CA SB1427

Establishes a joint petition process for dissolution of marriage or legal separation, effective January 1, 2026, for marriages that do not meet summary dissolution requirements.

Requires joint petitions to include the date of marriage, number of children, age and date of birth of each child, and a list of issues the parties agree to resolve (custody, support, property division, etc.).

Deems a joint petition served on both parties upon filing with the court in Judicial Council-approved form, eliminating the need for separate service and response procedures.

Allows either party to file an amended petition or response before judgment; filing an amendment converts the joint petition to a standard petition proceeding under existing dissolution rules.

Requires the Judicial Council to adopt necessary rules and forms by January 1, 2026 to implement the new joint petition process.