Summary Dissolution in California

If you and your spouse have been married less than five years, have no children together, and agree on how to divide your assets and debts, California offers a faster, simpler path to divorce. It's called a summary dissolution, and it lets you end your marriage without a court hearing, without a judge's ruling, and without the lengthy paperwork of a standard divorce. For couples who qualify, it can be a genuine relief.

The catch is that eligibility rules are strict. Every single requirement must be met. This guide walks you through exactly who qualifies, which forms you need, what the process looks like, and what alternatives exist if you don't qualify.

What is a summary dissolution?

In California, all divorces are legally called dissolutions of marriage. A summary dissolution is the streamlined version, designed for couples whose situation is simple and who are fully in agreement about ending the marriage.

In a standard divorce, a judge reviews paperwork, makes rulings, and each spouse has the right to challenge the outcome. A summary dissolution works differently. Both spouses file jointly, settle all terms in writing, and submit everything to the court at once. There is no trial, no hearing, and no judge weighing in. When the six-month waiting period expires, the marriage is over.

Because you file together rather than one spouse serving the other, you can often move through the paperwork stage more efficiently. That said, the six-month waiting period applies to every California divorce — summary dissolution does not shorten that clock.

Summary dissolution is not the right fit for every couple. It works best when both people can communicate calmly, have limited shared property, and fully agree on every term. If there is significant conflict, complex finances, or children involved, a standard uncontested or contested divorce is likely the better path.

Key facts about summary dissolution in California

What are California's requirements for a summary dissolution?

Every single one of these criteria must be true for you and your spouse. If even one does not apply, you'll need to pursue a different type of divorce. The California Courts' official eligibility page confirms the following requirements, updated in 2025:

• Residency: At least one of you has lived in California for the past six months and in the county where you'll file for the past three months.
• Marriage length: You have been married less than five years, measured from your wedding date to your date of separation.
• No minor children: You have no children under 18 together, biological or adopted, and neither of you is currently pregnant.
• No real estate: Neither of you owns or leases a house, land, or other building. Exception: you may rent an apartment or home as long as the lease ends within one year of filing.
• Limited marital debt: Together, you owe less than $7,000 in debt accumulated since the date of marriage. Car loans are excluded from this count.
• Limited community property: The property you acquired together during the marriage is worth less than $57,000. Vehicles are excluded.
• Limited separate property: Each of you individually holds less than $57,000 in separate property, meaning assets owned before the marriage or acquired after the date of separation, including gifts and inheritances. Vehicles are excluded. Note: retirement accounts such as 401(k)s and IRAs count toward this total.
• No spousal support: Both of you agree to permanently waive any right to spousal support. This waiver cannot be undone after the dissolution is final.
• Full agreement on property: You agree on how to split every asset and debt, and you are both prepared to sign a written property settlement agreement.

If you don't meet these requirements but you and your spouse agree on all issues, a new option is now available. As of January 1, 2026, California's Senate Bill 1427 created a joint petition for dissolution that any couple can use, regardless of marriage length, asset level, or whether children are involved. It follows a similar process to summary dissolution but removes the eligibility restrictions. If you'd like help deciding which path fits your situation, schedule a free 15-minute call with a Hello Divorce coordinator.

How does summary dissolution compare to a traditional divorce?

Both options end your marriage and return you to single status. What differs is the eligibility, the process, and the cost:

One thing worth understanding: a summary dissolution is not automatically faster than a traditional divorce. The six-month clock starts when you file, regardless of which process you choose. The real advantage of summary dissolution is reduced complexity, fewer forms, and no courtroom, not a shorter waiting period. If both spouses can agree quickly, an uncontested divorce can move at a very similar pace.

What are the pros and cons of a summary dissolution?

A summary dissolution works well for the right couple. The advantages are real: less paperwork, no courtroom, lower cost, and a simpler process that many people can navigate without a lawyer. For couples who meet the requirements and are genuinely aligned on the terms, it can reduce both the financial and emotional weight of the process.

The limitations are equally real. The eligibility requirements are strict, and there is no room for partial compliance. You must also be prepared to permanently waive spousal support. There is no revisiting that decision after the dissolution is final. And because no judge reviews your property settlement agreement for fairness, it's important to understand what you're agreeing to before you sign.

If your marriage has involved domestic violence or financial control, the joint nature of a summary dissolution can create additional risk. A standard divorce may offer more protection in those situations. If you're uncertain, a conversation with a family law professional can help you make the right call.

How much does a summary dissolution cost?

The court filing fee ranges from $435 to $450 — identical to the filing fee for a standard California divorce. There are no additional court costs beyond that for most couples.

Fee waivers are available if either spouse receives public benefits, has low income, or would struggle to meet basic needs after paying the fee. You can request a waiver from the court clerk when you file.

Summary dissolution forms are free to download directly from the California Courts website. Many couples complete the process without hiring a lawyer, which keeps total costs low. If you'd prefer guided support without the price of full legal representation, Hello Divorce offers a flat-fee summary dissolution plan for $1,500 total, covering both spouses and all required paperwork.

What forms and paperwork are required?

A summary dissolution requires fewer forms than a standard divorce, but the paperwork still falls into two distinct phases. Both spouses must complete each form accurately. Errors or omissions can delay the process or result in the court rejecting your petition.

Before filing with the court, both spouses must fully disclose their financial situation to each other. This includes sharing two years of tax returns and completing the following forms:

• FL-810 — Summary Dissolution Information. Both spouses must read and sign this booklet. It explains your rights, the process, and includes worksheets for evaluating your assets and debts.
• FL-150 — Income and Expense Declaration. Documents your current income and living expenses.
• FL-140 — Declaration of Disclosure. Confirms each spouse has shared their financial information.
• FL-142 — Schedule of Assets and Debts, OR FL-160 — Property Declaration. Use one of these to itemize everything you own and owe.

Once you've exchanged financial disclosures and agreed on how to divide your property, you'll complete the forms that officially end the marriage:

• FL-800 — Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution. Signed by both spouses, this certifies your agreement to end the marriage.
• FL-825 — Judgment of Dissolution and Notice of Entry of Judgment. Fill out the top portion only. The court uses this form to formally close your case.

How to file for summary dissolution in California

The process is straightforward once you've confirmed eligibility and gathered your documents:

1. 1
   Confirm eligibility

   Review every requirement. If you're unsure whether your assets meet the threshold, use the worksheets in form FL-810 to calculate your totals before proceeding.

2. 2
   Exchange financial disclosures

   Both spouses complete and share FL-150, FL-140, and either FL-142 or FL-160, along with two years of tax returns. California law requires full financial transparency before you can sign a property settlement agreement.

3. 3
   Draft your property settlement agreement

   Write out how you are dividing all shared assets and debts. Form FL-810 includes a sample agreement. Both spouses must sign this document before filing. You can review what most people include in their agreements on Hello Divorce.

4. 4
   Complete and copy your court forms

   Fill out FL-800 and the top portion of FL-825. Make copies of both forms and your property agreement. Prepare two stamped envelopes, one addressed to each spouse, and bring them with you to the courthouse.

5. 5
   File with your local superior court

   Use the California Courts court locator to find the right courthouse. Bring all paperwork, your envelopes, and the filing fee. The clerk will process your forms and send a copy of your judgment by mail.

6. 6
   Wait out the six-month period

   No court appearances are required during this time. Either spouse may stop the process by filing form FL-830. If no one revokes it, the marriage ends automatically on the judgment date. Keep copies of all your documents.

How long does a summary dissolution take?

California requires a six-month waiting period for all divorces. That clock starts the day you file your joint petition with the court, not when you begin preparing paperwork.

Your Judgment of Dissolution will include a specific date on which your divorce becomes final. Until that date, you remain legally married and cannot remarry.

There is no way to shorten the six-month period. However, the preparation phase for a summary dissolution is often faster than a traditional divorce because you and your spouse complete everything together. If you're both organized and in agreement, it's possible to have your forms ready to file within a few weeks of starting the process.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state and can change. For guidance specific to your situation, schedule a free 15-minute call with a Hello Divorce account coordinator.