Worried that your spouse may have filed for divorce without telling you? In California, it’s possible for a case to be opened without your immediate knowledge—especially if communication has broken down or you’re living separately. But sooner or later, you’ll need to know what’s going on.Before we get into how to check if a divorce case has been filed, it’s important to know that legal help is available. If you're located in the Bay Area, these San Jose divorce attorneys can assist with reviewing court filings, responding to petitions, and representing your best interests during the divorce process. If you're closer to the East Bay, you can also reach out to a trusted divorce attorney Fremont residents rely on for personalized legal support.
Now, let’s look at the ways you can find out if your spouse has initiated divorce proceedings in California.
Many Superior Courts in California allow you to search divorce filings online. Most systems let you search by name, case type, or date. If your spouse has already filed, the case may show up with a status like “Petition filed,” “Dissolution with children,” or “Dissolution without children.” You’ll want to start with the county where either of you resides. For example:
If a case appears with your name listed, that’s your confirmation.
If you can’t find anything online or need further confirmation, call the Clerk’s Office at the Superior Court in the relevant county. Give them your full name and any identifying details they may request. They can tell you whether a divorce petition involving you has been filed—even if you haven’t been officially served yet.
California law requires that anyone who files for divorce must “serve” the other spouse with copies of the summons and petition. This is usually done in person, but sometimes by mail if you agree to accept service. Look through any recent mail for documents labeled “Summons,” “Petition for Dissolution,” or anything from the local court system. Even if you haven’t been personally served yet, there might be evidence in your mailbox, email inbox, or even left with someone at your home.
If you’re still on speaking terms with your spouse and feel safe having the conversation, simply asking if they’ve filed can bring clarity quickly. But if there’s any history of conflict or manipulation, it’s wise to consult an attorney first.
If you confirm your spouse has filed—or you’re still unsure—a family law attorney can help you get answers fast. They can search court databases more thoroughly, file legal responses, and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines.
California has a great online guide that walks you through the divorce process, including how to respond to a petition, file your own paperwork, and what to expect in court. If you're not ready to speak to an attorney, start here:
🔗 California Courts Self-Help Divorce Guide