How much does a divorce cost in California?

Michael Gower

California managing attorney at Marble Law

Published August 11, 2024 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

There is no set fee for a divorce in California.
Cases that go to trial and discovery are the most expensive in California.
Factors that impact the cost include: complexity, if children are involved, assets and debts, length of the marriage and the relationship of the parties.
On average, attorney fees can sit around $20,000, but some more complex divorces can cost as much as $100,000 or more in fees.
There are also other costs to consider, such as filing fees and service attempts.
After the divorce, there may be additional costs to budget for, like spousal or child support.

The cost of a divorce in California varies widely depending on various factors. In general, the average cost is between $14,500 and $17,300.

Several key factors that influence the overall cost of a California divorce include:

Complexity: Straightforward divorces, where spouses agree on all issues (such as child custody and property division), are generally less expensive than complex cases. Complexities can arise from factors such as business ownership, hidden assets and high-conflict situations.
Children: Divorces involving children involve additional legal steps, such as child custody evaluations and establishing support arrangements. These steps require additional fees.
Assets and debts: The more significant the marital estate (that is, assets and debts), the more time and resources an attorney will need to value and divide everything fairly. Complex asset valuation involving real estate, investments, or intellectual property can increase the overall cost of divorce.
Length of marriage: Longer marriages often involve more complex financial histories and potentially more assets to divide. This can translate to higher legal fees.
The relationship of the parties: Cooperative spouses willing to work toward a settlement can keep costs down. Conversely, highly contested divorces requiring extensive negotiation or litigation will typically be more expensive.

How much does a divorce attorney cost in California?

Average attorney fees for California divorces can sit close to $20,000. Depending on the specifics of your case, the price may be higher or lower.

For example, divorces involving significant wealth, business ownership, or child custody disputes can easily reach costs exceeding $100,000 in attorney fees.

Cases that go to trial and involve extensive discovery (the evidence-gathering process) are the most expensive. Trial preparation, witness depositions and court appearances require significant attorney time, leading to higher fees.

A person looking for divorce costs online.

What other costs go into a divorce?

Attorney fees are just one piece of the financial puzzle. Consider these additional costs:

Filing fees: California courts charge filing fees for divorce petitions and other legal documents.
Service attempts: Serving your spouse with divorce papers can incur additional fees, particularly if they are difficult to locate.
Expert witnesses: Depending on the complexity of your case, expert witnesses (such as a child custody evaluator) may be required. You need to pay these people for their time.
Post-divorce expenses: Child support and spousal support, if applicable, become ongoing financial obligations after the divorce is finalized.

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What is the cheapest way to file for divorce in California?

There’s no guaranteed way to reduce the cost of divorce. That said, exploring some cost-effective solutions may help lighten your financial burden:

Mediation: Mediation, where a neutral third party facilitates communication between spouses, can be a less expensive way to reach agreements compared to litigation.
Collaborative divorce: This approach involves attorneys for both spouses working together to find a mutually agreeable solution, potentially reducing conflict and legal fees.
Limited scope representation: Consider hiring an attorney for specific tasks instead of full representation throughout the process. Marble works on this pay-per-step model, and you can book a call with us to discuss your options HERE.