Divorce Costs in California
Community Property • No-Fault
Filing Fee
$435
Avg. Attorney Rate
$350/hr
Timeline
8 months
Waiting Period
180 days
Property Division
Community Property
Fault Type
No-Fault
Key Cost Factors
State Overview
California is a community property state, meaning marital assets are generally split 50/50.
California is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you don't need to prove wrongdoing to file. There is a mandatory 180-day waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
The average attorney rate in California is $350 per hour. An uncontested divorce typically costs $2,500 to $7,000, while a contested divorce can range from $15,000 to $50,000.
How to Reduce Divorce Costs in California
Consider an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can agree on key issues, an uncontested divorce in California can cost as little as $2,500 — saving tens of thousands compared to litigation.
Try mediation first. California requires mediation in many cases, which typically costs $3,000–$7,000 and can resolve disputes faster and cheaper than going to court.
File pro se for simple cases. If you have no children, minimal assets, and both agree, you can file without an attorney. California's filing fee is just $435.
Organize your finances beforehand. Having all financial documents ready reduces the hours your attorney spends on discovery, lowering your bill at $350/hr.
Use a limited-scope attorney. Instead of full representation, hire a lawyer only for specific tasks like reviewing your settlement agreement — this can cut attorney costs by 50–70%.
Key Facts About Divorce in California
- Residency Requirement: 6 months
- Grounds for Divorce: Irreconcilable differences (no-fault only)
- Cooling-Off Period: 6-month waiting period
- Mediation: Required in many cases
- Property Division: Community property (generally 50/50 split)
- Filing Fee: $435