California Joint Petition Divorce (SB 1427)

File together. No one gets served.

As of January 1, 2026, California couples who already agree can file for divorce as equals — no process server, no "petitioner vs. respondent," no adversarial start. MutualFile handles the forms, disclosures, and e-filing from a shared dashboard with separate secure logins for each spouse.

One case. Two secure logins. File together.

• Official California judicial forms (FL-700, FL-710)
• E-filed directly with your county court
• Court acceptance guarantee — we fix rejections at no extra cost
• Secure, encrypted, California-specific workflow
• No lawyer needed for an uncontested divorce

Is This Right for You?

The Joint Petition works for couples who:

• Both want the divorce — you've already had the conversation
• Are willing to cooperate — you don't need a final agreement yet, but you intend to reach one
• Can share financial information — California requires financial disclosures from both sides
• Want the lowest-conflict path — no courtroom battle, no "being served"

If you meet these criteria, the Joint Petition is almost certainly the fastest, least expensive way to divorce in California.

Traditional Divorce vs. Joint Petition

| | Traditional Filing | Joint Petition (SB 1427) | |---|---|---| | Roles | Petitioner vs. Respondent | Petitioner 1 & Petitioner 2 — equals | | Service | Must hire a process server or sheriff | Filing together is service — skip it entirely | | Tone | One spouse "sues" the other | Both spouses file as a team | | 6-month clock | Starts after service + proof of service filed | Starts the moment you file | | Cost | Process server fees + extra paperwork | No service fees, fewer forms | | If things change | Already adversarial | Either spouse can revoke (Form FL-720) and revert to traditional — no lost time |

How MutualFile Works

MutualFile was purpose-built for the 2026 Joint Petition workflow. Here's what happens:

1. Both spouses create accounts — each gets a private, secure login on the same case
2. Guided interview — answer questions about your marriage, children, property, and finances at your own pace
3. We generate official forms — FL-700, FL-710, financial disclosures, and any other required documents
4. Review & download — both spouses review the completed forms and download them ready for signing
5. E-filed with your court — we submit directly to your California county. If the court requests corrections, we handle them at no extra cost.

No courthouse visits required.

What Changed in 2026 (SB 1427)

Before 2026, "Joint Petitions" in California were only available through Summary Dissolution — limited to couples married less than five years with no children and minimal assets.

Senate Bill 1427 removed those restrictions. Even if you have children, own a home, or have been married for decades, you can now file jointly using the new Form FL-700.

The 3 Biggest Benefits

1. No More Process Servers

In a traditional divorce, you must legally "serve" your spouse with papers — often involving a sheriff or a paid process server. With a Joint Petition, the act of filing together counts as service. You skip the fees, the paperwork, and the tension.

2. No "Petitioner vs. Respondent"

Being labeled a "Respondent" feels adversarial from day one. Under SB 1427, you are simply Petitioner 1 and Petitioner 2. This sets a collaborative tone for everything that follows — custody, support, asset division.

3. The 6-Month Clock Starts Immediately

California requires a 6-month waiting period before a divorce is final. In a traditional filing, the clock doesn't start until the second spouse is served and proof is filed. With a Joint Petition, the countdown starts the moment you file — no delays.

What if Things Change?

Don't worry. California law allows either spouse to revoke the Joint Petition at any time using Form FL-720. You revert to a traditional filing without losing your original filing date or waiting period progress.

Start Your Joint Petition

Both of you answer a guided interview. MutualFile generates your FL-700, FL-710, financial disclosures, and every other required form. We e-file with your county court and handle any corrections.

Start your free California Joint Petition draft →

See the full Joint Petition overview →