When you need form FL-180
During the process of legally ending a marriage or domestic partnership in California, the FL-180 Judgment Order form is a critical document that signifies the finalization of a divorce, legal separation, or nullity proceeding. This form is typically needed when the court is ready to render its final judgment regarding the dissolution of the marriage, separating partners, or declaring the marriage null and void.
- **Before using the FL-180**: You'll likely have completed forms such as FL-100 Petition for Dissolution, FL-110 Summons, and any relevant financial disclosures like FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration.
- **Situations triggering the need for FL-180**: Completion of mediation or trial regarding contesting issues, an agreement between parties (e.g., a marital settlement agreement), or meeting all court-mandated requirements for a default case when the other party does not respond.
- **The form's purpose**: To officially record the court’s decisions on marital status, property division, child custody, and financial support obligations.
Once the FL-180 has been appropriately filled out and signed by the judge, it finalizes the divorce process, legally restoring each partner to a single status and ensuring all ancillary issues, such as support and property division, are addressed.
- **1. Complete the Form**: Fill out all required sections of the FL-180 form, ensuring accuracy in details such as party names, case number, and relevant dates.
- **2. Attach Supporting Documents**: Include any agreements, attachments, or court orders related to child custody, support, and property division, as referenced within the form.
- **3. File with Superior Court**: Submit the completed form along with attachments to the clerk of the Superior Court in the county where the case is filed.
- **4. Serve the Documents**: Ensure that copies of the filed documents are served to the other party involved in the case, following California court service procedures.
- **5. Attend Court Hearing if Required**: Participate in any scheduled court hearings to finalize the judgment, if the case is contested or requires judicial intervention.