Question: My partner and I both agree we want to terminate our domestic partnership; is there a quick and easy way to terminate our domestic partnership?

Answer: Yes, there is a quick and easy way to terminate your domestic partnership, called “summary dissolution,” if you and your partner meet certain requirements.

In California, if you qualify for a summary dissolution, you will not have to talk to a judge and can terminate your domestic partnership with a one-time filing with the Secretary of State. Your partnership will automatically be terminated six months after your file your Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership. After these six months, you will be divorced. You can get remarried or enter into a new domestic partnership if you wish. (If you are both married, and have a registered domestic partnership, you may also use the summary dissolution of marriage procedure to end both, see our related article here.)

To qualify for summary dissolution of a domestic partnership in California, the parties must meet certain requirements under the law. You and your domestic partner must:

Both want to terminate your domestic partnership;

Have not been registered as a domestic partnership for more than 5 years on the date that you file your Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership;

Have no children together born or adopted before or during the domestic partnership (and are not currently expecting a new child);

Do not own any part of land or buildings;

Do not rent any land or buildings (except for where you live now, as long as you do not have a 1-year lease or option to buy);

Do not owe more than $6,000 for debts acquired since the date of your domestic partnership; Do not include your car loans

Have less than $41,000 worth of property acquired during the domestic partnership;

Do not have separate property worth more than $41,000;

Agree that neither wants partner support from the other; and

Have signed an agreement that either divides your property and debts, or says there is no community property or debts to divide.

If you meet the above requirements, then you may use the simplified procedure available for summary dissolution. Summary dissolution is a quick and cost effective way for qualified domestic partners in California to terminate their domestic partnership. However, the process can still be confusing. For assistance obtaining a summary dissolution, contact our attorneys today. We offer competitive rates, and streamline the process for you, so you can get your paperwork filed, and get on with your life. Call us today!