Summary Dissolution Information
California · Judicial Council of California · Effective April 28, 2025
This booklet explains the process for a simplified divorce called summary dissolution. It tells readers who can use this process, what forms to file, and what steps are needed to end a marriage or domestic partnership.
The court describes it as: Explains who can use the simplified process to ask for a divorce, what forms you need to complete, and what steps you need to take to start and finish the case.
Where this fits in a case
General & infoInformation / general use — not tied to one step of a case
This information is used by people who are considering a divorce and want to know if they qualify for the simpler summary dissolution process.
Either party may file.
Common questions
- What is summary dissolution?
- Summary dissolution is a shorter and easier way to get a divorce than the regular way. It is only possible for certain couples who meet specific requirements.
- What forms are needed to start this process?
- To start, you must prepare and file a Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution (form FL-800) with the court clerk. You will also need to prepare a Judgment of Dissolution and Notice of Entry of Judgment (form FL-825) and a property settlement agreement.
- Do I need a lawyer?
- The booklet mentions that while you may not need a lawyer, it is in your best interest to see one to discuss ending your marriage or domestic partnership.
Revision history
No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect April 28, 2025.
Related forms
- FL-100
Petition—Marriage/Domestic Partnership (Family Law)
This form is used to start a case asking the court to end a marriage, domestic partnership, or to legally separate. It asks the filer to state the facts about the relationship and what orders they want the court to make.
MandatoryFillable PDF5 translationsStart a case
Eff. Jan 1, 2020
- FL-800
Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution
This form is a joint request to the court to end a marriage or domestic partnership through a simplified process. It asks the court to dissolve the relationship if several specific conditions are met by both people filing the form.
MandatoryFillable PDF4 translationsStart a case
Eff. Apr 28, 2025
- FL-825
Judgment of Dissolution and Notice of Entry of Judgment
This form is a court document that officially states the court's decision to end a marriage or domestic partnership. It sets the date when the parties are considered single and tells both people to follow any agreement attached to the judgment.
MandatoryFillable PDF3 translationsJudgment
Eff. Jan 1, 2012
- FL-830
Notice of Revocation of Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution
This form is used to tell the court that two people want to stop the process of getting a summary divorce. It asks the court to officially cancel the Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution that was previously filed.
MandatoryFillable PDF1 translationStart a case
Eff. Jul 1, 2015
- FL-107-INFO
Legal Steps for a Divorce or Legal Separation
This form is an informational guide that explains the general steps needed to start and finish a case for divorce or legal separation. It directs users to other resources for specific forms and details about the process.
OptionalFillable PDF4 translationsGeneral & info
Eff. Jan 1, 2015
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Notice and Acknowledgment of Receipt
This form is a notice and acknowledgment used to tell the court that one person has agreed to receive legal papers by mail. The recipient must sign the form to confirm they got the documents.
OptionalFillable PDF1 translationGeneral & info
Eff. Jan 1, 2021
- FL-142
Schedule of Assets and Debts
This form is a list used to record all known property and debts. It asks the person filling it out to list assets and debts, and it is an attachment to the Declaration of Disclosure form.
OptionalFillable PDF1 translationGeneral & info
Eff. Jul 1, 2025
- FL-172
Case Information—Family Law
This form is used by the court to collect important background details about a family law case. It asks for information about the marriage or partnership length, children, and any other related court cases.
OptionalFillable PDFGeneral & info
Eff. Jan 1, 2012