California Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in California — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on California filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in California
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At California's average family-law rate of ~$422/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that California has a mandatory waiting period of 6 months + 1 day before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?
The court filing fee in California is typically around $435 (Riverside and San Francisco charge $450; 6-month terminal waiting period cannot be waived; fee waivers widely used.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in California?
Family-law attorneys in California average around $422/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,500–$4,500 total; contested divorces $14,400–$26,300 or more.
How long do I have to live in California before filing?
California requires 6 months in state (+3 months in county) of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in California?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many California courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$435). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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