California Judicial Council Forms

Court forms, explained in plain English.

Free, step-by-step guides to the California court forms people actually search for — what each one is for, who files it, what the deadlines are, and how to avoid the mistakes that get paperwork rejected.

Eviction & unlawful detainer

3 forms

UD-105 Answer—Unlawful Detainer The tenant's formal response to an eviction lawsuit. Filing this on time is what keeps a default judgment from being entered against you. Tenant / DefendantStrict deadline Open guide → UD-115 Stipulation for Entry of Judgment A written settlement between landlord and tenant — move-out date, payment terms, and what happens if either side doesn't follow through. Both partiesSettlement Open guide → CIV-100 Request for Entry of Default Filed by a plaintiff when the other side never responded to the complaint. The first step toward a default judgment. PlaintiffCivil Open guide →

Family law

4 forms

FL-100 Petition—Marriage/Domestic Partnership The form that opens a divorce, legal separation, or nullity case in California. PetitionerStarts a case Open guide → FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration A sworn financial snapshot the court uses to calculate support and fees. Either partySupport cases Open guide → FL-300 Request for Order Ask the family court to step in mid-case — custody, support, fees, or other relief before final judgment. Either partyMid-case motion Open guide → DV-100 Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Opens a domestic violence restraining order case — can produce a same-day emergency order. PetitionerNo filing fee Open guide →

Money & small claims

1 form

SC-100 Plaintiff's Claim and ORDER to Go to Small Claims Court The form you file to sue someone in small claims court — no lawyers allowed, and it's built to be filled out without one. PlaintiffNo attorney needed Open guide →

Fees & case management

4 forms

POS-010 Proof of Service of Summons Proves a defendant was properly served — required before a case can move forward or default can be requested. Process serverRequired for default Open guide → CIV-110 Request for Dismissal Voluntarily ends a civil case, or part of one — with prejudice or without makes a real difference. PlaintiffEnds a case Open guide → FW-001 Request to Waive Court Fees Ask the court to waive filing and service fees if you can't afford them. Covers everything from the initial filing fee to jury fees. Any partyIncome-based Open guide → CM-010 Case Management Statement Filed before a Case Management Conference in a civil case — tells the judge where discovery, settlement, and trial planning stand. Both partiesCivil Open guide →