INSTRUCTIONS: PETITION - DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP/MARRIAGE (Form FL-103)

Two people who are of the same sex and in a formally recognized domestic partnership in California must file a Form FL-130 if they wish to separation. This petition concerning a domestic partnership can be obtained from the California courts system's website. This form must be submitted to the superior court in your area to initiate the separation process.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 1: At the top of the page, list all information requested about your name, that of your attorney, the court in which you are filing this paper and your attorney's information, if any is involved.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 2: Under section one, "Statistical Facts," note when your domestic partnership was registered and the total amount of time until you separated.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 3: Under section two, "Residence," indicate whether you or your spouse are California residents and where your partnership was formally registered.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 4: If there are any children, list their names, ages, sex and date of birth under section three. You must also complete a separate Form FL-105.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 5: Under section four, "Separate Property," list all assets you wish to have recognized as your individual property by the court.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 6: Under section five, indicate all joint assets and debts. Alternately, declare them in a form FL-160 and attach it to this petition.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 7: Under section six, indicate what kind of separation you are seeking and your reason from the options listed.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 8: Under section seven, note any issues which you wish for the court to rule on, such as child visitation rights and property rights questions. If your wishes are not included on the form, you may include attachment 7j to detail the issues you wish for the court to rule on in as much detail as you deem necessary.

Petition - Domestic Partnership/Marriage FL-103 Step 9: Sign and date the form. Your attorney must do the same.