurate or missing information may result in the petition being rejected.

Failing to provide complete details regarding child custody, visitation, or support can lead to delays and complications in the dissolution process. It is crucial to thoroughly outline all arrangements to ensure the court has a clear understanding of the proposed terms. Include specific schedules, financial support amounts, and any other relevant conditions. Consulting with a legal professional can help ensure all necessary details are accurately and comprehensively included.

Omitting details about spousal or domestic partner support can result in unresolved financial obligations post-dissolution. Clearly state whether support is being requested or waived, including the amount and duration if applicable. This clarity helps prevent future disputes and ensures both parties understand their financial responsibilities. Legal advice is recommended to navigate the complexities of support agreements.

Inaccurately listing or failing to confirm separate property can lead to disputes over asset division. It is essential to accurately identify and document all separate property, including assets acquired before the marriage or through inheritance or gift. Providing supporting documentation can strengthen the claim. A thorough review with a legal expert can ensure all separate property is correctly identified and listed.

Neglecting to list community and quasi-community property can complicate the division of assets. All assets and debts acquired during the marriage should be detailed to ensure a fair and equitable distribution. This includes real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and retirement funds. Professional legal assistance can aid in compiling a comprehensive and accurate list of all marital assets.

Failing to include additional requests, such as attorney's fees, can result in unmet financial needs during the dissolution process. Clearly state any requests for the other party to contribute to legal fees or other costs associated with the petition. This ensures the court can consider these requests when making decisions. Seeking guidance from a legal professional can help identify all potential additional requests that should be included.

Failing to sign or date the Form FL-100 by either the petitioner or their attorney can lead to delays or rejection of the petition. It's crucial to ensure that all required signatures and dates are present before submission. This oversight often occurs when individuals rush through the form or overlook the final steps. To avoid this, double-check the form for completeness and consider using a checklist to verify all necessary actions have been taken.

Neglecting to acknowledge any existing restraining orders in the Form FL-100 can have serious legal implications. This mistake may arise from a lack of awareness or misunderstanding of the form's requirements. It's essential to review all sections of the form carefully and consult with a legal professional if unsure. Ensuring all restraining orders are properly acknowledged helps maintain the integrity of the legal process and protects all parties involved.

Including unredacted social security numbers in filed materials poses a significant risk to personal privacy and security. This common error often stems from oversight or unfamiliarity with privacy protection practices. To prevent this, always review documents for sensitive information before filing and utilize redaction tools or techniques. Protecting personal information is not only a legal requirement but also a critical step in safeguarding against identity theft.
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