Divorce Index

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Divorce Basics

Other processes

Summary Dissolution

Find out if you qualify for a summary dissolution 

Overview: Summary Dissolution in California 

• Start 
• Fill out forms 
• File 

Summary dissolution: end domestic partnership 

Legal separation and annulment

Legal Separation

Annulment 

Annulment: Legal reasons

Annulment: Start 

Joint petition

Overview of the joint petition process for divorce or legal separation

• Fill out and file a joint petition
• Share your financial information
• Work on your agreement
• Fill out your final set of forms
  • When you don't have children under 18 together
  • When you do have children under 18 together
• Turn in your final forms and agreement

Learn how to change or collect things (like money) after your divorce or legal separation

Phase 1: Start A Divorce

Phase 2: Financial Disclosures (both parties)

Overview: Share your financial information

• Gather and share financial information 
• File proof you shared financial information 

Phase 3: Make Decisions (both parties)

Overview: Make decisions 

• Inform yourself about rules and your rights 
• Info: Common challenges when splitting debt 
• Decide if you have the information you need 
• Propose and negotiate divorce agreements 
• Write out the agreement 

More Complicated Possibilities

Phase 4: Finalize your divorce 

Finalize your divorce (Overview) 

After a divorce

Steps to take after your divorce is final

Collect money judgment 

Change your name in your divorce case