California expands low-cost divorce option to more couples, particularly those with children

"Deciding to end a marriage can be difficult, painful and expensive, but the state is giving more couples who choose to amicably call it quits access to a low-cost divorce option. The average cost of a California divorce is about $17,500, due to court filings, proceedings and attorney fees. That's about $2,500 higher than the national average. But for $435, more California couples can avoid the onerous legal separation process and begin divorce proceedings in a more streamlined way."

"The option is made possible by Senate Bill 1427, which becomes law Thursday. Signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the law expands what's called a joint petition for summary dissolution to more couples, particularly those with children, who agree on terms in advance and meet certain requirements. This process allows both parties in the divorce to reduce processing times and legal costs when each spouse files separately, according to a news release from Los Angeles County Superior Court."

California expanded access to the joint petition for summary dissolution under SB 1427, allowing more couples to use a low-cost, streamlined divorce process. The new law permits couples with children to file a joint petition if they agree on property, support and child-related matters and meet certain residency and financial requirements. The option reduces legal fees and processing times compared with separate filings, with an estimated $435 filing cost versus an average $17,500 divorce. The law retains limits on debts, property and residency but broadens eligibility, aiming to make amicable separations faster and less expensive for qualifying couples.

Read at Los Angeles Times