California vs New York
Divorce cost comparison — 2025 data
California is generally cheaper
Average uncontested divorce: $4,750 vs $5,000
| Category | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $435 | $210 |
| Avg Attorney Rate | $350/hr | $375/hr |
| Uncontested Range | $2,500–$7,000 | $2,500–$7,500 |
| Contested Range | $15,000–$50,000 | $17,000–$60,000 |
| Median Timeline | 8 months | 9 months |
| Waiting Period | 180 days | None |
| Property Division | Community Property | Equitable Distribution |
| Fault Type | No-Fault Only | Both |
Key Differences
California has a filing fee of $435 compared to $210 in New York. Attorney rates average $350/hour in California versus $375/hour in New York. California follows community property while New York uses equitable distribution. California is no-fault only while New York is both. The median timeline is 8 months in California and 9 months in New York. Waiting periods differ: 180 days (CA) vs 0 days (NY).
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