Uncovering the Cost of a Simple Divorce in California: What You Need to Know

AvatarByKelsey Garrison

Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally taxing process for any couple. However, in the state of California, obtaining a divorce doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated affair. If you’re wondering how much a simple divorce would cost you in the Golden State, then look no further. In this article, we’ll delve into the nitty-gritty details of getting a simple divorce in California and give you an idea of what to expect in terms of costs. Whether you’re considering filing for divorce or simply curious about the process, read on to find out more.

What is a Simple Divorce in California?

A simple divorce in California refers to the legal process of ending a marriage without any major disputes or complicated issues. It is also commonly referred to as an uncontested divorce. This means that both parties have agreed on the terms of the divorce, such as property division, child custody, and spousal support, and there is no need for a court trial to settle these matters.

Requirements for Filing a Simple Divorce in California

To file for a simple divorce in California, there are certain requirements that must be met. Firstly, either you or your spouse must have lived in California for at least six months before filing for divorce in the state. Additionally, one of you must have lived in the county where you plan to file for at least three months.

Secondly, you and your spouse must meet the residency requirement of having been married for at least six months before filing for divorce. This means that if you have been married for less than six months, you will not be able to file for a simple divorce in California.

Lastly, both parties must agree on all aspects of the divorce, including property division, child custody, child support, and spousal support. If there are any disagreements or unresolved issues between you and your spouse, then a simple divorce may not be possible.

How Much Does a Simple Divorce Cost in California?

The cost of a simple divorce in California can vary depending on several factors such as attorney fees, court filing fees, and other administrative costs. On average, an uncontested divorce can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,500.

Attorney fees can range from $150 to $350 per hour depending on their experience and reputation. However, if you and your spouse agree on all terms of the divorce without any legal representation or assistance, you can save on attorney fees.

Court filing fees in California can vary from county to county. On average, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $500 for court filing and administrative fees.

In addition to attorney fees and court filing costs, there may be other expenses such as mediation fees if both parties cannot come to an agreement on their own. It is important to budget for these additional costs when considering the total cost of a simple divorce in California.

The Timeline for a Simple Divorce in California

The timeline for a simple divorce in California can also vary depending on the circumstances of each case. On average, the process can take anywhere from six months to a year.

Initially, there is a six-month waiting period in California before your divorce can be finalized. This means that even if you come to an agreement with your spouse and file all necessary paperwork, you will still have to wait six months before the divorce is finalized.

Once the six-month waiting period is over, it typically takes two to three months for the court system to process and finalize your uncontested divorce. This timeline may vary based on the backlog of cases in your specific county’s court system.

If there are any disputes or unresolved issues during the process, this can significantly delay the timeline for finalizing a simple divorce in California.

The Benefits of Choosing an Uncontested Divorce

Opting for an uncontested or simple divorce in California has several benefits compared to a contested divorce. Firstly, it can save both parties time and money. With an uncontested divorce, you have more control over the outcome and are not reliant on a judge’s decision regarding property division or child custody.

Additionally, it is less stressful and emotionally draining than a contested divorce as there are no courtroom battles or legal battles between you and your spouse. You also have more privacy as details of your divorce will not become public record as it would in a contested divorce.

In California, a simple divorce is the quickest and more cost-effective way to end a marriage. However, it is essential to ensure that all requirements are met, and both parties agree on all terms to proceed with an uncontested divorce. Consulting with an experienced family law attorney can help navigate the process and ensure that your rights and interests are protected throughout the divorce proceedings.

Overview of Divorce Laws in California

California, like many other states, offers multiple options for couples seeking to end their marriage. These include traditional divorces, summary divorces, and simplified divorces. Each option has its own specific requirements and procedures. In this article, we will focus on the process and costs associated with a simple divorce in the state of California.

What is a Simple Divorce in California?

A simple divorce is also known as an uncontested divorce. This means that both parties have mutually agreed to end their marriage and have come to an agreement on all major issues such as division of assets, child custody, and support. This type of divorce is typically less time-consuming and less expensive than a contested divorce where the couple cannot reach an agreement.

In order to file for a simple divorce in California, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state for at least six months prior to filing. Additionally, at least one spouse must have been a resident of the county where the case is filed for at least three months prior to filing.

Filing for Divorce in California

The first step in filing for a simple divorce in California is completing and filing a petition for dissolution of marriage with the court. This document outlines basic information about the marriage and any minor children involved. The petition must be filed with the Superior Court in the county where either you or your spouse resides.

Once the petition has been filed, it must be served to the non-filing spouse by either personal service or by mail with return receipt requested. It is important to note that if your spouse does not respond within 30 days after being served, you can ask for a default judgment which would allow you to proceed with your divorce without your spouse’s involvement.

Costs Involved

The cost for filing a divorce petition in California varies by county, but typically ranges from $200 to $400. In addition, you will also need to pay a fee for the summons and the filing of your marital settlement agreement. If you cannot afford to pay these fees, you can request a fee waiver from the court.

It is important to note that if you hire an attorney to assist with your simple divorce, their fees will add on to the court fees. However, if both parties are in agreement and able to communicate effectively, hiring an attorney may not be necessary.

Timeframe for a Simple Divorce

The length of time it takes for a simple divorce in California depends on the backlog of cases in your specific county. On average, it can take anywhere from six months to over a year to complete a simple divorce. However, this timeframe can be extended if there are any delays in filing paperwork or serving documents.

After the petition has been filed and served, there is a mandatory six-month waiting period before the divorce can be finalized. This waiting period is intended to give the couple time to reconsider their decision and allow for any opportunities for reconciliation or mediation.

Additional Considerations

Although a simple divorce may seem like an easy and straightforward process, there are still important considerations that need to be addressed. These include division of assets and debts, child custody and support arrangements (if applicable), spousal support (alimony), and taxes. It is highly recommended that couples seek legal advice when navigating these complex issues.

It is also essential for both parties to carefully review all documents before signing anything as this could have long-term implications on their future finances and well-being.

In conclusion, while every divorce case is unique and may have varying costs associated with it depending on individual circumstances, a simple divorce in California can generally range from $200-$400 in court fees. This does not include any additional fees for attorneys, if hired. It is important to note that while a simple divorce may seem like a more affordable and efficient option, it is still a major life event that requires careful consideration and proper legal guidance.


1. What is a simple divorce in California?
– A simple divorce in California is a type of divorce that does not involve complex legal issues, such as child custody or property division. It is often referred to as an uncontested or amicable divorce.

2. How much does a simple divorce cost in California?
– In most cases, the filing fee for a simple divorce in California is $435. However, there may be additional fees for things like serving the other party with the divorce papers or hiring a mediator.

3. Can I file for a simple divorce in California without hiring an attorney?
– Yes, you can file for a simple divorce without hiring an attorney. However, it is recommended to at least consult with an attorney to ensure all paperwork is correctly filled out and that your rights are protected throughout the process.

4. How long does a simple divorce typically take in California?
– While every case is different, a simple divorce in California usually takes around 6 months from the date of filing until it is finalized by the court.

5. Do I need to have lived in California for a certain amount of time to file for a simple divorce?
– Yes, at least one spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months before they can file for divorce. The filing spouse must also have lived in the county where they plan to file for at least 3 months.

6. What documents are needed to file for a simple divorce in California?
– To file for a simple divorce in California, you will need to fill out and submit various forms, including the petition for dissolution of marriage, summons, and financial disclosures. It may also be necessary to submit additional forms depending on your specific situation.

In conclusion, the cost of a simple divorce in California can vary greatly depending on various factors such as the complexity of the case, attorney fees, and court costs. Generally, a simple divorce can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,500 in California. However, it is important for individuals to fully understand their legal rights and options before going through with a divorce.

One key takeaway from this topic is that it is crucial to research and compare different attorneys and their fees before deciding on one. This can potentially save individuals thousands of dollars in legal fees. Additionally, considering alternative methods such as mediation can also reduce the overall cost of a divorce.

Furthermore, it is important for individuals to have an open and honest conversation with their spouse about splitting assets and reaching a fair agreement before going through with a divorce. This can help avoid costly disputes and lengthy court battles.

It is also essential for individuals to understand the long-term financial implications of a divorce in terms of child support, alimony, and property division. Seeking professional financial advice can be beneficial in making informed decisions during the divorce process.

In conclusion, while the cost of a simple divorce in California may seem daunting at first glance, there are various ways to minimize expenses through research, communication with one’s spouse, and seeking professional

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Kelsey Garrison
Kelsey Garrison, our esteemed author and a passionate writer in the world of weddings and bridal fashion, has been an integral part of our website since its inception.

With a rich history in creating engaging content, Kelsey has consistently brought fresh insights and valuable information to our readers.

Starting in 2024, Kelsey made a significant transition to focus specifically on the "Wedding/Bridal Fashion, Wedding Tips" niche. This shift was driven by her desire to delve deeper into the intricacies of wedding planning and bridal fashion—a field that blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends.

Her articles are meticulously researched and designed to provide thorough answers and innovative ideas for all things wedding-related.