California • Uncontested • No minor children
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Divorce Cost Estimate
California Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate divorce costs in California using state-specific filing fee, attorney rate, mediation, children, property, and case complexity assumptions.
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Filing fee$435
Service of process$75
Attorney range$3,272 - $6,544
Mediation$650
These estimates are for planning only. They use the existing state-specific filing, attorney, and mediation assumptions and are not legal advice.
California Divorce Cost Snapshot
Use this 2026 California divorce cost guide to compare filing fees in the state's five most populous counties, attorney and mediation expenses, California's six-month minimum waiting period, and the cost difference between agreed and contested cases.
CategoryTypical range
County divorce filing fee$435–$450
Attorney planning rate$300–$500/hr
Uncontested planning range$4,000–$10,000
Contested planning range$15,000–$50,000+
Planning timeline6–24+ months
How Much Does Divorce Cost in California?
The cost of divorce in California may start with a $435–$450 court filing fee and grow substantially with attorney time, mediation, property valuation, parenting disputes, support questions, discovery, and trial preparation. A straightforward agreed case may cost several thousand dollars, while a complex contested divorce can cost tens of thousands of dollars or more.
California is a community-property state, so identifying and valuing homes, businesses, retirement accounts, debts, and separate-property claims can become a major cost driver. These figures are planning ranges, not statewide averages, legal advice, or quotes.
California Divorce Filing Fees by County
Courts may describe these amounts as filing fees, deposits, or security for costs. They can change and may not include service or later case charges, so verify the amount with the clerk before filing.
CountyCurrent amountWhat it covers
Los Angeles County$435Petition or first paper for dissolution under California's statewide schedule. Court source
San Diego County$435Petition for divorce, legal separation, or nullity. Court source
Orange County$435Petition or first paper for dissolution under the 2026 fee schedule. Court source
Riverside County$450Includes the county's local courthouse-construction surcharge. Court source
San Bernardino County$450Includes the county's local courthouse-construction surcharge. Court source
- California's 2026 statewide schedule lists $435 for a dissolution petition or other first paper and another $435 for the responding spouse's first paper.
- Riverside and San Bernardino charge $450 because California permits local courthouse-construction surcharges in those counties.
- Electronic filing providers, service of process, certified copies, motions, custody-related requests, and other case activity may add separate charges.
- A person who cannot afford the filing fee may ask the Superior Court for a fee waiver using California forms FW-001 and FW-003.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce Costs in California
Agreed or uncontested California divorce
- The spouses agree on property, debt, support, and parenting terms.
- Fewer hearings, discovery requests, and attorney hours are usually needed.
- The marriage still cannot end before California's six-month waiting period expires.
Contested California divorce
- Custody, support, property, business, or separate-property claims remain disputed.
- Discovery, appraisals, forensic accounting, mediation, and experts can add cost.
- A trial or prolonged motion practice can push the total well beyond the planning range.
How Long Does Divorce Take in California?
California minimum waiting period
At least 6 monthsThe earliest marital status can end is six months after the respondent was served or appeared, even if every issue is agreed.
Agreed or default case
Often 6–12 monthsThe statutory minimum does not finish the case automatically; disclosures, an agreement or default package, and a signed judgment are still required.
Contested California divorce
Often 12–24+ monthsThis is a planning range rather than a deadline. Court calendars, discovery, evaluations, settlement efforts, and trial needs affect timing.
Example California Divorce Scenarios
These examples illustrate how different facts can change a planning range. They are not predictions or legal quotes.
Agreed San Diego County divorce
- No minor children
- No real estate
- Complete written agreement
Illustration using San Diego's $435 petition fee plus approximately $4,000–$7,000 in professional fees. A responding spouse's filing fee may be additional.
Los Angeles County case with children
- Two children
- Parenting-plan negotiations
- Private mediation expected
A planning illustration; attorney time, mediation, and parenting disputes usually drive much more of the total than the filing fee.
Contested Orange County divorce with assets
- California home
- Retirement accounts
- Business valuation
A planning illustration that can increase with forensic accounting, appraisal disputes, depositions, experts, or trial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in California?
An agreed California divorce may cost several thousand dollars, while a contested case involving children, real estate, a business, support, or trial can cost $15,000–$50,000 or substantially more. Filing fees, attorney time, mediation, experts, and the length of the dispute shape the total.
What is the filing fee for divorce in California?
The 2026 filing fee for a divorce petition is generally $435. Riverside and San Bernardino charge $450 because of local courthouse-construction surcharges. A responding spouse who files a first response generally pays the same first-paper fee.
Can I get divorced without a lawyer in California?
A person may represent themselves, and California courts provide forms, instructions, and free self-help centers. Legal advice can be especially important when a case involves children, support, real estate, businesses, retirement accounts, domestic violence, or disputed separate property.
How long does divorce take in California?
A California divorce cannot be final until at least six months after the respondent was served or appeared. The six-month date is only a minimum; the court must still receive and approve the required final paperwork, and contested cases often take longer.
Can California divorce filing fees be waived?
A person who cannot afford the court fee may submit a Request to Waive Court Fees using form FW-001. The court reviews income, benefits, and household expenses before granting or denying the request.
How much does divorce mediation cost in California?
Mediation cost depends on whether it is court-connected or private, the mediator's rate, session length, preparation, and whether attorneys participate. Private mediation may be billed hourly or by session, while some court-connected custody mediation services do not charge the parties.
Does a California divorce cost more when children are involved?
It can. Parenting plans, custody mediation, support calculations, evaluations, minor's counsel, and disputed decision-making or schedules may add professional time and case costs even though the basic petition fee is generally unchanged.