Los Angeles County Family Court Filing Guide
How and where to file family court papers in Los Angeles County, California: the clerk of court, e-filing, filing fees, and self-help for custody, child support, and divorce.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I file family court papers in Los Angeles County, California?
Family court matters arising in Los Angeles County are filed with the clerk of court for the Los Angeles county in California. Begin at the Los Angeles County court website to confirm the division that handles family cases, the courthouse location, hours, and accepted filing formats. FamilyCourtHelp.com is a self-help resource and not a law firm.
Can I e-file my Los Angeles county family case online?
California uses No statewide portal; each county superior court chooses its own e-filing providers for electronic court filings. Availability for self-represented filers can vary by court and case type, so confirm with the Los Angeles county clerk before you submit. Where e-filing is not open to you, the clerk will accept paper filings in person or by mail.
How much does it cost to file in Los Angeles County?
Dissolution filing fee: ~$435-$450. Exact Los Angeles county amounts are set by the clerk and change over time, so verify the current schedule with the clerk before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, California courts let you ask for a fee waiver based on income.
Is there free self-help for self-represented parents in California?
Yes. California maintains a statewide self-help resource for people without a lawyer, and many county clerks run a local self-help center too. Use those official resources for forms and procedure, and use FamilyCourtHelp.com to organize your case, draft documents, and prepare. This page is educational and not legal advice.