Beginning January 1, 2026, California will introduce a significant change to family law that promises to make the divorce process more accessible for couples who can work together amicably. Senate Bill 1427 expands the joint petition process, removing long-standing restrictions that previously limited this streamlined approach to only the simplest of cases.
At Kraft Miles, A Law Corporation, our family law attorneys have been helping San Fernando Valley families navigate divorce for over three decades, and we're here to help you understand how this new legislation may benefit your situation.
The Old Rules: Why Joint Petitions Were So Limited
For decades, California offered a summary dissolution process that allowed couples to file a joint petition, but eligibility was severely restricted. Only couples who met very specific criteria could use this simplified approach: marriages under five years, no children, no real property, limited assets (not to exceed $57,000 including cars) and debts (not to exceed $7,000), and no requests for spousal support.
These requirements meant that most divorcing couples were automatically excluded from the joint petition option, even when both parties agreed on all aspects of the divorce. The traditional process required one spouse to file as the petitioner and formally serve the other as the respondent, creating an adversarial structure from the start.
What Senate Bill 1427 Changes
Senate Bill 1427 removes the previous ceiling on joint petitions, allowing couples with children, significant assets, higher net worth, and support issues to file jointly when they're in agreement. Under this new process, both parties file together as joint petitioners rather than being designated as opposing parties.
This collaborative approach eliminates the need for formal service of process and reduces unnecessary procedural steps. Couples must include details about children, complete financial disclosures, and a comprehensive list of all issues they intend to resolve by agreement.
Key Advantages of the New Joint Petition Process
The expanded joint petition option offers numerous benefits for cooperative couples:
Faster Resolution - Eliminates unnecessary steps, potentially reducing the timeline from years to months
Lower Costs - Avoids duplicative work and adversarial positioning, significantly decreasing legal expenses
Collaborative Atmosphere - Starting as equals rather than opponents maintains a cooperative tone throughout
Greater Privacy - Minimizes contested hearings, keeping personal matters more confidential
More Control - Couples make their own decisions rather than leaving critical issues to a judge
Preserves Dignity - Particularly important when co-parenting relationships must continue after divorce
What Issues Must Be Resolved?
Couples filing a joint petition must agree on all relevant matters, including:
Child custody, visitation, and support arrangements
Spousal support terms and duration
Division of all community property and assets
Allocation of community debts and liabilities
The law still requires complete financial disclosure of all assets, debts, income, and liabilities. Both parties must be able to communicate openly and maintain full financial transparency throughout the process.
What If Circumstances Change?
If disputes arise after a joint petition is filed, either party may revoke it by filing an amended petition or response. This converts the case into a traditional dissolution proceeding. The same applies if either party files a Request for Order with the court before entry of judgment.
Why Legal Representation Still Matters
While the joint petition process is more cooperative, professional legal guidance remains essential to protect your rights and interests. Even in amicable divorces, complex considerations require careful attention.
Issues such as business valuations, accurate asset and property division, retirement account allocations, and tax implications demand expertise to ensure equitable outcomes. Without proper guidance, you may inadvertently agree to terms that disadvantage you financially or fail to address important legal protections.
How Kraft Miles, A Law Corporation Can Help
At Kraft Miles, A Law Corporation, we have over 60 years of combined experience serving families throughout the San Fernando Valley. Our firm has always emphasized conflict resolution and amicable solutions when possible, making us ideally positioned to assist couples who wish to take advantage of this new collaborative framework.
We proudly serve clients located in:
West Hills
Woodland Hills
Calabasas
Topanga
Tarzana
Encino
Westlake Village
Hidden Hills
We can help ensure that your joint petition includes all necessary information, that your financial disclosures are complete and accurate, and that your agreements are legally sound and in your best long-term interests. Should circumstances change and litigation become necessary, our skilled trial lawyers are fully prepared to provide fierce advocacy in the courtroom.
Taking the Next Step
If you're considering divorce and believe you and your spouse might benefit from the joint petition process, now is an ideal time to consult with an experienced family law attorney. Whether you ultimately pursue a joint petition, mediation, or traditional litigation, having knowledgeable legal counsel ensures that you make informed decisions.
At Kraft Miles, A Law Corporation, we are committed to helping San Fernando Valley families navigate their toughest life transitions with compassion, integrity, and strategic expertise. For couples who can work together cooperatively, Senate Bill 1427 represents a welcome evolution in California family law—one that honors the possibility of ending a marriage with dignity while still ensuring that both parties' interests are protected.
If you have questions about how this new legislation may apply to your situation, contact us online or call (818) 462-5076 today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.