2025 How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

Getting divorced can be both an emotionally and financially intense process. Before you begin the divorce process, understanding the potential costs of your divorce can be an important step. The average cost for a California divorce is $17,500, but this number changes based on each couple’s unique situation. To get a more exact estimate of how much your divorce might cost, consider working with a California divorce attorney.

What Can Impact the Cost of a Divorce?

Everyone’s situation is different when it comes to divorce. Here are the most common elements that impact its cost:

• Type of Negotiation Process: There are multiple different ways that a couple can attempt to settle their differences during a divorce. Settling matters by themselves is the least expensive option, but this is often exceedingly complicated for those unfamiliar with legal matters. Mediation and collaborative divorces are other cost-effective options that cost less than going to trial.
• Children: If a couple has children, additional paperwork needs to be filed outlining how they will be taken care of after the couple splits. Child support determination and payments are sometimes involved, increasing the cost of a divorce.
• Financial Situation: The more complicated a couple’s finances are, the more difficult it can be to properly allocate assets, property, and debts. A complicated financial situation typically makes divorces take longer and subsequently cost more.

Divorce Negotiations

Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have to appear in court in order to file a successful divorce. Here are some of the most popular routes couples take to come to an agreement about their divorce:

• Mediation: This can be a useful option for couples that are on fairly good terms and are interested in working together to settle their divorce. In a mediation, a third-party mediator walks through the divorce process while both individuals are in the same room. If you and your spouse are not able to collaborate like this in person, mediation might not be a good option. In California, mediation usually costs around $3,000 – $$8,000.
• Collaborative Divorce: This option is similar to mediation, but instead of only featuring one mediator, both individuals have legal representation that communicates on their behalf. This option can work well if the couple needs to work out a custody agreement but wants to avoid the emotional and financial strain of going to court. Collaborative divorces usually cost around $25,000 – $50,000.
• Litigation: In some instances, going to court is necessary if both parties cannot otherwise come to an agreement. This is typically the most expensive option for divorce proceedings and is a good option for spouses who are not on good terms or are not willing to cooperate with each other to complete the divorce.

What Is a Summary Dissolution?

If your marriage falls under certain criteria, you might qualify for a summary dissolution. This can reduce costs, as well as the amount of time your case takes to process. A couple qualifies for summary dissolution if:

• They were married for less than five years.
• They do not have any children together and are not expecting a child together.
• They do not own any property. This applies to property held jointly or separately.
• Either spouse owes less than $6,000 in debt that was acquired after they got married. This does not include loans for motor vehicles.
• Either spouse does not have more than $41,000 worth of personal property that they acquired before getting married or after they separated.
• At least one spouse has lived in California for at least six months and has lived in the county in which they plan on filing the divorce paperwork for at least three months.

A couple might qualify for a summary dissolution if they meet these criteria. If you are interested in learning more about this process, contact a family law attorney to understand whether or not this option would work for your situation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Is a Divorce in California if Both Parties Agree?

A: If both parties agree to a divorce, it is called an uncontested divorce. The cost of a divorce in California depends on whether or not attorneys are hired and if litigation is needed for the divorce proceedings.

The divorce paperwork filing fee in California is $435. Hiring an attorney or choosing to go to court can considerably increase these expenses. Specific attorney fees depend on their skill level and the length of your individual case.

Q: How Much Is the Filing Fee for Divorce in California?

A: The fee to file divorce papers in California is $435. There are fee waivers available for individuals who can’t afford this fee. Factors that could impact additional costs of your divorce include whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, whether or not you have any children together, and the type of divorce you choose to have. Choosing a mediation or collaborative divorce might cost less than going to trial.

Q: What Is the Cheapest Way to File for Divorce in California?

A: The cheapest way to file for divorce is to complete the paperwork and file it with the court. The filing fee for this is $435. This is especially helpful for shorter marriages in which a spouse has some legal or financial knowledge. For longer-term marriages with more complicated personal or financial situations, it is recommended to contact an attorney to make sure each party is adequately represented.

Q: Is It Better to File for Divorce First in California?

A: California is a no-fault divorce state. This means that a spouse who wants to file for divorce does not need to provide proof before filing the paperwork. There are no specific advantages to filing the paperwork before your spouse because this only applies to fault states. To understand your options and determine how to approach your divorce, contact a family law attorney.

Cianci Law, PC, Offers Compassionate Divorce Representation

Melissa Cianci, senior attorney at Cianci Law, PC, is a Certified Family Law Specialist by the California Board of Legal Specialization. Allow her to employ her extensive knowledge and skills to help you with your divorce. Schedule a consultation today to learn how working with an attorney can benefit your divorce process.

Contact our team today at (916) 797-1575 to schedule an appointment for a consultation! We can provide the divorce guidance you deserve.