Division 1. Family Rules · Chapter 4. Starting and Responding to a Family Law Case; Service of Papers · Article 6. Specific Proceedings · Last amended 2015 · Last verified September 10, 2026
In one sentenceRule 5.76 routes domestic partners to summary dissolution through the Secretary of State where they qualify, and otherwise applies the same forms and procedures used for marriages.
To obtain a dissolution, a legal separation, or an annulment of a domestic partnership:
(1)Persons who qualify for a summary dissolution as described in the booklet Summary Dissolution Information (form FL-810) may act to dissolve their partnership through the California Secretary of State using forms found at www.sos.ca.gov or in the superior court following the procedures described in form FL-810.
(2)For persons who do not qualify for a summary dissolution proceeding, all forms and procedures used for the dissolution, legal separation, or annulment of a domestic partnership are the same as those used for the dissolution, legal separation, or annulment of a marriage.
End
Plain-English Summary
Two paths. Partners who qualify for a summary dissolution, as described in the Judicial Council’s summary dissolution booklet, may dissolve the partnership through the Secretary of State using that office’s forms, or in the superior court following the booklet’s procedures.
Everyone else uses the ordinary machinery: for partners who do not qualify, all forms and procedures for dissolution, legal separation, or annulment of a domestic partnership are the same as those used for a marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do domestic partners end a partnership in California?
Those who qualify for summary dissolution may proceed through the Secretary of State or in the superior court following the procedures in form FL-810. Those who do not qualify use the same forms and procedures as for a marriage.
Are the forms different for domestic partners?
Outside summary dissolution, no. The forms and procedures for dissolution, legal separation, and annulment are the same as for a marriage.
Amendment History
Rule 5.76 amended effective January 1, 2015; adopted effective January 1, 2013.
Source & verification. Rule text is reproduced verbatim from
the Judicial Council of California. Adopted by the Judicial Council of California.
Last verified September 10, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as:dissolve domestic partnership Californiadomestic partnership divorce formsSecretary of State domestic partnership termination