Wondering how to end a registered domestic partnership and/or a marriage? You are not alone. For many couples in California, the journey to legal recognition had multiple steps. You might have started as a Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP) and later transitioned into a marriage when federal or state laws changed.
But what happens if that relationship comes to an end?
Whether you are in a Registered Domestic Partnership (RDP), a marriage, or both, ending your relationship requires filing a Petition for Dissolution. Here is what you need to know about how California law treats these overlapping relationships.
The clock starts at the Registered Domestic Partnership, not the wedding
California is a community property state, meaning most assets and debts acquired during your legal union are equally owned by both partners.
If you registered an RDP and subsequently got married to the same person, the community estate began on the date you registered your RDP, not the date you walked down the aisle.
Why this matters:
Because the community property clock started earlier, you may have significantly more community assets (and debts) to divide than you realize.
Dissolve both your Registered Domestic Partnership and your Marriage
If you hold both an RDP and a marriage certificate with your partner, a standard marriage divorce isn’t quite enough. You must end both legal relationships. The good news? You do not need two separate lawsuits. You can end both the RDP and the marriage on the same Petition for Dissolution.
Establishing your date of separation
Just as the start date matters, so does the end date. The date of separation is the exact day the community estate ends. After this date, your earnings and debts are generally considered your separate property.
In California, your date of separation is the day when a reasonable person would believe you were no longer acting as a couple.
- You don’t need a public announcement: There is no need for a formal social media post or a signed contract.
- Intent matters: It can be established by a mutual conversation or, if you cannot peacefully communicate, by taking clear, unmistakable actions showing your partner you do not intend to continue the relationship.
Spousal Support: short-term vs. long-term unions
In a dissolution of an RDP, spousal support (partner support) is treated exactly as it would be in a marriage divorce. The lower-income partner may be entitled to support based on the total length of the union:
| Length of Union | Classification | Typical Support Duration |
| Under 10 Years | Short-Term | Generally paid for one-half the length of the total union. |
| 10 Years or More | Long-Term | Can be paid indefinitely (until death, remarriage/new RDP, or further court order). |
We are here to help
If you would like help with dissolving your Registered Domestic Partnership or marriage, Burgos Santoyo Smith is here for you. Our experienced team will be your calm during the storm, providing compassionate, knowledgeable guidance through every step of the process. We are committed to helping you move forward with confidence and care. Call us at (833) 931-1615 or fill out our online consultation form.
Let us support you in this transition. You don’t have to face it alone.
Key Takeaways:
Ending a Registered Domestic Partnership in California
- Most assets and debts acquired during your union are considered jointly owned, making the start date crucial for property division.
- If you have both a Registered Domestic Partnership and a marriage with your partner, you must dissolve both, but you can do so in a single legal action (Petition for Dissolution).
- The date of separation is key. It marks the end of your shared financial life and is determined by clear actions or mutual agreement, not just public statements.
- Spousal support (partner support) rules for dissolving or ending a Registered Domestic Partnership are the same as for divorce, with support based on the entire length of the union.
- Supported parties in long-term unions are generally expected to work toward self-sufficiency after the dissolution.
