How Much Does Divorce Cost in California (2025 Guide)
California consistently ranks among the most expensive states for divorce in the United States. Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or a smaller rural community, understanding the true cost of divorce helps you plan and potentially save thousands of dollars.
California Divorce Filing Fees
The court filing fee for a divorce petition in California is $435 — one of the highest in the nation. The responding spouse also pays $435 to file their response. Together, that's $870 just in court fees before any legal work begins.
Fee Waiver Option: If your household income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can request a fee waiver using Form FW-001. Thousands of Californians qualify for this each year, potentially saving nearly $900 in filing costs alone.
Attorney Fees in California
Attorney costs represent the largest portion of most California divorces:
Average hourly rates for California family law attorneys range from $300–$600/hour, with top attorneys in Los Angeles and San Francisco charging $700–$1,000+ per hour. By contrast, attorneys in rural areas like the Central Valley or Inland Empire may charge $200–$350/hour.
LA vs Rural California: Cost Comparison
Location dramatically affects divorce costs in California:
Community Property Impact
California is a community property state, meaning all assets and debts acquired during the marriage are split 50/50. This sounds simple but creates complexity when dividing:
Additional California Divorce Costs
How to Save on California Divorce
1. File an uncontested divorce — saves $15,000–$40,000+ compared to litigation
2. Use mediation — California courts actively encourage this approach
3. Try a Limited Scope (unbundled) attorney — pay for specific tasks only, not full representation
4. Apply for fee waivers — saves $870 in filing fees
5. Use California's self-help centers — free assistance available at most courthouses
Timeline
California has a mandatory 6-month waiting period from the date of service. Uncontested divorces typically finalize in 6–9 months, while contested cases can take 18 months to 3+ years.
Get Your Personalized Estimate
Use our divorce cost calculator to get a detailed cost estimate for your specific California divorce situation. You can also explore our asset division calculator to understand how community property rules affect your split.