This study employs a continuum-based finite element (FE) modeling approach to simulate bonded joints such as fiber reinforced polymer (FRP), shape memory alloy (SMA), and steel bonded joints. With adhesive material stress-strain data, damage initiation and evolution criteria input, the FE models simulated the debonding behavior of joints consisting of either linear or nonlinear adherends and adhesives. The effectiveness of the FE modeling was validated by comparisons with analytical and experimental results. A parametric analysis investigated the effect of adherend nonlinearity on the bond capacity. Compared to linear adherends with the same elastic modulus, nonlinear adherends with reduced tangential moduli exhibited decreased bond capacities.