The cost of a divorce in California starts with a court filing fee of $435 to $450 for each spouse, according to the California Courts Self-Help Guide. Beyond that, the total cost depends mostly on one question: do you and your spouse agree, or will a judge have to decide? An uncontested divorce with a written agreement usually costs far less than a contested divorce with custody hearings, property valuations, and a trial.
This guide breaks down how much a divorce costs in California, which expenses Los Angeles couples should plan for, and how to keep costs under control.
What Are the Court Filing Fees for a Divorce in California?
Court fees are the one cost every divorcing couple faces. Here is how they break down under the current California Courts guidance:
| Filing | Fee |
| Petition for divorce (form FL-100) | $435 to $450 |
| Response from the other spouse (form FL-120) | $435 to $450 |
| Joint petition filed together (form FL-700) | $870 total |
The exact amount can vary slightly by county. In a standard divorce, the spouse who files pays the first fee, and the responding spouse pays a second fee when filing a response. With a joint petition, available since January 1, 2026, the spouses file one petition together and pay the combined fee at filing, as the California Courts Self-Help Guide on joint petitions explains.
Additional court costs can come up later in a case. For example, motions, requests for order, and certain copies or certified documents may carry their own fees.
Can You Get the Filing Fee Waived?
Yes. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it by filing a Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001). If both spouses need a waiver in a joint petition case, each spouse must file a separate request.
A fee waiver covers court fees only. It does not cover attorney fees, mediator fees, or expert costs.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost Compared to a Contested Divorce?
The biggest factor in the cost of a divorce in California is whether the case is uncontested or contested.
Uncontested divorce. In an uncontested divorce, both spouses agree on property, debts, support, and custody. The main costs are filing fees, completing financial disclosures, drafting the settlement agreement, and preparing the judgment. When the agreement is clear and the paperwork is correct, the case may require little or no court time. Our Los Angeles uncontested divorce attorneys can draft and review these documents.
Contested divorce. In a contested divorce, the spouses disagree on one or more issues. Costs rise with every hearing, discovery request, and expert report. Trial is usually the most expensive stage, because attorneys must prepare witnesses, exhibits, and legal arguments. Learn more about how our contested divorce attorneys in Los Angeles handle these cases.
Many cases fall in between. Spouses may agree on most issues and dispute one, such as the family home or a parenting schedule. Narrowing the disputes is often the most effective way to reduce cost.
How Do Divorce Attorneys in Los Angeles Charge?
Most family law attorneys in Los Angeles bill by the hour. Clients typically pay an upfront deposit, called a retainer, and the attorney bills time against it. Some attorneys offer flat fees for limited tasks, such as preparing an uncontested judgment or reviewing a settlement agreement.
When comparing attorneys, ask about:
- The hourly rate for each attorney and paralegal on the case
- The size of the initial retainer and when it must be replenished
- Whether routine tasks, such as emails and calls, are billed
- Whether any services are offered at a flat fee
- How often you will receive itemized bills
A written fee agreement should spell out these terms before work begins.
What Other Costs Come With a California Divorce?
Beyond court fees and attorney fees, a divorce may involve other professionals. Common costs include:
- Process server. In a standard divorce, someone other than the filing spouse must serve the papers. Many people hire a professional process server.
- Mediator. A private mediator charges for sessions to help spouses reach agreement.
- Real estate appraiser. Appraisals help set a value for the family home or other property.
- Business valuation or forensic accountant. These professionals value a business, trace separate property, or review income. Our page on business owner divorce in Los Angeles covers these issues.
- Custody evaluator. In some custody disputes, the court may appoint an evaluator to assess the family.
- Retirement account division. Splitting some retirement plans requires a separate court order, often prepared by a professional who drafts these orders.
What Makes a Divorce More Expensive in Los Angeles?
Certain factors tend to drive up the cost of divorce in Los Angeles:
- High-value or complex assets. Entertainment contracts, stock options, real estate holdings, and closely held businesses often require experts. See our page on high-net-worth divorce.
- Custody disputes. Contested custody can involve mediation, evaluations, and several hearings.
- Hidden or disputed income. When one spouse questions the other’s income, discovery and forensic review add cost.
- Lack of cooperation. Missed deadlines, late disclosures, and refusal to negotiate force extra court filings.
- Repeated motions. Each request for order involves preparation, filing, and a hearing.
Property mistakes can also cost money long after the divorce ends. Our post on common property division mistakes explains what to watch for.
Who Pays Attorney Fees in a California Divorce?
Each spouse usually pays their own attorney. However, California law allows a judge to order one spouse to contribute to the other’s attorney fees in some cases, especially when one spouse earns much more than the other. This helps both spouses have access to legal representation. Our post on who pays attorney fees in a California divorce explains how courts decide.
How Can You Lower the Cost of a Divorce in California?
You have more control over divorce costs than you might expect. Practical ways to keep costs down include:
- Organize your financial records early. Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements reduce time spent on disclosures. Our Los Angeles divorce planner lists what to gather.
- Agree where you can. Every issue resolved by agreement is one less issue for a judge to decide.
- Consider mediation or collaborative divorce. These options resolve disputes outside of court. Learn about collaborative divorce in Los Angeles.
- Use the joint petition if you qualify. It removes the cost of formal service and starts the case together.
- Communicate efficiently with your attorney. Group your questions into one email or call instead of several.
- Focus on what matters most. Fighting over low-value items can cost more than the items are worth.
Talk to a Los Angeles Divorce Attorney About Costs
The cost of your divorce depends on your assets, your children, and how much you and your spouse can agree on. At Land Legal Group, we explain what a case is likely to involve from the first meeting, so you can plan ahead.
Call Land Legal Group at 310-552-3500 or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation with our Los Angeles divorce attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?
The filing fee is $435 to $450 for the spouse who files the petition. The other spouse pays a similar fee to file a response. A joint petition costs $870 in total.
Is a divorce cheaper if we file a joint petition?
The court fees total about the same as a standard divorce. However, a joint petition removes the need for formal service, and couples who agree on everything often spend less on attorney time.
Can I get a divorce in California for free?
If you qualify for a fee waiver, the court may waive the filing fees. You may still face other costs, such as attorney or mediator fees, unless you complete the process on your own.
Does the person who files for divorce pay for everything?
No. Each spouse generally pays their own filing fee and attorney fees. In some cases, a judge may order one spouse to contribute to the other’s attorney fees.
Why is a contested divorce so much more expensive?
A contested divorce requires more attorney time for discovery, hearings, and trial preparation. It may also require appraisers, accountants, or custody evaluators.
Is mediation cheaper than going to court?
Often, yes. Mediation can resolve disputes without multiple hearings or a trial. The savings depend on how many issues the spouses can settle.