Family
Mar. 9, 2026
Separating together? California's new joint petition allows spouses to do just that
On Jan. 1, California introduced a new Joint Petition process for divorce and legal separation. It is an important step towards aligning our processes with our legal policies, which seek to promote resolution and positive parenting relationships, minimize conflict and reduce the unnecessary use of court resources.
Jeffery S. Jacobson
Attorney and Mediator
Jacobson Family Law and Mediation
Specialist in Family Law
Early media coverage of California's new joint petition for divorce highlighted that Los Angeles and other counties have elected to charge one appearance fee ($435) rather than two appearance fees ($870), implying that the process exists primarily to reduce costs. In reality, filing fees vary by county and can change over time; but more importantly, decisions about cas...
For only $95 a month (the price of 2 article purchases)
Receive unlimited article access and full access to our archives,
Daily Appellate Report, award winning columns, and our
Verdicts and Settlements.
Or
$895, but save $100 when you subscribe today… Just $795 for the first year!
Or access this article for $45
(Purchase provides 7-day access to this article. Printing, posting or downloading is not allowed.)
Already a subscriber?
Sign In