California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter

California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce—A Collaborative and Economical Start to Your Life’s New Chapter

• For decades, starting a divorce in California meant one spouse had to “sue” the other, creating an adversarial tone from day one. However, as of January 1, 2026, a new, transformative legal pathway—the Joint Petition for Dissolution, Judicial Council (Form FL-700), allows couples to file together, prioritizing cooperation over conflict.
• What is the New Joint Petition? Unlike the traditional process where one party is the “Petitioner” and the other the “Respondent,” the new Joint Petition allows both spouses to file as “Petitioner 1” and “Petitioner 2”. This process is designed specifically for couples who agree on all major issues and want a more dignified, streamlined experience.

Top 7 Benefits of Filing Jointly

• Lower Cost: There is only ONE filing fee paid to the court (the traditional Petition and Response require a filing fee of $435.00 from each party). If you elect to use an attorney, the costs to use an attorney are much lower. Most attorneys offer these services for one modest flat fee. And No Process Server expenses.
• No “Process Server” Required: Because both parties sign the petition, there is no need for formal personal service. The petition is deemed “served” on both parties at the moment of filing, saving you the fees and avoiding the awkwardness of being served.
• Reduces Emotional Friction: By eliminating the “Petitioner vs. Respondent” dynamic and the intimidating “You have been sued” language on the summons, couples can maintain a respectful relationship—essential for successful co-parenting.
• Broader Eligibility: While the older “Summary Dissolution” Petition (Form FL-800) was restricted to short marriages with no children and few assets, the new Joint Petition is available to nearly everyone, regardless of children or property, provided you are in agreement.
• Simplified Procedures: Filing jointly  involves fewer steps and less court involvement than a traditional contested divorce, potentially reducing overall legal costs.
• You Don’t Need to Agree on Everything Before You File. You only need to list the issues you plan to work out. But you will have to agree by the end, or you’ll have to change to a regular divorce.
• Standard Protections Still Apply: As soon as you file, the court puts Standard Restraining Orders in place to protect assets and prevent the unauthorized moving of children.

Who Should Use the New Joint Petition for Dissolution?

This collaborative pathway is ideal if you and your spouse:

1. Want to resolve your marriage efficiently without the stress of an adversarial courtroom battle.
2. Agree on all or many of the issues regarding property division, support, and child custody.
3. Meet California’s residency requirements (typically 6 months in the state and 3 months in the county).
4. For information on the process of divorce read this article.

Take the Next Step Together

The new Joint Petition process offers a calmer, more affordable way to transition into your next chapter. Getting a divorce is a bummer. But you don’t hate each other. If you have young children your relationship as spouses is ending, but your relationship as faimily is not.

Using the Joint Petition saves time and money, but there is still a legal process:the parties must prepare filings, financial disclosures must be prepared and exchanged, and sophisticated legal agreements regarding assets ,debts and children are critical to preventing future litigation.

Contact Galen Gentry Law Group to Schedule Your Free Strategy Session

Are you ready to see if the Joint Petition is right for your family? Call us at 310 282 7521 or contact us via our website form to schedule a Free Strategy Session with Top Rated Woodland Hills, California attorney Galen Gentry. Our firm offers the complete legal services for your Joint Petition Divorce case for both spouses for a flat fee.

Mr. Gentry, a family law attorney in Woodland Hills, California  has 30 years of experience helping people and their families in the Family Law Courts of Los Angeles and all surrounding Southern California counties. Mr. Gentry can help you draft your marital settlement agreement, ensure all disclosures are handled correctly, and guide you through the 6-month waiting period to a final judgment.

Are you ready to take control of your future?

Don’t let the public court system dictate the terms of your new beginning. Contact us today to schedule your free strategy session. Let’s discuss how to save time, money, and avoid unnecessary stress.

Call us to schedule at 310 282 7521 or use the orange contact form on the upper right of this page