Divorce Master Radio

⚖️ Who Actually Files for Divorce First? | Los Angeles Divorce Do both spouses have to file for divorce in Los Angeles? No. In California, only one spouse needs to file the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage to start the process. The spouse who files is called the Petitioner. The other spouse becomes the Respondent and must be formally served with the divorce papers. From there, both spouses participate in completing the process.