Family Code section 2339(a) states, in part: “[N]o judgment of dissolution is final for the purpose of terminating the marriage relationship of the parties until six months have expired from the date of service of a copy of summons and petition or the date of appearance of the respondent, whichever occurs first.”
“It is within the judge’s discretion to retain jurisdiction over the date of termination of the marital status or order that the marital status be terminated at a future specified date. This reservation requires notice and good cause or a stipulation of the parties. On the date of termination of the parties’ marital status, the parties are restored to the status of unmarried persons.”
[LW Greenberg, California Family Law]
