California Divorce Filing Fees by County (2026)
Filing fees for divorce in California are among the highest in the country — but they're consistent statewide because California sets fees at the state level. Here's what to expect and how to avoid paying if you qualify.
Note: Fees may change. Always verify with your specific county's Superior Court before filing.
California Divorce Filing Fee
Unlike many states where fees vary significantly by county, California sets a statewide base filing fee of $435–$450 for the petition for dissolution of marriage. The slight variation comes from county-specific surcharges.
New in 2026: If both spouses file a Joint Petition, the total fee is $435 — one payment for both. A significant savings if both spouses were otherwise going to file separately.
| Filing Action | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for Dissolution (petitioner) | $435–$450 |
| Response to Petition (respondent) | $435–$450 |
| Joint Petition (2026 — both spouses together) | $435 total |
| Motion or Order to Show Cause | $60–$180 |
| Summary Dissolution | $435 |
Filing Fees by Major County
| County | Petitioner Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $450 | Highest volume court in CA |
| San Diego | $435 | |
| Orange | $435 | |
| Riverside | $435 | |
| San Bernardino | $435 | |
| Sacramento | $435 | |
| Alameda | $435 | |
| Santa Clara | $435 | |
| Contra Costa | $435 | |
| San Francisco | $450 | |
| Fresno | $435 | |
| Kern | $435 | |
| San Mateo | $435 | |
| Ventura | $435 | |
| Sonoma | $435 |
Other Costs to Budget For
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Response filing (if respondent files) | $435–$450 |
| Process server | $40–$125 |
| Certified copies of Judgment | $25–$75 |
| QDRO preparation (if retirement accounts) | $400–$800 |
| Online document service (optional) | $150–$500 |
| Attorney document review (optional) | $200–$500 |
Can I Get the Fee Waived?
Yes. California has a generous fee waiver program. Complete Form FW-001 (Application for Waiver of Court Fees and Costs).
You automatically qualify if you receive:
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh (food stamps)
- SSI/SSP
- CalWORKs
- County Relief / General Assistance
You may also qualify if:
- Your monthly income is below the fee waiver guideline (approximately $1,694/month for a single person as of 2026)
- You cannot pay fees without undue financial hardship
Submit FW-001 with your petition. The court reviews it and responds quickly.
Total Cost Comparison
| Scenario | Estimated Total |
|---|---|
| Joint petition, agreed, no property issues | $435 |
| Standard filing, agreed, no property issues | $435–$500 |
| Both file (petitioner + respondent) | $870–$900 |
| With process server | $500–$650 |
| With QDRO | $900–$1,300 |
| With online document service | $600–$1,000 |
| Simple uncontested with attorney | $2,500–$5,000 |
FAQ
Why is California's filing fee so high? California courts are heavily funded by filing fees. The fee is the same for a simple case as a complex one — there's no sliding scale for complexity.
If my spouse and I both file responses separately, do we each pay $435? Yes, unless you use the new 2026 Joint Petition option, which requires only one $435 payment total.
What if my fee waiver is denied? You can request a hearing to challenge the denial. Alternatively, you can pay the fee and request a refund if you later qualify.
Last reviewed: March 2026 | Verify current fees at your county's Superior Court website.
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.