Anyone use Summary Dissolution? Did you qualify?
I keep seeing the term Summary Dissolution. We have no kids, married 4 years, and rent. Is that what we want?
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.
I keep seeing the term Summary Dissolution. We have no kids, married 4 years, and rent. Is that what we want?
✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first
Mediator in Glendale. CA Summary Dissolution (FL-800/810) is a real shortcut, but the checklist is strict — under 5 years married, no kids together, no real property, community debts under ~$7k excluding car loans, community property under ~$53k, neither spouse owning separate property over ~$53k, and both spouses willing to sign together. If any one of those is off, you fall back to a regular dissolution. The savings are real (one petition, joint filing, no service required) but the eligibility window is narrow.
We thought we qualified, then realized my partner had an IRA over the separate-property limit. Ended up doing a regular default-with-agreement. Worth the extra paperwork.
Around the case
Other things people in your situation usually need to handle. Some are paid partners; some are free community resources — labeled clearly.
LSC · Find local legal aid
Legal-aid directory · Free · income-qualified
Legal Services Corporation directory of every nonprofit legal-aid program in the US. Most provide free representation for income-qualified clients.
Find your local office →Open Path Collective
Affordable therapy directory · Free directory · $40–$80 / session
Nonprofit therapist network — every member commits to $40–$80 session pricing for clients in financial distress. National coverage.
Find a therapist →Swift Serve
Process server · $90–$120 typical
Same-day service on family-court papers. Flat fee, transparent pricing, certified Proof of Service delivered back.
Get a quote →Share what helped you. Be kind — and remember this is your experience, not legal advice.
Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.