The short answer

Since January 1, 2026, spouses or domestic partners can start a California divorce or legal separation with a joint petition. Filing together starts the case; it does not finish it.

California’s joint-petition process, introduced in 2026. Choosing a process requires attention to your own circumstances.

What filing together means

The court’s guide identifies FL-700 and FL-710 as the starting forms, with additional paperwork when required. You do not need a complete agreement at the start, but you will need agreement on the final terms to finish through this process.

There is still work to do

You still exchange financial disclosures, prepare a written agreement, and submit judgment paperwork. For divorce, the joint filing starts a minimum six-month waiting period. Legal separation has no equivalent waiting period.

When the process needs to change

The joint process does not provide a route to temporary orders within that process. If you need temporary orders or cannot agree, ask how revocation and a move to the regular process work. Do not assume the case simply disappears.

Questions worth bringing to the office

  • Would a joint petition, regular divorce, or summary dissolution fit our circumstances?
  • Will we need temporary parenting, support, or property orders?
  • What disclosures and final documents will each of us need?
  • What happens if one of us changes our mind?

Joint petition and summary dissolution are different

Summary dissolution is a separate procedure with eligibility limits. Similar names do not mean the same forms or requirements apply. Use the official instructions for the process you choose.

Official sources

Read the current instructions at the source. Requirements can change.

Sources checked November 3, 2026. General information only; confirm current requirements with the official sources and get advice about your circumstances.

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