How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

For many Californians considering divorce, one of the most pressing concerns is cost. Divorce can be expensive—but it doesn’t always have to be. Whether you’re preparing for a contested case or pursuing a low-conflict separation, it’s important to understand where the expenses come from and how to plan accordingly.

Court Filing Fees

The baseline cost to file for divorce in California begins with the Superior Court filing fee, which is currently around $435 per party. If both parties file separately, total court fees can easily exceed $870. These are required in every case, although fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals.

Attorney’s Fees

Attorney fees are often the most significant portion of divorce costs. In California, family law attorneys typically charge between $250 and $500 per hour, depending on experience and complexity of the case.

At The Gramling Law Group, based in Redlands, we focus on delivering efficient legal strategies that balance strong representation with cost control. Whether you're dealing with custody, spousal support, or property division, we provide honest pricing and transparent billing. You can request a custom quote here or visit our Get a Quote page for affordable service options.

Average fee ranges:

• Uncontested divorce: $2,500 – $5,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000 – $50,000+

If you're unsure which path you're facing, contact our office for a detailed consultation.

Additional Expenses to Consider

Besides attorney and filing fees, clients may encounter other costs such as:

• Mediation or parenting coordinator fees

• Child custody evaluations

• Property appraisals

• Process server costs

• Forensic accounting in complex asset cases

The overall expense depends on how cooperative the parties are and how many issues must be litigated.

Alternatives to Full Representation

If you’re self-represented but want high-quality assistance with your filings, The Gramling Law Group also offers professional document preparation services through Sanctum Legal. This service is ideal for uncontested divorces or individuals who need legal accuracy without full representation.

To understand the legal terms that apply to your situation, you can explore the California Family Code via FindLaw.

Keeping Divorce Costs Manageable

Ways to lower the financial burden include:

• Reaching agreements early

• Using limited-scope representation

• Avoiding unnecessary litigation

• Utilizing fixed-fee document preparation services

At The Gramling Law Group, we’re committed to helping clients in Redlands and throughout California divorce smarter—with legal solutions tailored to their needs and budget.

This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed unless and until a signed retainer agreement is executed with The Gramling Law Group.