FL-100 is the primary California family court form used to officially start a case for divorce (dissolution), legal separation, or annulment (nullity) of a marriage or domestic partnership. Filing this petition is the first legal step in ending or redefining a marital/partner relationship. The person completing FL-100, known as the petitioner, outlines the basic information about the relationship and specifies what orders they are asking the court to make regarding property, debts, support, and—if applicable—children.

This form covers a wide range of essential issues. It asks the petitioner to indicate the type of case they are filing, provide the date of marriage or partnership, and confirm whether the residency requirements for divorce have been met. For cases involving children, FL-100 includes sections addressing child custody, child visitation, and child support, ensuring that both the court and the other party understand the initial requests being made. For marriages or partnerships without children, the form focuses primarily on financial matters and the legal status of the relationship.

FL-100 also guides the petitioner through requests about spousal or partner support, division of property, and responsibility for debts. These sections allow the petitioner to state whether they want support, believe the other party should receive support, or request that no support be ordered. The form does not finalize any decisions but serves as the petitioner’s opening statement—giving the court and the respondent a clear outline of the issues that must be addressed during the case.

Once the petition is completed, it must be filed with the court and properly served on the other party. This begins the legal process and gives the respondent an opportunity to reply. The information provided in FL-100 becomes the foundation for all future negotiations, mediation sessions, hearings, and final orders. It is important that the form is filled out accurately and completely, as mistakes or omissions can affect the outcome of the case.

In summary, FL-100 is the cornerstone document for starting a divorce, legal separation, or annulment in California. It establishes the framework for the case, clarifies what the petitioner is requesting, and ensures the court has the information it needs to move the process forward. When completed carefully, it helps set the stage for a fair resolution of the legal, financial, and parental issues involved in ending a marriage or domestic partnership.