State Guide
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?
California is a community property state. Filing fees vary by county. Here's what you can expect to pay.
Uncontested Divorce
$1,500 – $5,000
~6 months avg
Contested Divorce
$15,000 – $50,000
~12 months avg
High-Conflict Divorce
$50,000 – $200,000
~24 months avg
California Divorce Fee Breakdown
Court Filing Fees
Required to initiate divorce proceedings
$435 – $450
Attorney Hourly Rate
Varies by experience and location within the state
$300 – $600/hr
Mediation (per session)
Alternative dispute resolution sessions
$200 – $500
Process Server
Serving divorce papers to your spouse
$40 – $150
Get your personalized estimate for California
Answer a few questions about your specific situation and get a detailed cost breakdown in minutes.