Cost of Divorce in California

• Key facts
• Relationship impacts on fees
• Types of divorce & costs
• Cost to file for divorce
• How much does a divorce lawyer cost?
• Hidden/unexpected costs
• How can I save money on a divorce?
• Save money on your California divorce
• FAQ
• References

California is the most expensive state in which to get divorced. According to an analysis by Forbes, the average cost of a divorce in California is more than $10,000, likely the most expensive state to get divorced in. The median cost for a divorce across the country is just $7,567.

The American Society for the Positive Care of Children reported that in 2023, California's divorce rate was approximately 7.45%, indicating that 75 out of every 1,000 people in the state were divorced. 

California divorce costs are high due to the following factors:

• Filing fees: It costs $435 to file for divorce in California, one of the highest fees in America.
• Long wait periods: The mandatory "cooling off" period, court backlogs, and other delays can rack up costs.
• Lawyers: While prices can vary, the average California lawyer charges hundreds of dollars per hour—often the highest rates in the U.S.

What’s the average price for a California divorce?

Many people want to know how much they'll spend on a divorce in California before they file for divorce. Know that your case could cost much more (or less) than the amount others pay. Divorces are variable, and it's hard to predict just how much you'll pay – but there are some fees everyone can expect.

In national surveys, experts say California is an expensive state to divorce in. The following are all the potential costs and fees you may need to pay.

Detailed breakdown of typical divorce costs

In full transparency, here is a complete breakdown of typical divorce costs in California*, organized by category. 

* All estimates are based on publicly available information from California court sites and legal organizations as of 2024–2025.

1. Filing fees

These are mandatory court fees for starting a divorce case.

• Petition or Response filing fee: $435–$450 (California Courts Self-Help)
• Additional motions or hearings: $60–$90 each (if applicable)
• Court reporter (if required, over 4 hours): $30–$100 per hour (varies by county)

Fee waiver option: Available for those who qualify based on income or public benefits. (Fee Waiver Forms & Info)

2. Attorney Fees

Rates and total costs vary depending on case complexity, duration, and whether the divorce is contested.

• Hourly rate: $150–$500+ (for high-profile lawyers)
• Retainer fee (upfront): $3,000–$10,000
• Uncontested divorce (full representation): $3,000–$5,000 total
• Contested divorce (with litigation): $10,000–$20,000+

3. Mediation costs

Mediation is used to resolve disputes outside of court. It is usually voluntary, but may also be court-ordered. It can be a major cost-saver if both parties are cooperative.

• Hourly rate: $200–$1,000
• Flat fee mediation packages: $2,000–$6,000 (for 1–3 sessions)

4. Document preparation services

For DIY or low-conflict cases without legal representation. Hello Divorce’s platform easily allows you to prepare all court-approved forms for your California divorce at some of the lowest rates you’ll find (and we get top client reviews). You will pay $150–$1,500 (from a basic option of standard DIY forms to full-spectrum guidance and filing support.

5. Expert witnesses & evaluations (if needed)

The following may be required due to the complexities of your case.

• Child custody evaluator: $1,000–$10,000
• Forensic accountant: $300–$600 per hour
• Property appraisals: $500–$1,200
• Vocational evaluations (spousal support cases): $1,000–$2,500

6. Miscellaneous Costs

These may factor into your total costs, too:

• Notary fees: $10–$50
• Courier or certified mail: $10–$40
• Travel/parking/time off work: Variable
• Parenting classes: $30–$100 (mandatory in some counties)

The choices you and your spouse make can have a deep impact on your bottom line. Both spouses almost always get more of what they want and reach a fairer settlement by staying out of court and avoiding attorney help – and divorce without lawyers costs thousands less.

Key facts about the cost of divorce in California 

• California is the most expensive state in which to file for a divorce. Experts say California’s high divorce cost is due to the high cost of living. California residents, as a rule, pay more for almost everything.
• California’s high divorce costs can also be attributed to lawyer fees—they’re among the highest in the country.
• One of the most expensive divorces in California's history involved the ownership of the Los Angeles Dodgers, multiple homes, and a requested $1 million in monthly spousal support.
• More than 185 billionaires live in California, making it the state with the most billionaires in America.
• California has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country. Just 6.5% of female residents are divorced in the state, compared to 10.7% in Arkansas.

How the spousal relationship can impact fees

The more you disagree with your spouse, the more you’ll spend on your divorce. While you might prefer to keep the details of your breakup private, you may have to declare your divorce model. And the option you choose speaks volumes about how well you collaborate in a partnership.

This chart can help you understand cost differences between different divorce scenarios, such as simple uncontested, complex contested, with children, without children.

Cost-comparison: different divorce scenarios

Cost of an uncontested divorce in California 

During an uncontested divorce, both parties agree on everything. They don’t need much time (if any) with lawyers to divide their property, set up parenting and childcare arrangements, and decide on alimony payments (spousal support). 

A divorce like this could be thousands of dollars less expensive than the other option. You’ll save money due to the small (or nonexistent) presence of lawyers. 

Cost of a contested divorce in California 

In a contested divorce, you and your spouse can’t agree on the details. The more you disagree, the more you’ll pay lawyers to assist. Your costs rise accordingly.

You might disagree about the following:

• Child support payments
• Custody agreements 
• Retirement accounts
• Spousal support (alimony or palimony) payments
• Property 
• Investments 

It pays to work closely with your spouse. But if you can’t agree, we recommend trying mediation or divorce coaching. If it's a complicated legal issue, you can consult an attorney as needed.

How much does it cost to file for divorce?

California divorces are handled by the court system. You must file paperwork, responses should be recorded, and the case should be tracked. All of these steps require personnel and space, and not surprisingly, you're charged for the work.

Expect to pay about $435 to start your divorce case in California. 

How much does a divorce lawyer cost?

On average, lawyers charge $84.46 per hour for an average divorce in California. But those fees can vary dramatically.

Lawyers are ethically required to charge reasonable fees. But professionals with decades of experience in marital law can cost more than newer lawyers. 

And if your case ends up going to court, your lawyer may charge more. Court time typically comes with a bigger bill than behind-the-scenes negotiating.

Any lawyer should provide you with a detailed estimate of the total cost you can expect and their billing methods. 

Hidden or unexpected costs

Here’s a rundown of hidden or often unexpected costs that can arise during a divorce in California. 

Discovery

If your divorce involves financial complexity (businesses, investments, hidden income), the "discovery" phase can get expensive. Here are some of the potential costs associated with divorce discovery:

• Subpoena fees
• Depositions (court reporters, transcripts)
• Copying, scanning, and document production fees
• Forensic accountants ($300–$600/hour)

Child custody evaluations

When custody is disputed, the court may order a formal evaluation by a licensed mental health professional. This can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 and may be court-ordered or requested by either spouse.

Supervised visitation or parenting monitors

If the court orders supervised visitation for safety or compliance, a professional monitor costs $30 to $100 an hour. You may also need to pay facility fees if a third-party service is required.

Mandatory parenting classes

Required in many counties when children are involved, these cost $30 to $100 per person.

QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order)

If you’re dividing a retirement plan like a 401(k) or pension, you need a QDRO drafted and approved. If it’s attorney-drafted, expect to pay $300 to $1,500. Filing costs can apply, too.

Notary, process server, and courier fees

These costs are not huge, but easy to overlook. They can cost as little as $10, or as much as $200.

Digital asset division

Many couples now have digital assets (crypto, online businesses, social media monetization). Valuing and dividing them can require appraisals or financial expert input. You may also need to pay for a legal consultation for IP or licensing issues.

Wasted time

While it may not cost you directly out of pocket, the emotional toll and time it takes for all the to-dos and logistics can be expensive.

Post-judgment modifications

Even after the divorce is finalized, you might pay for any or all of the following:

• Modifying custody or support orders
• Enforcement actions (e.g., if your ex isn’t complying)
• Each of these can involve new filing fees and legal representation

How can I save money on a divorce?

Ideally, you will work closely with your spouse, and thus save money on your divorce. Collaboration could also help you ease possible trauma caused by difficult, lawyer-based conversations.

Plenty of divorce collaboration options exist. These are the most effective:

Mediation

A mediator is a professional deal-maker. This person helps you and your spouse talk through your issues and come up with a plan you can both support. 

A mediator doesn't make decisions, and you must both agree on any plans you craft. And a mediator can't force anyone to compromise. They also can't give legal advice. Instead, they help you know all your options and help keep the peace.

Working with a divorce mediator could help you work through sticky spots and work out a healthy divorce, all while saving money. Mediators charge much less than lawyers do, and some are both mediators and lawyers. Mediators who aren’t lawyers typically charge around $100 to $350 per hour. Attorney mediators typically charge $250 to $500 per hour. There usually isn’t a need to choose a mediator who is also an attorney, so you can save costs there. 

Collaborative divorce

In California, couples can opt for a collaborative divorce. You both hire lawyers with collaboration experience, and they assist you in developing an agreement. A four-person team like this can help you settle even sticky points (like custody agreements) without arguing in front of a judge in a court case. 

Summary dissolution

In some cases, you can end your partnership without filing for an expensive divorce. A summary dissolution, available in California, is relatively inexpensive and requires less paperwork.

Use a summary dissolution if you fit the following criteria:

• Have been married fewer than 5 years
• Have no children 
• Have less than $6,000 in debt and less than $53,000 in assets
• Don't want spousal support
• Agree on how to split your assets

You'll pay the filing fee of up to $450 for this process, but you won't need a lawyer. 

Try DIY

All California courts have free self-help programs. You can download forms, watch videos, and ask staff questions if the process is unclear. 

You may need to collaborate with your partner during this process to ensure that everyone is happy with the outcome. But together, you could save a great deal of money. 

If you’d like a little more guidance than that, we invite you to explore Hello Divorce’s low-cost DIY Divorce plan.

Save money on your California divorce

Few couples want to spend thousands on the break-up of their relationship. Hello Divorce can help you develop a fair plan that moves you both forward without costing too much.

Access legal help from our experienced legal team on-demand at a transparent, flat-rate fee. Click here for more information.

We also have a team of mediators to help you and your spouse work out agreements on everything from property division to child support. You don't need the expense of a traditional lawyer. And you don't need the stress of not knowing how much your divorce will cost.

Access the form-generating features of Divorce Navigator today with your DIY Divorce, or choose Pro for the added benefit of having an account coordinator walk you through the divorce process. Either way, you'll save yourself time and (more) heartache.

Watch our five-minute video to understand the steps you will take to complete your divorce. 

FAQ

What’s the least expensive way to get divorced in California?

An uncontested DIY divorce is the least expensive option available. If you’re comfortable filling out forms without a lawyer’s help and you can collaborate effectively with your spouse, you won’t need to hire mediators or lawyers to help you settle disagreements. Your filing fee could be your only expense.

In California, you might qualify for an expedited divorce process called summary dissolution. Click this link to see if you meet the criteria. Even if you don’t, you can still get an uncontested divorce if you and your spouse are amicable enough to reach agreements on all major issues of your estate.

Why is it so expensive to get divorced in California?

California has a very high cost of living, and that’s represented in everything from filing fees to hourly lawyer rates. California estates also tend to be complex, so there’s a lot for couples to discuss.

References

The Most and Least Expensive States to Get a Divorce in 2024. (November 2023). Forbes.
How Much It Costs to Get Divorced in Every U.S. State. (August 2020). Business Insider. States with the Largest Population of Billionaires in the United States in 2022. (September 2022). Statista. 
California's Most Expensive Divorce. (July 2017). Daily Beast. 
Here Are the States Where Your Marriage Won't Last. (December 2020). U.S. News and World Report. 
Divorce in California. Judicial Branch of California. 
Fees and Expenses. (December 2020). American Bar Association. 
File Summary Dissolution Forms with the Court. Judicial Branch of California. 
Find Out of You Qualify for Summary Dissolution. Judicial Branch of California. 
Get Free or Low-Cost Legal Help. Judicial Branch of California. 
Resolve Your Divorce or Separation Out of Court. Judicial Council of California.
Divorce Mediation Cost in 2024. (March 2023). Forbes.