Legal Costs by City (2026)

Local Legal Fee Guides for 100 Major US Cities

Legal filing fees vary by state — and within a state, the county courthouse that serves your city determines exactly what you pay. Our city guides pull together the four most common legal costs for each major US city: LLC formation filing fees, divorce petition fees, small claims court limits and filing fees, and notary acknowledgment caps. Every figure is sourced directly from the relevant state agency or court and reviewed for 2026. Whether you're a small-business owner choosing where to incorporate, a resident planning to file a lawsuit, or someone navigating a divorce, you'll find the numbers you need without having to search dozens of government websites.

What each city guide includes

• LLC formation cost — state filing fee to register a new LLC
• Divorce filing fee — base petition fee at the local superior or district court
• Small claims court limit — maximum dollar amount you can sue for without an attorney
• Notary fee cap — maximum per-signature fee allowed by state law