How to Cancel a Domestic Partnership in California

It can be tricky to dissolve a domestic partnership.

After deciding to establish a domestic partnership, partners may decide to return to their single state. Canceling a domestic partnership in California can be difficult if the partnership is long established and there are children or property involved. Even though the process can be time consuming, it is possible to terminate a domestic partnership and return to a single status.

Instructions

1. File a petition for legal separation of domestic partners with the Superior Court. This must be done if partners have been together for more than five years, have joint property valuing more than $5,000 or have minor children. A petition for legal separation will temporarily divide joint property and debt, and establish custody of minor children or financial support orders.

2. File a petition for the dissolution of a domestic partnership with the Superior Court of California. Filing through the Superior Court of California will grant the petitioner the right to seek the intervention of a mediator or a judge if necessary. A dissolution is similar to a traditional divorce and will settle the custody of minor children, award property and establish child or spousal support. It will also determine the division of debt acquired during the partnership that is outstanding at the time of termination.

3. Arrange for a copy of the filed petitions and the court summons to be delivered to your partner. The delivery must be completed by an adult other than yourself. If you are not comfortable having a friend or family member complete this task, there are third-party delivery services that will do it for you. Ask the Superior Court to recommend service providers.

4. Come to an agreement with your partner. While it is possible to request a trial or mediation through the Superior Court, working directly with your partner will often make the dissolution process faster. If you are unable to come to an agreement, request court mediation to help come up with a settlement agreement that is reasonable to both parties.

5. Wait for the dissolution to be granted by the court. Once a judge has granted your petition, you and your partner will return to your previous single status. The entire process usually takes a minimum of six months, but it can take longer if there is difficulty dividing property or deciding custody arrangements.

References

• San Diego State University Research Foundation: Terminating a California Registered Domestic Partnership