In California, Summary Dissolution is an easier way to end a marriage than the regular California dissolution process. In order to qualify for a summary dissolution, you must meet the following requirements:
- You and your spouse have been married less than five years. The time is determined by the date on your filed Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution of Marriage;
- The wife is not currently pregnant and there are no children born or adopted before or during the marriage;
- You do not have an interest in or own any real estate property, including houses, rental properties, condominiums, land, a one-year lease, or an option to buy;
- Aside from vehicle loans, you do not owe more than $5,000 in debt that was acquired since the date of your marriage;
- Since the date of your marriage, you and your spouse have not acquired more than $25,000 of property (not including money owed on cars or property);
- Neither you nor your spouse have separate property worth more than $25,000 (excluding money owed on property and cars);
- Neither spouse will ever receive spousal support;
- Both you and your spouse agree to sign a Joint Petition and pay the required filing fees to the court. If you are unable to pay the fees, you may be able to get a waiver;
- Either you or your spouse have resided in California for six months and in the county where you plan to file for divorce for the last three months; and
- Before filing the Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution of Marriage, you have both signed an agreement to divide property and debt.
For those that qualify and want to pursue a Summary Dissolution, find the contact information for your superior court and ask the clerk for the proper forms and booklet.