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.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.