CONTACT US (619) 255-8500

Summary Dissolution – The Easy Divorce

Request a case evaluation
summary dissolution san diego

Summary Dissolution – The Easy Divorce

Not all divorces require that you and your spouse go to court to reach an amicable divorce settlement. If you and your spouse are on relatively good terms, then you should consider a summary dissolution, as it is the most efficient way to become legally divorced following California’s brief six-month waiting period. Because summary dissolution requires that you and your spouse are in complete agreement regarding the major components of your divorce agreement, it is vital that you speak with an attorney that understands California divorce law. At Fair Cadora, our family law attorneys want to help you move onto the next stage of your life and have helped hundreds of couples through the summary dissolution process.

Summary Dissolution Qualifications

If you meet certain criteria and have the cooperation of your spouse, you may qualify for a streamlined divorce process called Summary Dissolution.

You must provide proof of residency for at least six months to file a summary dissolution in California. Some other requirements in the State of California include:

  • You must have been married for five years or less
  • There are no minor children of the marriage
  • Neither party is pregnant
  • Neither party owns land or buildings
  • There is less than $6,000 in debt accumulated during the marriage
  • Your community property is worth $47,000 or less
  • Neither party has separate property (other than cars) worth more than $47,000

Trustworthy Legal Advice

The above information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice. There are various other requirements that come with a summary dissolution that need to be addressed prior to filing your case. By discussing your case with one of our lawyers, we can help ensure that you are meeting California’s strict dissolution standards.

Schedule a Strategy Session with One of Our Summary Dissolution Legal Experts

At Fair Cadora we offer a strategy session for potential new clients to help take some of the pressure off the legal process. We like for our potential new clients to get to know us and get a feel for our practice, so they can feel confident with our representation. If you’re facing summary dissolution and not sure where to start, contact one of our experienced San Diego summary dissolution attorneys to schedule a strategy session.

Request a case evaluation

Request Case Evaluation

At Fair Cadora, we understand that family law cases can be overwhelming and stressful. The attorney you choose can make or break your case. That’s why we offer a paid strategy session to all potential clients. We want you to have the chance to connect with us and gain your trust, while receiving valuable advice and insight about your situation. During a strategy session, we will review the details of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your legal options. The quality of our work and advice during a strategy session will allow you to make an informed decision about the next steps in your case and assess if it feels like a fit for us to work together. The first step is to request a case evaluation.

Request a Case Evaluation Today
A woman shaking hands with a man at a desk.
filing divorce papers

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary dissolution is a simplified divorce process available to eligible couples in California who meet specific criteria, allowing for a quicker and less complex dissolution of their marriage.

To qualify, both spouses must meet certain requirements, including having a short marriage (typically less than 5 years), no children together, limited shared assets, and a mutual agreement on the division of debts and assets.

Couples initiate the process by jointly completing and filing the required forms with the court. These forms include the Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution and other relevant documents.

After filing the necessary documents, there is a six-month waiting period before the court finalizes the summary dissolution.

While legal representation is not required, it is advisable for each spouse to consult with an attorney to ensure their rights are protected and/or to have assistance with completing the forms and having them processed with the court. Typically, there is no court appearance required for a summary dissolution, making it a more streamlined process compared to a traditional divorce.

Summary dissolution is a simplified divorce process available to eligible couples in California who meet specific criteria, allowing for a quicker and less complex dissolution of their marriage.

To qualify, both spouses must meet certain requirements, including having a short marriage (typically less than 5 years), no children together, limited shared assets, and a mutual agreement on the division of debts and assets.

Couples initiate the process by jointly completing and filing the required forms with the court. These forms include the Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution and other relevant documents.

After filing the necessary documents, there is a six-month waiting period before the court finalizes the summary dissolution.

While legal representation is not required, it is advisable for each spouse to consult with an attorney to ensure their rights are protected and/or to have assistance with completing the forms and having them processed with the court. Typically, there is no court appearance required for a summary dissolution, making it a more streamlined process compared to a traditional divorce.

No, sole legal custody and sole physical custody are not the same in California. Sole legal custody refers to who makes major decisions for the child, while sole physical custody determines the child’s primary residence.