Legal Question in Family Law in California

Yes, you can file for divorce and then have the other party personally served by a California resident over 18 (not you!). Included in the papers you serve the other party with can be an Order to Show Cause asking for support, custody or whatever it is that you want. Or you can serve the other party with your Order to Show Cause or Motion by mail after serving them with divorce papers.

In California, it does not require both spouses consent to get divorced. Either spouse can file a petition for dissolution based on irreconcilable difference, and have the other spouse served. If the other spouse does not respond, a default can be requested, and a default judgment entered.