Summary Dissolution in California

Summary dissolution is a simplified process to end a marriage in California. But it's available only to couples who meet strict eligibilty requirements, including being married for less than five years, having no children, and having limited assets and debts. Couples who aren't eligible for summary dissolution can puruse other divorce options, including a new joint petiton for dissolution (available as of January 1, 2026) or a regular uncontested divorce.

Here's an overview of how summary summary dissolution works and options for people who don't qualify for the simplified divorce process.

Requirements for a Summary Dissolution in California

Summary dissolution is only for couples who agree on all the terms of the divorce and:

• meet California's residency requirement (either of you has lived in California for the past 6 months and in your current California county for the past 3 months)
• have been married for less than five years
• have no minor (under 18) children together
• don't own real estate
• don't lease property other than their current residence
• have less than $7,000 in debt (excluding car loans)
• have less than $57,000 in community property
• have less than $57,000 each in separate property. and
• agree on all the terms of the divorce.

(Cal. Fam. Code §§ 2400-2406 (2026).)

How to File for a Summary Dissolution in California

If you qualify for a summary dissolution, the first step is to read and sign the Summary Dissolution Information published by the Judicial Branch of California (FL-810). It will explain the process, including what forms you need to complete and what steps you need to take to start and finalize your simplified divorce. You can find the information at your local courthouse or on the California Courts self-help guide online.

Gather and Share Financial Information

You and your spouse will each need to fill out and exchange financial information forms, including proof of your income for the past few months, recent taxes, and a list of all of your property and debts.

(Cal. Fam. Code § 2104 (2026).)

Prepare Your Summary Dissolution Forms

You and your spouse will complete and sign a Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution (FL-800) and create a property settlement agreement that tells the court how you're going to divide your property. You can write your own with the help of the court's sample or template.

Some courts have additional local forms they require you to use. Check your local court's website, ask the court clerk's office, or talk to your family law facilitator or self-help center to double-check you have all the necessary forms.

File Your Summary Dissolution Papers and Settlement Agreement

The final step is the file your forms with the court clerk. You'll have to pay a filing fee of around $435-$450. If you can't afford the filing fee, you can request a fee waiver.

A judge will review your property settlement and sign your final divorce judgment. There is a mandatory six-month waiting period for all divorces in California, so your divorce will be final six months from when you file the petition.

(Cal. Fam. Code § 2339 (2026).)

What Happens If I Don't Qualify for a Summary Dissolution?

If you don't qualify for summary dissolution, you still have options to end your marriage in California.

Joint Petition for Dissolution

As of January 1, 2026, couples who don't qualify for a summary dissolution but agree on all issues can file a joint petition under a new law (Senate Bill 1427). This option applies to all couples, regardless of how long they've been married, the amount of property and debt they have, and whether they have children.

The process is similar to a summary dissolution—you'll have to exchange financial information, file a joint petition (FL-700) and settlement agreement, and wait six months.

(Cal. Fam. Code §§ 2330(c), 2331(b), 2342.5 (2026).)

Regular Divorce

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues, but don't want to file a joint petition (for example, because you need temporary orders), you can file for a regular uncontested divorce.

If you can't agree on all of the issues in your divorce, you'll need to pursue a contested divorce, which typically takes longer and is more expensive.

Learn more about how to file for divorce in California.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Summary Dissolution?

You don't have to hire a divorce lawyer to complete a summary dissolution. Many people successfully handle their own summary dissolution. If you don't have the time to figure out the process or you have lingering questions, a lawyer can handle the paperwork for you and protect your rights.

Take our free divorce quiz to help decide if you can handle your own divorce or hire a lawyer.