California’s New Joint Petition: A Game Changer for Divorcing with Respect

California’s New Joint Petition: A Game Changer for Divorcing with Respect

by | Nov 4, 2025 | Family & Divorce Mediation, Professional Practice & Training

Picture this: John and Lisa walk into the courthouse for the first time with nerves jangling. They hope to end their marriage without it becoming a war. They want to keep things civil, maybe even friendly, for the sake of their family. Starting January 1, 2026, California couples like John and Lisa get a new tool in the toolbox: the Joint Petition. For those of us in mediation or collaborative law, this is a game changer. It’s a big step toward what we’ve always wanted, helping families split up without tearing each other apart. This new process is right in line with what we do every day: keeping things peaceful and focused on the people, not the fight.

Let’s be honest: every divorce in California starts as a lawsuit. The very first page of the standard Petition (FL-100) hits you with a summons that says, “You are being sued.” It’s even repeated in two languages. That kind of language might make sense if you’re gearing up for a fight, but it’s always felt out of place for those of us who believe in mediation or Collaborative Divorce. Finally, with the new joint petition, we get a form that actually fits the way we want to help families, cooperatively.

Now, don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean the end of courtroom battles. If you want to fight it out, the old Petition and Response are still there, with all the usual drama. But for couples who’d rather skip the mudslinging, the joint petition takes away that first unnecessary punch. It lets you start the process together, not as enemies.

A Quick Primer on the New Law for California Joint Divorce Petitions

This change comes from SB 1427, which authorized the Judicial Council to create a joint filing process for dissolution and legal separation. The new procedure for joint petitions, implemented through the Judicial Council’s new FL-700 form, becomes available for use on January 1, 2026. The revisions to the California Family Code can be found in section 2320 and related provisions.

The key points:

  • The spouses file a joint petition (FL-700) if they agree to do so.
  • Both parties sign the same form.
  • There will be a new summons (FL-710) with no “service of process” and no adversarial caption. However, the Standard Family Law Restraining Orders still apply just like any other divorce filing. These orders automatically kick in to protect both parties by maintaining the status quo and ensuring peace during divorce proceedings, regardless of the filing method.
  • Both spouses make a general appearance by signing, which means the court has jurisdiction over both parties from the start.
  • The same 6-month waiting period still applies.

Why This Matters for Couples and Professionals

For families, this new form changes everything. It sets the right tone from the start, one of cooperation and respect. Now, instead of one spouse having to “sue” the other, you can file together. It’s a small shift in paperwork but a major change in energy. The joint petition says, “We’re doing this together.” That’s a big deal.

For mediators and collaborative professionals, this is a breath of fresh air. We can help clients complete one shared petition and move forward as co-petitioners. It’s a more human way to begin a hard process.

What to Know Before You File the California Joint Divorce Petition

Like any new system, the joint petition has some details to understand before jumping in:

  • General Appearance
    When both spouses sign the FL-700, they’re telling the court, “We’re here, and you have power over us.” You can’t later say, “Wait, I wasn’t served properly.” Be sure both understand that before signing.
  • Independent Advice
    Each spouse should have the chance to talk with an attorney before signing. Even in mediation, independent legal advice is important.
  • If Cooperation Fails
    If things change and one person wants to back out, either spouse can file a Notice of Revocation of Joint Petition (FL-720). From that point on, the case moves forward like a traditional divorce. The revoking spouse must file a new Petition (FL-100) or Response (FL-120) the same day they revoke.
  • No Defaults
    There’s no such thing as a default in a joint petition because the parties each are making a joint appearance when they file. Both must sign off on any amendments. If one person stops cooperating, progress can stall.
  • Court Transition Period
    Courts will need time to adjust. Expect a few hiccups as clerks and e-filing systems catch up early in 2026.

When Cooperation Breaks Down: Revoking a California Joint Divorce Petition

As with any cooperative process, it does not always stay that way. Not every joint filing stays joint. The new system anticipates that a previously non-adversarial case may later become adversarial. For that, the Judicial Council created Form FL-720 (Notice of Revocation of Joint Petition).

Here’s how it works:

  • Either party may revoke the joint petition at any time before the judgment is entered.
  • The filing spouse must serve the other with the FL-720 and then file it with the court.
  • Once filed, the joint petition is terminated. It does not simply pause or convert.
  • The form itself explains that Petitioner 1 becomes the Petitioner and Petitioner 2 becomes the Respondent.

That’s where things get interesting. The FL-720 directs that a new Petition (FL-100) or Response (FL-120) must be filed at the same time as the revocation. Whoever files the FL-720 is, by default, starting or continuing the action as the Petitioner. The other party has 30 days after service of the revocation to file their corresponding pleading.

Here’s a quirky twist: if Petitioner 2 files the revocation, the first thing the court sees might be a Response instead of a Petition. The law doesn’t say you can’t do it, but it flips the usual order on its head. We’ll see how court staff handle this one.

If you or your spouse plan to revoke, file both the FL-720 and the proper initiating pleading on the same day, and carefully track the 30-day response period. If you receive a Notice of Revocation of Joint Petition, remember you have 30 days to respond.

A Step Toward a Less Adversarial System

This is a big step toward changing the culture of divorce in California. The California joint petition acknowledges what many of us have long known: not every divorce fits neatly into the “plaintiff versus defendant” box. For couples who want to stay out of the mud, this form opens a cleaner, kinder path, and gives families a better way to begin.

Of course, it’s still important to get sound legal and financial advice before signing anything. But all things considered, it’s a win for couples who want to stay out of the courtroom crossfire. 

african american woman working on her California joint divorce petition

Ready to move forward with respect?

Let’s talk about how the new California Joint Divorce Petition can help you divorce peacefully.

Start Your Peaceful Divorce
Co-parenting on Halloween: How not to make candy night into a nightmare

Co-parenting on Halloween: How not to make candy night into a nightmare

by | Oct 30, 2025 | Family & Divorce Mediation

Co-parenting on Halloween can be tricky – or it can be a treat. It depends on you!

Halloween has a way of sneaking up on even the most organized separated parents. Judges don’t usually mention it in custody orders, probably because it doesn’t come with a day off work. But let’s get real: for kids, Halloween is the Super Bowl of childhood (well, or at least the World Series). They plan plays, scout candy routes, and train their sweet tooth all month. The last thing they need is for their parents to turn their night of magic into a showdown. Give them the gift of laughter, not drama.

So, how do you keep the co-parenting on Halloween about the kids and not about your latest argument? Here are a few tricks (and treats) to keep things fun and focused on your children:

First, put Halloween in your parenting plan.

Yes, actually write it down. Decide ahead of time who gets trick-or-treating this year, or who goes to the school parade. Don’t wait until October 30th to start the debate. Clear plans mean fewer last-minute meltdowns—for everyone.

Consider doing Halloween together.

If you and your ex can handle being in the same place without the drama, great. Kids light up when both parents show up and keep things friendly. You do not have to match costumes or fake a friendship. Just keep it polite and easy. But if you know the night will turn into a horror show, skip it. Give everyone a break and keep the peace.

Let your kids have their night.

Don’t make Halloween memorable for all the wrong reasons. This isn’t the time to air your grievances or compete for Best Parent. Focus on their fun, not your own feelings.

Control the grandparents and extended family.

Sometimes, the real monsters on the scene can be the extended family.  Perhaps they don’t quite understand what this co-parenting scene is all about, and they are tempted to engage in conflict.  Stop them!  Don’t let them badmouth the other parent or start a fight. Tell them to behave themselves and follow the getting-along program before the evening even starts.

Costume drama should be left to the theater, not your living room.

Don’t turn your child’s costume choice into a tug-of-war. Talk it out ahead of time and let your kid pick what makes them happy. Remember, the goal is giggles, not power plays.

Share the Halloween joy when you can.

If it’s your night, maybe swing by the other parent’s place so the kids can show off their costumes. It’s a small gesture, but it tells your kids both parents are in their corner. If it’s not your night, don’t crash the party. Respect the boundaries and find another time to celebrate.

Co-parenting on Halloween can be sweet, like candy, or a nightmare, like a scary movie.

It all depends on whether the adults can keep it together. Give your kids a night that’s about them, not about your old arguments. Show them how grownups are supposed to behave. Halloween should be about candy and giggles, not conflict. Years from now, your kids won’t remember who bought the best costume or who had the last word.  But they will remember feeling safe and loved. That’s the real treat.

Keep the peace long after the candy’s gone.

Schedule a conversation to build a plan that keeps things sweet for your kids all year.

Let's Talk!

California Premarital Agreements: Understanding Disclosure

California Premarital Agreements: Understanding Disclosure

by | Jul 15, 2024 | Uncategorized

Hey there! Let’s take a deep dive into the world of premarital agreements in California, specifically focusing on the crucial aspect of disclosure. Whether you’re thinking about getting a prenup or just curious about how they work, this is a vital topic to understand.

The Importance of Disclosure in California Premarital Agreements

When it comes to California premarital agreements, one of the most significant issues that can make them unenforceable is incomplete disclosure. However, avoiding this problem is relatively straightforward if you know what to do.

Under California law, specifically Family Code §1615, a California premarital agreement can be challenged if both of the following are true:

  1. There was a failure to disclose.
  2. The agreement was unconscionable (super unfair) when it was made.

The key here is that both conditions must be met for a court to set aside a premarital agreement. This means that even if there was incomplete disclosure, the agreement won’t automatically be invalidated unless it was also unconscionable at the time it was made. This is a crucial point to understand because it underscores the importance of both fairness and transparency in these agreements.

What Should Be Disclosed?

When drafting a California premarital agreement, it’s essential to fully disclose your assets and obligations. This includes detailing what you own (assets) and what you owe (liabilities). Full disclosure helps to ensure that the agreement is fair and that both parties are entering into it with their eyes wide open.

Alternatively, you can include a clear waiver in the agreement where both parties acknowledge and agree that they don’t require full disclosure from each other. This waiver must be voluntary and explicitly stated in writing. It’s not enough to verbally agree to waive disclosure; it has to be in the agreement itself to be legally binding.

The Role of Case Law: In re Marriage of Bonds

The case of In re Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 Cal.4th 1, 99 Cal.Rptr.2d 252, 5 P.3d 815 is an interesting one because it highlights the flexibility in disclosure requirements. In this case, the California Supreme Court held that the disclosure need not be as stringent as for marital settlement agreements. The court upheld a California premarital agreement even though it didn’t include a detailed asset schedule, as long as the parties had a general understanding of each other’s property.

However, while this case shows that courts can be lenient, it’s still safer to be as thorough as possible with your disclosures. After all, the more complete your disclosure, the less room there is for challenges down the road.

Why Income Disclosure Matters in California Prenuptial Agreements

Income disclosure is another critical aspect. Although there’s some debate among courts, including a case where a trial court invalidated a California prenuptial agreement because the wealthier party didn’t disclose their income, the safest route is to be thorough. Disclosing income from all sources can prevent future disputes and ensure that the agreement stands up in court.

How to Make Your Agreement Bulletproof

To minimize the chances of your California prenuptial agreement being challenged:

  1. Fully Disclose Everything: This means assets, liabilities, and income. The more transparent you are, the better.
  2. Waive Disclosure Explicitly: If you’re not going to disclose fully, make sure your agreement includes a clear, written waiver where both parties acknowledge their right to full disclosure and voluntarily waive it.
  3. Offer Financial Records: Offer to make your financial records available to your partner. This shows good faith and can be a critical factor if the agreement is ever challenged in court.

Practical Steps to Full Disclosure

Here are some practical steps to ensure full disclosure in your premarital agreement:

  1. List All Assets: Include real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, retirement accounts, valuable personal property (like jewelry or art), and any other significant assets.
  2. Detail Liabilities: Include mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit card debt, and any other significant obligations.
  3. Income Sources: List all sources of income, including salaries, bonuses, rental income, dividends, and any other income streams.
  4. Valuation: While the law doesn’t require you to disclose the exact value of each asset, providing a reasonable estimate can be beneficial. This shows transparency and can help prevent disputes.
  5. Supporting Documents: Attach supporting documents to your disclosure. This could include bank statements, property appraisals, loan documents, and tax returns.

The Role of Waivers in Disclosure

As mentioned earlier, it’s possible to waive full disclosure, but this needs to be done carefully. The waiver must be:

  1. Voluntary: Both parties must agree to it willingly.
  2. Explicit: The waiver must be clearly stated in the agreement.
  3. In Writing: Verbal agreements won’t cut it; it must be documented in writing.

Waiving full disclosure can streamline the process, but it comes with risks. If the waiver isn’t clear or one party later claims they didn’t understand what they were waiving, the agreement could be challenged. Therefore, if you choose to include a waiver, make sure it’s detailed and both parties fully understand what they’re agreeing to.

The Impact of Case Law on California Premarital Agreements

Several cases have shaped the way courts view disclosure in premarital agreements. For instance, In re Marriage of Facter (2013) 212 Cal.App.4th 967, 985, 152 Cal.Rptr.3d 79 highlights that both failure of disclosure and unconscionability are needed to invalidate an agreement. Meanwhile, In re Marriage of Bonds (2000) 24 Cal.4th 1 and In re Marriage of Burkle (2006) 139 Cal.App.4th 712, 43 Cal.Rptr.3d 181 provide examples of how courts handle these issues in practice.

Understanding these cases can help you see the importance of thorough disclosure and the potential pitfalls of inadequate disclosure. It also underscores why it’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable attorney when drafting your California prenuptial agreement.

The Benefits of Full Disclosure

Besides legal compliance, full disclosure has several practical benefits:

  1. Transparency and Trust: Full disclosure fosters trust between partners. It shows that both parties are entering the marriage with a clear understanding of each other’s financial situation.
  2. Preventing Disputes: Thorough disclosure can prevent disputes down the road. When both parties know what they’re getting into, there are fewer surprises and less potential for conflict.
  3. Enforceability: An agreement with full disclosure is much more likely to be enforceable. Courts are less likely to set aside an agreement if it’s clear that both parties were fully informed.

Addressing Potential Challenges

Even with full disclosure, California premarital agreements can be challenged. Here are some common grounds for challenges and how to address them:

  1. Voluntariness: One party claims they were coerced into signing. To counter this, ensure the agreement is signed well in advance of the wedding and both parties have independent legal advice.
  2. Unconscionability: One party claims the agreement is grossly unfair. To prevent this, ensure the agreement is balanced and fair to both parties.
  3. Disclosure: One party claims they weren’t fully informed. This is where thorough, documented disclosure comes in. Keep detailed records of all disclosed information and any waivers.

Having independent legal counsel for both parties is crucial. This ensures that both parties fully understand the agreement and their rights. It also helps to prevent claims of coercion or misunderstanding later on. Each party should have their own attorney to review the agreement and provide advice.

Documenting the Process

Documenting the process of creating the California premarital agreement is also important. This includes keeping records of all disclosed information, communications between the parties, and any legal advice received. This documentation can be invaluable if the agreement is ever challenged.

The Bottom Line

California prenuptial agreements can provide valuable protection for both parties, but only if they’re done right. Full disclosure is a critical part of this process. By being transparent and thorough, you can create an agreement that stands up in court and protects your interests.

If you’re considering a premarital agreement, take the time to understand the requirements and work with a professional who can guide you through the process. It’s an investment that can provide peace of mind and protect your future.

Conclusion

Understanding the importance of disclosure in California premarital agreements is essential for anyone considering this legal arrangement in California. By fully disclosing your assets, liabilities, and income—or clearly waiving the right to such disclosure—you can create a strong, enforceable agreement. Remember, the goal is to enter your marriage with trust and transparency, laying a solid foundation for your future together.

If you need assistance with your California premarital agreement, don’t hesitate to reach out to a knowledgeable professional who can help you navigate this complex area of law.

Read More About California Premarital Agreements

The California Prenuptial Agreement — Dotting the “i’s” and crossing the “t’s”.
Prenuptial Agreements Are on the Rise, And More Women Are Requesting Them
Family Law Agreements
Navigating Divorce: Using Attorneys During Mediation

Navigating Divorce: Using Attorneys During Mediation

by | Feb 28, 2024 | Uncategorized

Attorneys Play a Critical Role

In the realm of divorce proceedings, the involvement of attorneys plays a critical role in ensuring fair mediation and equitable outcomes for all parties involved. In our latest podcast episode, we delve into the nuanced world of divorce mediation and the indispensable role attorneys play in facilitating this process. Join us as we uncover the complexities, challenges, and pivotal moments of mediation guided by legal expertise.

 

Understanding Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation serves as an alternative dispute resolution process, offering couples a collaborative and less adversarial approach to ending their marriage. Unlike traditional litigation, mediation encourages open communication and negotiation with the aim of reaching mutually agreeable solutions on key issues such as asset division, child custody, and alimony.

 

The Attorney’s Perspective

Attorneys serve as invaluable guides throughout the mediation journey, providing essential legal counsel and representation to their clients. In our conversation, we explored the multifaceted roles attorneys assume during mediation, including:

 

Legal Advocacy

Lawyers advocate for their clients’ interests, ensuring that their rights are protected and that any agreements reached are legally sound and enforceable.

Strategic Counsel:

With their expertise in family law, attorneys offer strategic advice on navigating complex legal frameworks and making informed decisions that align with their clients’ long-term objectives.

Emotional Support:

Beyond legal matters, attorneys also provide emotional support and guidance, helping clients navigate the emotional challenges inherent in divorce proceedings.

Key Takeaways from the Podcast

During our insightful discussion with legal experts, several key takeaways emerged:

 

Empowerment Through Knowledge:

Understanding the legal aspects of divorce mediation empowers individuals to actively participate in the process and make informed decisions that shape their future.

The Importance of Communication:

Effective communication between all parties, including attorneys, mediators, and clients, is essential for fostering cooperation and achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

Tailored Solutions:

Every divorce is unique, and attorneys play a crucial role in crafting personalized solutions that address the specific needs and circumstances of their clients.

Attorneys Empower Clients During the Divorce Mediation Process

As our podcast episode highlighted, attorneys are indispensable allies in the divorce mediation process, offering expertise, guidance, and support every step of the way. By leveraging their legal knowledge and advocacy skills, attorneys empower individuals to navigate the complexities of divorce with confidence and clarity. Whether it’s safeguarding legal rights, providing strategic counsel, or offering emotional support, attorneys play a critical role in facilitating constructive dialogue and fostering positive outcomes in divorce mediation. 

"Listen

The Three Wisemen of Divorce: Money, Psych & Law Podcast a divorce mediation resource

Listen to "The Critical Role of Attorneys in Divorce Mediation"

The Critical Role of Attorneys in Divorce Mediation - The Three Wisemen of Divorce

Listen to the Episode Here
Early intervention: Why mediation early in a family law case can save a fortune in fees and stress.

Early intervention: Why mediation early in a family law case can save a fortune in fees and stress.

by | Dec 21, 2023 | Uncategorized

As a certified family law specialist (CLS-F)[i], I have been involved in divorce mediation and alternate dispute resolution (ADR) for more than 15 years.  I regularly serve as a pro tem settlement judge on the Mandatory Settlement Conference (MSC) Panel with the San Diego County Superior Court.  While I enjoy helping folks through their MSCs, the help is simply too little too late for many people.  Often preparation for the MSC is nearly as stressful and costly as preparing for the trial.  In addition, lawyers need to certify that discovery is complete and prepare elaborate briefs.  Waiting until the very end of a case to attempt mediation does the parties and the professionals a great disservice.  I see this in the pained and stressed-out expressions on parties and counsel at the MSCs I facilitate.

There are many options at the beginning of the case to settle issues, manage discovery concerns and resolve unnecessary conflict.  Even (and especially) high conflict cases can benefit from earlier intervention with a mediator to short circuit the conflict.  Attorneys benefit from early mediation because it helps them settle the cases that can settle.  That frees them up to focus on trials for cases that won’t settle.

Here are some ideas for how you can engage the ADR services of a mediator early in your family law case:

Meet and Confer on Steroids.

Every family law attorney is aware of the requirement for the “meet and confer” conference. Too often it’s simply given lip service by a short phone call to opposing counsel without discussing the issues.  Because lawyers sometimes give less attention to what needs to happen to settle, the case stalls.  Why not have a facilitated meet and confer settlement conference to identify the issues and formulate a plan for a swift conclusion?

Discovery Management.

Often the most expensive part of a case is the discovery, which involves elaborate and arcane procedures to gather as much evidence as possible. Sometimes this is whether the case needs the information or not.  The adversarial process spurs less and not more cooperation in discovery.  This can lead to months or even years of discovery wars.  Why not use a mediator to help “referee” the discovery? Most discovery can be provided informally with much less cost.  A mediator can help facilitate the discovery process to specifically target discovery needs and conclude the case with much less rancor and headache for the lawyers and cost to the parties.

Managing the High Conflict Case.

There is a common misconception that people cannot mediate high conflict cases.  That’s simply not true.  Most high conflict behavior in divorce cases is based on fear and hurt.  So, engaging a good mediator early in the process reduces conflict by managing the fight-or-flight response.  Court tends to exacerbate and actually encourage high conflict pathologies.  Rather than encouraging discord with a fight at court, consider short-circuiting conflict with a mediator experienced in high conflict.  Consequently, if parties learn early how to interact productively, it makes the rest of the case go more smoothly.

Use Early Mediation to Resolve Interim Issues.

The terribly backlogged Family Courts sometimes take months to hear even the most routine (and sometimes pressing) interim motions.   I can usually help as a mediator to resolve interim questions like support and custody in a fraction of the time and cost compared to filing a Request for Order.  Because a mediated settlement conference efficiently resolves interim issues, the parties can relax a little more and focus on concluding the case rather than reacting to interim problems.

Consider a Court-Ordered Family Resolution Plan and Use of ADR  Pursuant to Family Code Section 2451.

One little-known provision of the Family Code involves the use of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) as part of a court-ordered family centered case resolution plan as described in Family Code section 2451.  California Rule of Court 5.83 describes how the plan can be implemented.  Parties can appoint a case manager as part of the plan and can also apply Code of Civil Procedure section 639 to appoint the case manager as a discovery referee.  Further, Family Code section 2451(a)(3) gives protection to attorneys who follow any discovery plans adopted as part of a court-ordered family resolution plan as follows:

“Limitations on discovery, including temporary suspension pending exploration of settlement. There is a rebuttable presumption that an attorney who carries out discovery as provided in a family centered case resolution plan has fulfilled his or her duty of care to the client as to the existence of community property.”

I have used this procedure to great effect.  It can do a lot to reduce costs and keep the case moving quickly towards settlement.

Let Us Move Your Case Past Stuck.

Because there are many ADR options beyond an end-of-case settlement conference where a mediator can make a huge difference, the key is to start early.  At Weber Dispute Resolution, we have the training, skills, and experience to get your family law case past stuck.  That’s because our approach serves to support existing relationships with legal counsel and will not waste family wealth by exacerbating family conflict.  Experience first-hand the difference a dolphin lawyer can make.

[i] Certified Specialist – Family Law, The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

"neutral

"Need

Consider a mediated Settlement Conference with Weber Dispute Resolution.  Call us at 858-410-0144 or click the button to learn more.