Filing for Divorce in Santa Barbara

Step-By-Step Guidance from Our Family Law Firm

Divorcing your spouse can be one of the most confusing and emotionally fraught times of your life. To know what you can expect, read our step-by-step breakdown of the divorce process in Santa Barbara below, then reach out to Morales Law for experienced, compassionate legal counsel.

Thinking about filing for divorce? Call us at (805) 422-7966 for a free consultation.

Step 1: Filing Initial Divorce Petition & Other Initial Documents with the Court Clerk

Petition (FL-100) is the first form that must be filed with the court to begin a divorce case. In this petition you will provide roadmap of your marriage and notify the court if you are asking for spousal support, attorney’s fees, and any other orders.

The Petition will describe statistical facts about the marriage such as:

• Date of marriage
• Date of separation
• Minor children
• Basic information about separate property and debts of the filing party

Separate property and debts are defined on the property division page. If unknown or unsure, the filing party should state the following, “The nature and extent of separate property assets and debts are unknown to Petitioner at this time; Petitioner asks leave of court to amend this when same is ascertained.”

Community property and debts are defined on the property division page. If unknown or unsure, the filing party should state the following, “The nature and extent of community property assets and debts are unknown to Petitioner at this time; Petitioner asks leave of court to amend this when same is ascertained.”