California · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026

Serving divorce papers in California

Service of divorce papers in California, from official sources: who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

The short answer

Someone 18 or older who is not you must hand your spouse the papers, or your spouse can sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (form FL-117) if served by mail. Time to respond: 30 days after service (stated on the Summons, form FL-110).

Time to respond
30 days after service
Accept or waive service
Yes
Law
Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 415.10, 415.30; form FL-110

How papers are served in California

  • Someone 18 or older who is not you must hand your spouse the papers, or your spouse can sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (form FL-117) if served by mail.
  • Other methods (posting, publication) need the court's permission.

Law: Cal. Code Civ. Proc. 415.10, 415.30; form FL-110

Deadline to respond and default

30 days after service (stated on the Summons, form FL-110).

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in California, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Superior Court (family law division) in your county. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Other methods (posting, publication) need the court's permission.

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Someone 18 or older who is not you must hand your spouse the papers, or your spouse can sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (form FL-117) if served by mail.

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    30 days after service (stated on the Summons, form FL-110).

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in California

How do you serve divorce papers in California?

Someone 18 or older who is not you must hand your spouse the papers, or your spouse can sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (form FL-117) if served by mail. Other methods (posting, publication) need the court's permission.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in California?

Someone 18 or older who is not you must hand your spouse the papers, or your spouse can sign a Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt (form FL-117) if served by mail.

How long does my spouse have to respond in California?

30 days after service (stated on the Summons, form FL-110).

More about divorce in California

Serving papers in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.