California Assembly Bill AB2782

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/26
• Refer: 3/16/26
• Report Pass: 4/8/26
• Refer: 4/9/26
• Report Pass: 4/15/26
• Engrossed: 4/23/26
• Refer: 4/23/26
• Refer: 5/6/26
• Report Pass: 5/20/26
• Refer: 5/20/26

Caption

An act to amend Sections 2981, 2982, and 2982.2 of the Civil Code, to amend Sections 568.1 and 704.730 of the Code of Civil Procedure, to amend Sections 2110 and 3042 Section 2110 of the Family Code, to amend Section 2699.3 of the Labor Code, and to amend Sections 9763 and 16350 1063, 9763, and 16350 of the Probate Code, relating to state government.

Impact

By reducing the necessity for asset disclosure in specific cases, AB 2782 is intended to alleviate the stress and complexity involved in divorce proceedings for parties who already have a legal separation in place. Furthermore, the bill alters the existing considerations that courts must weigh regarding child custody and visitation by emphasizing the importance of a child’s wishes when making determinations according to the child's maturity and ability to express preferences. This could lead to more child-centered outcomes in custody disputes.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2782, introduced by the Committee on Judiciary, aims to amend various sections of the Family Code and the Probate Code. The bill primarily seeks to streamline the process surrounding divorce and legal separation by adjusting the requirements for disclosure between parties involved in such proceedings. One significant change is that parties with an existing enforceable legal separation judgment will not be required to exchange asset disclosures during dissolution proceedings, simplifying the legal process and reducing administrative burdens.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards AB 2782 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among those advocating for a more efficient family court process. Supporters argue that the bill reflects a sensible approach to legal separation and custody proceedings, reducing unnecessary complications. However, some concerns have been raised about whether relaxing disclosure requirements could lead to inequities, particularly regarding asset division in divorce cases, indicating that opinions on the bill's implications may vary.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the potential risks associated with less stringent disclosure requirements. Critics argue that while the bill simplifies the process, it may inadvertently enable one party to withhold pertinent information during asset division, which could affect fairness in financial settlements. Additionally, while the emphasis on considering children's wishes in custody disputes is seen as progressive, the implementation of this change raises concerns about the pressures placed on children to voice their preferences in contentious situations.