California Divorce Filing Fee (2026)
All court costs for filing divorce in California — including filing fees, service costs, and optional surcharges.
Divorce Filing Fee Calculator
Estimate your total court costs for filing divorce paperwork in your state.
Uncontested Divorce Checklist & Forms Guide
A complete guide to filing an uncontested divorce without an attorney. Includes a step-by-step state-specific checklist, asset/debt inventory worksheet, and marital settlement agreement outline — everything you need before you walk into the courthouse.
- State-specific filing checklist for all 50 states
- Asset & debt inventory worksheet — prevents disputes later
- Marital settlement agreement outline
- Service of process guide — how to legally serve your spouse
- Fillable HTML + editable Word (.docx) — fill in browser or Microsoft Word
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
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Divorce Court Costs in California
Filing for divorce in California requires paying a base filing fee of $435 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).
California requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.
Service of Process in California
After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:
- Sheriff / constable: $40
- Private process server: $95
Uncontested divorce saves thousands
If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.Fee waiver available
If you can't afford the $435 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most California courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.Uncontested Divorce Checklist & Forms Guide
A complete guide to filing an uncontested divorce without an attorney. Includes a step-by-step state-specific checklist, asset/debt inventory worksheet, and marital settlement agreement outline — everything you need before you walk into the courthouse.
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
Uncontested Divorce Checklist & Forms Guide
A complete guide to filing an uncontested divorce without an attorney. Includes a step-by-step state-specific checklist, asset/debt inventory worksheet, and marital settlement agreement outline — everything you need before you walk into the courthouse.
Code SUMMER20 = 20% off at checkout
Frequently Asked Questions — California Divorce
How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?
What is the divorce filing fee in California?
How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in California?
Does California require a parenting class for divorce?
How long does a divorce take in California?
Can I file for divorce online in California?
Divorce Filing Fees by County in California
All California counties charge the same $435 statewide filing fee — click any county for court address and details.
Also See for California
File Your California Divorce Online
LegalZoom prepares every form for an uncontested California divorce, reviewed by attorneys — no court visits required for paperwork. Starting from $499.
A local attorney bills $300+/hour for this. LegalZoom does it flat-fee, online.
Getting Married? Consider a Prenup First
A prenuptial agreement protects what you bring into the marriage — savings, property, a business. Online prenups start at $599. California attorney-drafted prenups run $1,000–$7,500.
Prenup attorneys charge $2,500+ per couple. HelloPrenup is one flat fee.