Free resources
Reliable guides, freely available.
Understanding the process makes each decision easier. The California Courts publish plain-language self-help guides for the most common family-law issues.
Divorce
How the process of ending a marriage or domestic partnership works in California.
California Courts self-help guide ↗02Child custody & visitation
How custody and parenting-time orders work.
California Courts self-help guide ↗03Property & debt division
How property and debts are handled in a divorce.
California Courts self-help guide ↗04Spousal support
How spousal support orders work.
California Courts self-help guide ↗05Child support
How child support orders work.
California Courts self-help guide ↗06Domestic violence
How domestic violence restraining orders work.
California Courts self-help guide ↗07Sample marital settlement agreement
Ventura County Superior Court’s optional form VN185, a starting reference for understanding settlement terms.
Ventura County Superior Court · PDF ↗Court guides can help you understand the process. A sample agreement may not fit your circumstances or your court’s requirements. Get advice about the terms and consequences before you sign any agreement.