--- title: "FL-700 Joint Petition Divorce California (Complete Guide)" description: "Learn how to file the FL-700 Joint Petition for divorce in California. This step-by-step guide explains eligibility, required forms, costs, and how couples can complete a joint divorce without hiring a lawyer..." url: https://thecompletedivorce.com/fl-700-joint-petition-california/ date: 2026-03-11 modified: 2026-05-07 author: "Dina Haddad" image: https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FL-700.webp type: page lang: en --- # FL-700 Joint Petition Divorce California (Complete Guide) ** # Complete FL-700 Paperwork with Expert Guidance and Instructions Read our blogs to get tips on California uncontested, online, and DIY divorce.  [ Start My Divorce ](https://buy.stripe.com/bJe8wO4Inbryg8y2Ar3ZK01) [ FL-700 PDF Form ](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fl700-Legal-Separation-or-Joint-Petition.pdf) ![FL-700 Joint Petition or Legal Separation in California](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FL-700.webp) Starting a [divorce in California](https://thecompletedivorce.com/) now comes with a new option. As of 2026, parties can now file a joint petition for a divorce or legal separation. Spouses who agree on all issues can file together using Form FL-700, Joint Petition – Marriage or Domestic Partnership. With this, the Petition does not need to be served to the other and a Proof of Service is not required.  However, DIY filings still carry risks. The eligibility requirements are strict, disclosure mistakes are common, and court rejections can cause delays. Fortunately for [uncontested cases without a lawyer](https://thecompletedivorce.com/divorce-without-a-lawyer-california/), guided support is available with [The Complete Divorce](https://thecompletedivorce.com/).   With The Complete Divorce’s online platform, you can complete the FL-700 or alternatively, the traditional [FL-100, Petition for Dissolution of Marriage](https://thecompletedivorce.com/fl-100-petition-divorce-online-california/), and FL-120, Response and Request for Dissolution of Marriage. You can also start with the FL-700 and later revoke the FL-700 using the provided forms in the platform. The program is versatile. If you feel the FL-700 is ideal for your unique situation, this guide explains what FL-700 is, how to fill it correctly and everything else you need to know. Making Your California Divorce Paperwork Easier Than Ever Want Help with FL-700? Let us be on your side. Get your paperwork error free with The Complete Divorce expert-led sessions, divorce workshops, and divorce forms video tutorials. - 100% Court-approval - Divorce Portal Access - Expert-Led Forms Help - Customized Paperwork - Bi-Weekly Divorce Webinar - Attorney Grade MSA Builder ### $49.99/Mo ### Cancel anytime. No hidden fees [ Get Help with FL-700? ](https://buy.stripe.com/bJe8wO4Inbryg8y2Ar3ZK01) ![google icon](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/google-icon.png)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2000+ Couples Successfully Divorced ## What is FL-700 ( Joint Petition)? FL-700 is California’s joint petition that allows spouses to start a divorce or legal separation together. However, full agreement on all key issues is required of both parties.  However, that does not have to occur until the end of your case. In other words, when filing a joint petition you are believing you will reach an agreement on all issues and not require a judge to make rulings in your case.  This includes areas like: - Custody terms - Property division - Debts distribution - Support arrangements Instead of having a Petitioner and Respondent, with the Joint Petition, there will be Petitioner 1 and Petitioner 2. Filing fees remain the same, which is typically $435 per person.  As for benefits, you have less initial forms to prepare, , no personal service, and the six-months mandatory wait period starts immediately (compared to when the Petition is served or the Response is filed).. For the FL-700 route to work, both spouses must be cooperative and at the same time, meet residency, disclosure, and safety requirements. ### FL-700 vs. FL-700- information sheet - [**FL-700 (Joint Petition Form)**](https://courts.ca.gov/system/files/2025-12/fl700.pdf): This is the required legal form that you complete with your spouse and then file with the court. It includes basic case details and officially starts the divorce or legal separation process. - [**FL-700-INFO (Information Sheet)**](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/FL-700-INFO): This document provides guidance only on how to complete FL-700. Next steps are outlined clearly, and court resources are listed. However, this form is not filed with the court; it’s just your guide. ## Required Forms to Start a Joint Divorce? [Divorce costs in California](https://thecompletedivorce.com/how-long-does-a-divorce-take-in-california/) vary widely because the method you choose makes the difference. Litigated divorces often exceed $30,000. On the other hand, lower-cost alternatives are available for self-represented and uncontested divorces. Choosing the right approach matters as total cost is affected, timelines can change, and risk levels vary. ### Primary forms To start a joint divorce, you must file: - FL-700 – Joint Petition - FL-710 – Summons (Joint Petition) - FL-700-INFO – Information Sheet (not filed, but essential) For couples with children under 18 and have not graduated high school, you must complete: - [FL-105 – UCCJEA Child Custody Declaration](https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl105.pdf) ### Forms required after filing FL-700 Despite being a joint filing, it does not eliminate standard requirements. You still need to complete your disclosures like: - FL-140 – Declaration of Disclosure (within 60 days)  - FL-150 – Income and Expense Declaration  - FL-142 – Schedule of Assets and Debts ### Important warnings Filing FL-700 does not finalize your divorce, nor does it eliminate required disclosures. It also does not eliminate the six-month waiting period, resolve disputes, or protect you against unfair agreements.  Also, Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders (ATROs) start automatically when FL-700 is filed. This means, during the divorce period, you cannot: - Sell property - Hide money - Change insurance beneficiaries - Take the children out of California without a joint agreement. Knowing what you can and cannot do ensures you are legally compliant, speed up your divorce, and avoid trouble for breaking ATROs accidentally. ## What if Cooperation Breaks? Revoking the Joint Petition (FL-720) If cooperation ends, either spouse may revoke the joint petition at any time before judgment. This is done by filing FL-720, while FL-100 or FL-120 must also be filed on the same day. Once the joint petition is revoked, the joint process ends immediately and the case converts to a traditional divorce.  At that time, the party that revokes the process must serve the other party with their Amended Petition or Amended Response, depending on whether they were Petitioner 1 or Petitioner 2 in the matter.   Petitioner 1 will be Petitioner and Petitioner 2 will be Respondent, even if Petitioner 2 decides to revoke the Joint Petition. ## The Guide to Completing the FL-700 Form without a Lawyer You do not need to [spend thousands on legal fees](https://thecompletedivorce.com/how-to-get-a-cheap-divorce-in-california-without-lawyer/) to complete FL-700 correctly. Many couples handle the joint petition themselves, especially when guided support makes the process manageable. Services like The Complete Divorce provide step-by-step instructions, form review, and filing assistance. The goal is to help couples avoid mistakes that slow down the divorce process. Below is a practical overview of how to complete FL-700 accurately. ### Court information (top of page) ![fl 700 - Joint Petition or Domestic partnership](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Court-Information.webp) #### What to do : Enter the Superior Court name, county, and address. Leave the case number blank; the clerk assigns it after filing. ### Item 1: Who you are (petitioner 1 & petitioner 2) ![Item 1: Who You Are (Petitioner 1) FL-700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Petitioner-1.webp) ![Item 1: Who You Are (Petitioner 2) FL-700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Petitioner-2.webp) #### What to do : List both spouses as equal joint filers. Choose Petitioner 1 and 2 once and use the same roles on all future forms. There is no legal importance as to who is Petitioner 1 or Petitioner 2. However, if you revoke the Joint Petition later, Petitioner 2 will be Respondent. Again, there is no legal impact here. If the case proceeded to trial, the Petitioner would present in court first.  ### Item 2 & 3: Marriage / domestic partnership (fill where applicable) ![Item 2 : Marriage / Domestic Partnership (Fill Where Applicable) FL-700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Married-and-resgistered-partners.webp) #### What to do : Enter dates and select divorce or legal separation as applicable. Also note that ending a marriage doesn’t end a domestic partnership; you must request both if applicable. ### Item 4: Residence requirements ![Item 4: Residence Requirements (FL-700)](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Residence-requirements.webp) #### What to do : This section clarifies if the court has authority over your divorce. So, tick a box to confirm jurisdiction and fill in your location in California. Note that incorrect selection or details can result in your filing being rejected. ### Item 5: Legal grounds ![Item 5: Legal Grounds (FL-700)](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Legal-ground.webp) #### What to do : There’s nothing to do here. It merely explains that California is a no-fault state, and you don’t need proof or explanations to end the marriage. ### Item 6: Children under 18 ![Item 6: Children Under 18 (FL-700)](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/your-childern-who-are-under-18-A.webp) ![Item 6: Children Under 18](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/6-b.webp) #### What to do : Answer YES or NO clearly. If yes, list each child and attach FL-105 for each parent. ### Item 7: Issues you agree on or plan to agree on ![Item 7: Issues You Agree On or Plan to Agree On (FL-700)](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/issue-you-agree-on-or-plan-to-agree-on.webp) #### What to do : Confirm which issues you agree on or plan to agree on. If you cannot agree on key issues, the joint petition will be revoked. In the Other box, consider adding “Reimbursements and credits,” as an item to work on with your spouse. ### Item 8: Your agreements & rights you are giving up ![Item 8: Your Agreements FL-700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/your-agreements-the-legal-rights-you-are-giving-up.webp) ![Item 8: Rights You Are Giving Up FL-700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/8-b.webp) #### What to do : Filing FL-700 means you acknowledge the immediate effect of ATROs, disclosure deadlines, and limits on court motions unless revoked. You also cannot file motions or court requests unless the joint petition is revoked. ### Item 9-11: ![Other matters in Joint Petition](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/9.a.webp) ![Your Signature on FL 700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/your-signatures.webp) ![Your Lawyers Signature - FL 700](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/your-lawyers-signatures.webp) #### What to do : For item 9, only use it if you need to explain something unusual or attach additional information like the MC-025 if needed. In Item 10, both parties must date and scan the form before filing. Electronic or scanned signatures are acceptable. Lastly, leave Item 11 blank if neither spouse has a lawyer or a formal representation. ## How much does a Joint Divorce Cost in California? In a joint divorce, the court filing fee is typically $435 per person. It is paid once per case. Since the filing fees are the same, the benefit of a joint filing is more limited. The benefit boils down to not having to complete a Response or serve the Petition.  If you need assistance with FL-700 but can’t afford an attorney, The Complete Divorce offers its services as a solution. For a starting price of $49.99, you can avoid attorney costs while having expert guidance to complete the forms  and other aspects of your divorce process. ## How it Works (Online Divorce with The Complete Divorce)? [The Complete Divorce](https://thecompletedivorce.com/) simplifies the joint divorce process for eligible couples in California.  Here’s how it works: - **Check Eligibility: **First, you confirm eligibility, which means state requirements must be met. Ideally, you and your spouse are willing to work together. However, The Complete Divorce is so valuable and low-cost that you can use it just for you.  - **Complete Your Forms: **Next, step-by-step, our portal walks you through the process, ensuring FL-700 is completed accurately. Related forms are also handled correctly.  - **Expert Review: **Should you need additional assistance, you can work directly with our divorce experts to have your forms reviewed.  - **FIle Your Papers: **Finally, your forms are filed electronically, accurately, and on time, helping you limit unnecessary delays. California's Best DIY Divorce Program Get Divorce through our fully-assisted program - Court-Approved Forms - 100 % Legit Divorce - Fully Assisted Online - Low-Cost Divorce ![google icon](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/google-icon.png)⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2000+ Couples Successfully Divorced [ Start My Divorce ](https://buy.stripe.com/bJe8wO4Inbryg8y2Ar3ZK01) ## Why Choose Us? [The Complete Divorce](https://thecompletedivorce.com/) makes filing the joint petition simpler and more reliable. Our AI-powered system streamlines every step, guaranteeing that delays are reduced and confusion is minimized. Your information also remains private as secure systems protect confidentiality throughout.  At $49.99 per month, the guided DIY approach is affordable and access is possible from any device. Most importantly, filings are done correctly the first time; so, common legal mistakes are avoided and your waiting period begins without unnecessary setbacks. ### Reviewed By: ![Online Divorce in California with Legal Expert DINA HADDAD](https://thecompletedivorce.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/DINA-HADDAD.webp) [ Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/thecompletedivorce/) [ Linkedin ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/dinahaddad/) [ X-twitter ](https://twitter.com/MediatorDina) [ Youtube ](https://www.youtube.com/@divorcewithdina) [ Tiktok ](https://www.tiktok.com/@divorcewithdina) ### Dina Haddad ** Founder of The Complete Divorce ** “Hi. I’m Dina Haddad, a divorce attorney-mediator here in California. I’m so tired of couples not having a process that’s easy to complete their divorce. They are getting lost, wasting time and money, and beyond frustrated with their results.   That’s why I created The Complete Divorce, California’s premier online divorce program. I took my successful mediation practice and condensed it into an affordable and winning program.” [ View Profile ](https://thecompletedivorce.com/about-us/) ## FAQ — FL-700 Can my spouse be defaulted in an FL-700 joint divorce? ** ** No. Default is not possible with FL-700 because both spouses appear together. Default applies only to traditional cases using FL-100 and FL-120. Can domestic partners use FL-700? ** ** Yes. Registered domestic partners may use FL-700 if both agree on all issues. If applicable, the domestic partnership must be ended correctly. Selecting the wrong option can delay the case. Do we need a lawyer for an FL-700 joint petition? ** ** No. A lawyer is not required. California allows DIY filing, but mistakes can cause delays or rejection. Guided services like [The Complete Divorce](https://thecompletedivorce.com/) help ensure accurate filing and review.