A New Way to Divorce in California (Starting January 2026):

Filing Together Instead of Against Each Other

California is turning a corner.
Starting January 1, 2026, couples who agree on the terms of their divorce will be able to file one joint petition—no chasing each other down with a process server, no “petitioner versus respondent,” no unnecessary sparks.

It’s still divorce. It’s still hard.
But the State finally built a path for people who don’t want to tear each other apart on the way out.

That’s the part that caught my attention.

What’s Changing?

SB 1427 allows spouses who are already in agreement on the major issues to file together, in a single packet.
For years, the only “simple” option was summary dissolution, which was so narrow most couples didn’t qualify. This new joint method opens the door wider.

It doesn’t erase the pain of the moment, but it clears out the clutter and noise that usually come with filing.

What Couples Must Lock Down Before Filing

A joint petition only works if everything is already settled. That means both spouses must agree on:

Ground for divorce

Date of separation

Custody and parenting schedules

Child support

Spousal support

Separate property

Community property and debts

Whether someone wants a former name restored

Who pays fees

Think of it like tightening your saddle before the ride. If one strap is loose, the whole thing slips.

One Attorney for Two People?

A Quiet Shift in California’s Rules

California has long treated divorcing spouses as opposing sides, which made joint representation impossible.
SB 1427 changes that dynamic. When two people walk in as joint petitioners—not adversaries—the door opens for one attorney to guide them both if there’s no conflict and no wavering.

It’s not a free-for-all; it’s a structured, ethical possibility. We’ll know more once the Judicial Council releases the official forms.

But the idea is simple:
If two people want cooperation, the law shouldn’t get in the way.

Why This Route Works for Certain Couples

Lower costs

Faster processing

Less courtroom drama

More control over the outcome

More privacy

Not everyone needs a battle. Some folks just need closure and a clean walk forward.

A Word of Caution from the Desert Desk

Even the friendliest divorce has one non-negotiable requirement:
Full financial disclosure.

Assets, debts, income, liabilities—everything must be on the table. A cooperative tone doesn’t remove that duty. If one spouse is more financially experienced than the other, slow the pace. Look at the numbers. Ask questions. Don’t assume.

A good agreement protects both sides long after the ink dries.

Who This Process Fits — and Who It Doesn’t

A joint petition makes sense for couples who communicate clearly and don’t have power struggles simmering under the surface.
But if there are safety issues, large financial imbalances, or disputes that aren’t budging, the traditional route is the safer, sturdier trail.

This new process is an option—not a shortcut.

What Comes Next?

We’re waiting on the Judicial Council to release the official forms and step-by-step instructions. Once those hit, the process will take shape.

In the meantime, you can get your paperwork in order, sort your agreements, and decide whether a joint filing fits your situation.

If you want help preparing, organizing, or getting clarity before the forms roll out, I’m here.

Call now to schedule your appointment - 661-387-4005!

Not a law firm.

Reference Links

Full Text of SB 1427 (2024):
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1427

Legislative Bill Analysis:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billAnalysisClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB1427

Summary Dissolution (current limited option):
https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/divorce/summary-dissolution

Family Code (general dissolution rules):
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codesTOCSelected.xhtml?tocCode=FAM