A practical Bakersfield guide to California’s new joint-petition option, the information couples should organize, and where document preparation support may fit.
| Quick answer: Starting January 1, 2026, California allows spouses or domestic partners who qualify for the joint-petition process to start a divorce or legal separation together. Filing the joint petition starts the case; it does not by itself complete the divorce. |
California added a new way for qualifying couples to start a divorce or legal separation together. Beginning January 1, 2026, spouses or domestic partners who are working together can use a joint petition when the process fits their situation. For Bakersfield couples researching a cooperative divorce, this is one of the most important California family-law process changes to understand in 2026.
A joint petition does not automatically complete a divorce, and it does not remove the need to organize financial information, child-related information when applicable, and final paperwork. The biggest change is how the case can begin. That distinction matters because a simpler start is not the same thing as a completed divorce.
First Class Paralegal Co provides divorce document preparation in Bakersfield and serves clients throughout nearby Kern County communities. The information below explains the joint-petition option in plain language and highlights the paperwork categories couples may want to organize before they begin.
What Changed in California in 2026?
California Courts explains that, starting January 1, 2026, spouses or domestic partners may be able to start a divorce or legal separation by filing one joint petition together. Instead of one person starting the case and serving the other with the initial petition, the parties begin the case together when the joint process applies.
The joint process is intended for people who are cooperating and are able to proceed together. It is important to review the current requirements directly with California Courts Self-Help because court forms and procedures can change.
Joint Petition vs. a Traditional Divorce Start
| Topic | Joint Petition Path | Traditional Start |
| How the case starts | Both spouses/partners begin together with one joint filing. | One spouse files to start the case and the other spouse is served. |
| Agreement level | Designed for parties proceeding cooperatively under the joint-petition requirements. | Can be used whether issues are agreed or disputed. |
| Does the first filing finish the divorce? | No. Later steps and final documents are still required. | No. Required steps and final paperwork still follow. |
| Paperwork planning | Both people should organize the information needed for the joint filing and later finalization. | Petitioner and respondent organize their forms, disclosures, and later documents. |
What Bakersfield Couples Should Organize Before Starting
Even when two people agree to start the case together, accurate and consistent information matters. Organizing the basics first can make document preparation easier to review and can reduce avoidable back-and-forth.
- Full legal names and current contact information for both spouses or domestic partners.
- Marriage or domestic partnership dates and the date of separation, if known and applicable.
- Information about minor children, including where they have lived and whether any custody case or order already exists.
- Property and debt information needed for disclosures and final agreements.
- Income and expense information when support or financial issues are involved.
- Existing court documents, case numbers, orders, written agreements, or related family-court paperwork.
- A written summary of the terms both people believe they have agreed on so inconsistent details can be identified before paperwork is prepared.
What Forms Are Common in a California Divorce?
California uses statewide family-law forms. In the traditional divorce process, common forms include FL-100 (Petition – Marriage/Domestic Partnership) and FL-110 (Summons). When minor children are involved, FL-105/GC-120 is commonly used for UCCJEA information. Financial disclosure steps may involve FL-140, FL-150, FL-142 or FL-160, and FL-141. Joint-petition cases use the forms and instructions assigned to that process, so readers should use current forms rather than relying on an old downloaded packet.
For current forms, use the California Courts divorce forms page and check for any local Kern County requirements that apply to the filing.
What If You Have Children?
A cooperative start does not make child-related paperwork disappear. If the divorce involves minor children, parents may still need to address custody, visitation or parenting time, and child support. Information should stay consistent across forms and with any existing court case or order.
If your divorce involves parenting or support issues, review First Class Paralegal Co’s child custody and child support document preparation service for more focused document support.
Financial Information Still Matters
California divorce cases include financial disclosure requirements. Even when spouses are cooperative, accurate financial information can be important for complete and consistent paperwork. Organize income information, assets, debts, expenses, and any support-related information that is relevant to the requested documents.
If a matter involves substantial property, business interests, retirement assets, complex support questions, or disagreements about legal rights, legal advice from a qualified attorney may be appropriate. Document preparation support is different from legal advice or legal representation.
Local Kern County Considerations
Kern County Superior Court maintains family-law and self-help resources for dissolution, parentage, custody, visitation, support, and Requests for Order. Bakersfield residents can review the court’s current family-law information through the Kern County Superior Court Family Law page and the Kern County Self-Help Center.
How First Class Paralegal Co Can Help
First Class Paralegal Co provides professional document preparation support for clients in Bakersfield and nearby Kern County communities. Divorce-related support may include:
- Divorce document preparation
- Uncontested divorce paperwork support
- Family-law document preparation
- Child custody and visitation-related paperwork
- Child support and modification-related paperwork
- Document organization based on information provided by the client
You can also review family law document preparation services or browse all paralegal and document preparation services offered by First Class Paralegal Co.
| Need help organizing divorce paperwork in Bakersfield? Contact First Class Paralegal Co for professional document preparation support. Mayra Fernandez brings 15+ years of experience serving Bakersfield and nearby Kern County communities. Call (661) 805-2160 | Email First Class Paralegal Co |
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
| Can California couples file for divorce together in 2026? | California created a joint-petition option effective January 1, 2026. Couples should review the current California Courts requirements to confirm whether that process applies to their situation. |
| Does a joint petition make the divorce final immediately? | No. Filing a joint petition starts the case. Later steps and final documents are still required before the divorce or legal separation is completed. |
| Who is the joint-petition process designed for? | It is designed for spouses or domestic partners who are proceeding together and can use the joint process under California’s current requirements. |
| Do we still need to organize financial information? | Yes. Divorce preparation can still involve disclosures, income and expense information, assets, debts, support issues, and final agreement details. |
| What if we have children? | Custody, visitation or parenting time, and child support may require additional information and forms. Existing cases or orders should also be considered when organizing paperwork. |
| Where can Bakersfield residents get divorce document help? | First Class Paralegal Co provides divorce document preparation support in Bakersfield and nearby Kern County communities. Call (661) 805-2160 to discuss the paperwork you need help preparing. |
Official Sources
- California Courts – Joint petition for divorce or legal separation
- California Courts – The divorce process
- California Courts – Divorce forms
- Kern County Superior Court – Family Law
- Kern County Superior Court – Self Help
| Ready to discuss your document preparation needs? Call First Class Paralegal Co at (661) 805-2160 or email FirstClassParalegalco@gmail.com. Serving Bakersfield and nearby Kern County communities. Call (661) 805-2160 | Email First Class Paralegal Co |
General Information Only: This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not legal advice. Mayra Fernandez is a Registered Legal Document Assistant and is not an attorney. First Class Paralegal Co does not provide legal advice or court representation to self-represented clients.