Why California’s FL-700 and FL-800 Have Replaced FL-100 for Cooperative Divorces

California has long offered a simplified divorce option for certain couples called Summary Dissolution (FL-800). More recently, the state introduced a broader joint filing process using FL-700. At the same time, many people are familiar with the traditional divorce process that begins with FL-100. Understanding how these forms differ can help clarify which process applies in an uncontested case.

What Both Options Have in Common

Both FL-700 and FL-800 are designed for couples who are working together and have reached agreement on all issues. This means:

Both spouses must agree on everything, including property division, debts, and support if any
Both spouses must sign the paperwork
No service of divorce papers is required since both spouses file jointly
These options are intended for uncontested divorces, not contested cases

In short, both processes are cooperative and eliminate the traditional petitioner and respondent structure used in contested divorces.

Option 1: Joint Petition for Summary Dissolution (FL-800)

The Summary Dissolution process has been available in California for many years and remains the simplest option, but only for couples who meet strict eligibility rules.

To qualify for FL-800, couples must generally meet requirements such as:

Married less than five years from date of marriage to date of separation
No minor children together
No real estate ownership
No request for spousal support
Community property under $57,000 dollars, not counting cars
Separate property under $57,000 dollars per spouse
Community debts under $7,000 dollars, not counting car loans

One major advantage of FL-800 is that it requires fewer financial disclosure forms. In most cases, couples only complete the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) rather than the full set of financial disclosures.

Because of these limits, many couples do not qualify for Summary Dissolution, but for those who do, it remains the fastest and least paperwork intensive option.

Option 2: Joint Petition—Marriage or Domestic Partnership (FL-700)

The newer FL-700 Joint Petition process expands the ability for couples to file together even if they do not meet the strict Summary Dissolution requirements.

This option is available to couples who:

Agree on all issues
May have children or no children
May have more property or debts than allowed under Summary Dissolution
Want to avoid service of divorce papers

Unlike FL-800, the FL-700 process requires full financial disclosures, including forms such as the Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140), Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142), Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150), and related waiver and service declarations.

So while FL-700 removes the service requirement and simplifies the filing process, it does not reduce the financial disclosure requirements.

How FL-700 Differs from the Traditional FL-100 Process

In addition to the two joint filing options above, California also still has a traditional divorce process that begins with Form FL-100. This is the standard Petition for Dissolution used when one spouse files for divorce and must formally serve the other spouse. Under the FL-100 process, the Petitioner must arrange for service of the Summons and Petition by someone who is at least 18 years old and not involved in the case. The Petitioner may not serve the papers personally. After service is completed, a Proof of Service must be filed with the court. This service requirement applies even in cases where both spouses agree on everything.

Fortunately, the FL-700 Joint Petition eliminates that entire service step when both spouses are willing to sign the Petition at the outset. Because both parties sign the Petition together, there is no need to coordinate service or file a Proof of Service.

For cooperative couples who have reached agreement on all issues, removing the service requirement simplifies the process and avoids an unnecessary procedural step and makes filing an FL-100 obsolete.

It is important not to confuse this with Summary Dissolution (FL-800). FL-800 has strict eligibility limits and reduced financial disclosure requirements. FL-700 does not have those eligibility restrictions, but it does require full financial disclosures. In short, FL-800 is the simplest option for couples who qualify. FL-700 is the broader joint option that avoids service but requires full disclosures. FL-100 is the traditional service-based process.

Why the Names Are So Confusing

Both processes use the phrase Joint Petition, even though they serve different purposes. FL-800 is the long standing Summary Dissolution option with strict limits and fewer disclosures. FL-700 is the newer Joint Petition option with broader eligibility and full disclosures. To most people, these names sound interchangeable. In reality, they represent two different legal tracks with different paperwork and eligibility rules.

Which Option Is Right for You

If you meet the strict eligibility rules and want the least amount of paperwork, Summary Dissolution (FL-800) may be the right choice. If you and your spouse agree on everything but do not qualify for Summary Dissolution, the newer Joint Petition (FL-700) process allows you to file together without service of papers, but with full financial disclosures.

For cooperative uncontested cases in which both spouses are willing to sign the required documents, FL-700 simplifies the process by eliminating formal service. Neither joint option is designed for contested divorces.