California spouses can start a divorce together by filing Form FL-700, Joint Petition: Marriage or Domestic Partnership. Both spouses sign the petition and participate as Petitioner 1 and Petitioner 2. Filing together starts the case; additional paperwork is required to finish the divorce.
A joint petition is intended for spouses who expect to agree on all final divorce terms. These include dividing property and debts, spousal support, and any child custody, parenting time, and child support arrangements.
Both spouses must cooperate throughout the process. If they do not expect to reach agreement on every issue, the California Courts directs them to use the regular divorce process.
The earliest a divorce can become final is six months and one day after the joint petition is filed. It may take longer depending on when the required paperwork is completed and approved. Filing jointly does not remove the waiting period, and the divorce does not become final automatically.
Yes. The final agreement and paperwork must address custody, parenting time, and child support when applicable.
No. Summary dissolution uses FL-800 and has separate eligibility requirements. FL-700 starts a different joint-petition process.
No. Spouses must complete the remaining requirements and submit their written agreement and final court forms.
For an overview of related topics, read our guide to family law documents in Orange County.
Document preparation information is available on the family law document preparation page.
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