Upon filing for divorce, many people ask, “How long will this take?” However, another question we often receive is whether the California divorce timeline for a domestic partnership is different from that of a marriage. Plus, if the timeline is different, is it longer or shorter? If you’re trying to gauge the timeline for your separation from a domestic partner, read on to learn more.

What our Clients Say...
“Made the process so easy for me. Also VERY prompt replies through email. So glad I used their services.“
Kristina C.
“I was very happy with the service received. They were extremely responsive by phone and email and completed the document in less than 24 hours! All questions were answered promptly. I would highly recommend this service to anyone needing a legal document prepared!”
M.D.
“This company is excellent! They helped me get through all of my paperwork, submitted it to the court, and now everything is complete. Everything was clear and almost too easy. I saved thousands of dollars!”
Seth M.
“The service provided by A People’s Choice was very professional and comprehensive. We have used A People’s Choice on a previous occasion and were completely satisfied. We would highly recommend A People’s Choice to anyone!“
R. Betancourt
“So glad I found this company to handle my divorce. They were very professional and detail oriented, answering all of my (many) questions and kept me informed. They handled everything for me from hundreds of miles away and made it pretty seamless. The pricing was in the exact range we were looking for. Very honest company and great to work with!”
Jessica J.
“I used A People’s Choice to complete custody paperwork. No disappointment here. The service was easy and painless. It might have been nice to have a discussion by phone, but it was still quite easy and quick via email. Overall, the process was simple and I would use A People’s Choice again.”
Michael J.
“A People’s Choice offers a very professional, low cost service for all sorts of legal paperwork, from living trusts to divorce, bankruptcy and everything in between. If you know what you want to do and don’t need legal advice, I strongly recommend calling this company. You won’t be disappointed and will save lots of money!”
Kathryn R.
“I used A People’s Choice for filing divorce paperwork for an uncontested divorce. The price was very affordable and fair. Excellent service throughout. Not being able to call and talk on the phone worried me at first but they responded to every email extremely quickly. Directions were very easy to understand. Will definitely use them again if I need.
Frank M.
“A People’s Choice helped me with my QDRO. They were very professional and very honest. They saved me a lot of money by having them do all the paperwork. There was no hidden fees. I would recommend A People’s Choice for any of your needs. They are very knowledgeable in what they do. Thank you A People’s Choice for all your help!”
Debra H.
“A People’s Choice prepares legal documents so you can represent yourself and still look like you know what you’re doing. I utilized their services recently and found them to be professional as well as extremely helpful. I couldn’t be happier.”
Evan J.
“How much is peace of mind worth to you? This company of hardworking, caring individuals will help you get the job done in the quickest, most efficient way. Conveniently located. Check it out. Thank you!”
Diana K.
“I needed help understanding and filling out legal documents, but I didn’t have enough money to pay for an attorney. The staff at A People’s Choice was very professional and helpful. They took care of all of the paperwork and filings and kept me posted. I would highly recommend them. You will get outstanding service at an affordable price. “
Sharon B.
“I had contacted a lawyer and he wanted to charge me $1800.00. Then I found A People’s Choice. They got my paperwork started and at a much lower cost, and steered me, with the help of lots of paperwork, in the right direction. I am grateful for the company’s services and would recommend them to anyone that may need the services they offer.”
April R.
“A People’s Choice is awesome! They made the legal documentation process painless. I highly recommend A People’s Choice. The name says it all.”
Eric J.
“I can’t say enough about the level of service and professionalism I received working with A People’s Choice. Emails were always responded to quickly and thoughtfully. They really care about the process and helping you get the best result with no up-selling. The process played out according to plan, and I ended up saving a lot of money by going with A People’s Choice over an attorney.”
M. Rice
“A People’s Choice is a business that delivers what they promise. I was treated like a VIP by their staff. As for their services, they promptly delivered all of the official documents and fillings on my behalf and their price is more than reasonable. In short, this is a business that I will always recommend and continue to use. Thank you!”
Juan B.
“Overwhelmed with my divorce, custody and child support paperwork, A Peoples Choice made everything so much easier and really put my mind at ease. I couldn’t be happier with their assistance and it really made all the process speed up for me. Thank you so much for all your help.”
Samantha R.
“I would just like to comment on what a great job A People’s Choice did with my divorce. I could not be happier. They let me know how they keep the cost down by communicating through email. I also appreciated how when I had a question they got back with me in the day or in the evening. APeoples Choice is a good deal for the consumer.”
R. Leyva
“Highly recommend A People’s Choice. The customer service and professionalism are exceptional. My documents were delivered to me quickly and accurately. Compared to using an attorney for complete paperwork, this service is only a fraction of the cost, more responsive, and better suited to quickly completing complicated court forms. “
Linda F.
“I’ve worked with A People’s Choice since September 2013.  They are very knowledgeable and experienced.  Their work is done professionally and timely.  They show a real concern for my situation.  I recommend you give them the opportunity to be of service to you.”
D. Echeverra
“Great service. Highly professional and efficient creating legal documents. I am completely satisfied and highly recommend them to others. I am so glad I found you on the internet. People who are looking for professional legal services look no further, try A People’s Choice.”
Radtech N.
“I thought I could save money and file my own divorce paperwork. The court clerks offer no assistance whatsoever! The best advice I can give is to call A People’s Choice first. They typed up my paperwork and my divorce was final in two weeks! Would highly recommend them to everyone.”
L. Bayer
“Divorce is usually never pleasant but A People’s Choice made it much easier than it would have been if we tried to do the divorce paperwork on our own. They were very quick to respond to us and always took the time to answer all of our questions thoroughly, in addition to quickly. I would highly recommend them for handling divorce paperwork.”
Susan Z.
“I recently required the help of A People’s Choice, Inc. and found them to be entirely professional. Everything was done in short order yet all was explained to my satisfaction. They were friendly and courteous. I am happy and impressed.”
C. Zyobel
“Just recently moved to the Ventura area and didn’t know of any companies to help me with my legal paperwork. I am glad I chose A People’s Choice. They were very friendly and helped me with my documents in a very efficient way in very little time. Give them a try and you will be writing a positive review just as I did.”
D. Buelna
“Want to personally thank the staff at A People’s Choice for making my divorce process so simple and painless. From my 1st contact in the office, they were was warm and friendly and took the time to explain each step in a very simple and quick manner. Filing for a divorce can be a difficult and painful process and the staff was extremely professional and clear in all guidance and explanations. I highly recommend A People’s Choice.”
C. Hannon
“Extremely satisfied with the performance of A People’s Choice. The communication was excellent and all was handled in a timely efficient manner. “
Pam T.
“When I first saw all of the documents required to file I was overwhelmed. Already dealing with the stress of everything else, I did not want to deal with the courts, a mountain load of paperwork and trips to file as well. I’m VERY happy that I went with A People’s Choice. They were very helpful, despite all of my questions. I definitely recommend.”
M. McCleod
“Very professional, excellent follow up and easy to work with. I will recommend them often! The staff rocks!”
Gene A.
“I can’t remember how I found A People’s Choice, but am completely satisfied with the service provided. The person I worked with was very friendly whenever we spoke on the phone and always responded promptly to any emails. The entire process was smooth and painless. Would recommend A People’s Choice without hesitation.”
Les A.
“A People’s Choice saved me time, money & hardship. The people are professional and a pleasure to work with, I totally recommend them to everyone! I will used them for all my legal documents in the future. Thank you!”
C. Lazalde
“This team is efficient, professional, ethical and easy to work with. Any of my questions were responded to immediately. They did everything they could to help me. I highly recommend their services.”
Leigh A.
“Lightning fast response, I had my very simple document on the same day as my order for the very fair and reasonable price of $325 (including the rush fee!) compared to my attorney who quoted me 3 weeks and $2500. I will definitely use these folks again and highly recommend them!”
L. Carnes
“I had the opportunity to use A People’s Choice again, Wow doesn’t say enough for the way the staff was able to get me in and out and all my answers answered. Very P-professional, organized and Friendly. I highly recommend!”
Debbie E.
“My wife and I needed to have papers filed in court but found traditional lawyers were quite expensive. A People’s Choice did a professional job completing our paperwork and I might say, at a very reasonable price. You can bet I will contact A People’s Choice again if or when the need arises. “
D. Hileman
“A People’s Choice is extremely customer orientated and friendly.  Their service was fast and reliable. in the future, should I need their services again, I will not hesitate to call them. All e-mails were answered with either a phone call or e-mail sometimes even late at night“
Tar

Get help terminating your domestic partnership in California!

START MY DIVORCE TODAY

…or continue reading the article below to learn more about the California divorce timeline for domestic partners.

How is a Domestic Partnership Different From a Marriage?

California law defines domestic partnership as “two adults who have chosen to share one another’s lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring” (SB-30). Originally, California intended for same-sex couples to primarily utilize domestic partnerships. That said, the state also granted same-sex couples the right to marry in 2013.

Domestic partnerships are beneficial for couples looking for legal protection after one partner dies. Additionally, domestic partners can adopt children more easily than couples without a legal partnership. However, California’s domestic partnerships are not federally recognized. As a result, couples may have trouble adopting a child from another country or registering for federal employment benefits. Generally, individuals opt for domestic partnership over marriage to avoid religious and patriarchal affiliations. Further, some couples may enter a domestic partnership to avoid remarriage after a previous divorce.

California’s New Domestic Partnership Laws

As of late 2019, California’s domestic partnership laws changed to “remove the requirement that persons be of the same sex or of the opposite sex and over 62 years of age in order to enter into a domestic partnership” (SB 30 Wiener). In other words, California has opened domestic partnership as an option for heterosexual couples of all ages.

Further, experts are projecting a rise in domestic partnerships in California over the next several years. However, this unfortunately indicates that divorces or separations from domestic partners may also increase in the state. Therefore, Californians should familiarize themselves with the divorce timeline for domestic partnerships as well as marriages.

Terminating Domestic Partnerships

If domestic partners decides to legally separate, or divorce, they may do so in two ways:

1) Termination of Domestic Partnership Through the Secretary of State

In certain circumstances, partners may terminate a registered domestic partnership by preparing and filing a Notice to Terminate Domestic Partnership with the California Secretary of State. However, these parties must meet the following requirements:

  • Both partners have read and understand the Secretary of State brochure regarding terminating domestic partnership.
  • Both partners want to terminate the domestic partnership.
  • Registration of domestic partnership was completed no longer than five years ago.
  • Neither party birthed any children before or during the domestic partnership.
  • Parties did not adopt any children during the domestic partnership.
  • Neither party is now pregnant.
  • Neither party owns any part of land or buildings OR is renting any land or buildings (except where one or both partners live. Further, that lease may not include a purchase option that will end within one year of filing the Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership).
  • Not counting automobiles, community property is not worth more than $40,000.
  • Not counting automobiles, neither party owns separate property worth more than $40,000 (exclusive of automobile values).
  • Besides automobile loans, community obligations are less than $6,000.
  • Both parties are willing to sign an agreement on the division of possessions and debts OR there are no community property or debts.
  • Both parties agree that neither wants money nor support from the other except what is included in the property settlement agreement dividing the community property and obligations.

2) Termination of Domestic Partnership Through the Superior Court

If the domestic partners in question fail to meet any ONE or more of the qualifications listed above, they must divorce through the California Superior Court. In fact, this domestic partnership dissolution process is identical to that of marriage. Specifically, the law states:

The dissolution of a domestic partnership, nullity of a domestic partnership, and legal separation of partners in a domestic partnership shall follow the same procedures, and the partners shall possess the same rights, protections, and benefits, and be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties, as apply to the dissolution of marriage, nullity of marriage, and legal separation of spouses in a marriage, respectively. (California Family Code section 299(a))

California Divorce Timeline for Domestic Partnerships

Whichever method domestic partnerships choose to terminate their relationship, the California divorce timeline is the same as marriage termination. More specifically, divorcing a domestic partner will take at least six months, the same approximate time required for terminating a marriage. Legally speaking, the California Secretary of State states the following:

The domestic partnership will terminate automatically six months after the date the Notice of Termination of Domestic Partnership is filed with the California Secretary of State, as long as neither partner revokes (cancels) the termination before the end of the six-month period. (Source)

That said, while the shortest timeline for California divorce from a domestic partnership is six months, it could take longer. For instance, partners filing divorce through the Superior Court may decide to appear in front of a judge. Further, they may have to attend hearings on contested issues such as child support or alimony. Ultimately, divorcing domestic partners should reference the California divorce timeline for married couples for more information.

A People’s Choice Can Help

Whichever method you are utilizing to terminate your domestic partnership, A People’s Choice is here to help you throughout the entire process. In fact, we offer low-cost, flat-fee services tailored exactly to your needs! Plus, we offer “documents only” AND full-service options depending on how much assistance you require.

A People’s Choice has over 40 years’ experience assisting couples terminating their legal partnerships. Also, we’ve established an excellent reputation in the community. Contact A People’s Choice today to learn more about how we can help you complete and file your divorce paperwork in a timely and efficient manner.

Get help with your Legal documents today!

A People’s Choice can save you hundreds of dollars by preparing your legal documents instead of an expensive attorney!

CONTACT US!

Was this article helpful? We would love to know your thoughts! If you found this article helpful, please check the LIKE button below. Your feedback helps us plan topics for future articles.