Answer 10 quick questions to see whether your marriage qualifies for California's simplified, joint-petition divorce process — no court hearing required.
Summary dissolution (Family Code §§ 2400–2406) is California's simplified, joint-petition path to end a short marriage with no children, limited property, and full agreement between both spouses. It skips a court hearing and uses simpler forms (FL-800/FL-810), but every eligibility requirement — marriage length, children, property values, and debt — must be met.
If your marriage doesn't qualify, you're not out of options: a standard ("traditional") dissolution, or since 2026 a Joint Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-700) for couples who agree on everything but exceed the summary limits, may still fit.
You'd file a standard dissolution instead, using a Petition (FL-100) and Response through the regular court process. Since January 1, 2026, California also offers a Joint Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-700) for couples who agree on everything but exceed the summary dissolution property or income limits.
There's a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date the petition is filed before the dissolution becomes final, even though no court hearing is required.
Yes — the community and separate property caps are set by the Judicial Council and adjust periodically. Always confirm current limits against the official FL-800/FL-810 forms before filing.
Yes. We prepare uncontested divorce documents — including summary dissolution when eligible — for a flat $250 (or $500 with children, including a marital settlement agreement).
Whether summary dissolution fits or you need the standard process, we prepare uncontested divorce paperwork for a flat $250, or $500 with children (includes a marital settlement agreement).
See Divorce Document Preparation →Los Angeles Paralegals is a document preparation service — not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal counsel of any kind. All documents are prepared based on information you provide. We strongly recommend consulting a licensed California attorney for advice specific to your circumstances.