Divorce & Family Law in California

California ( CA)

Average: $17,500

Last Updated: Mar 2026

Low Estimate

$5,000

Simple / Uncontested Cases

Average Cost

                        $17,500                    
Typical
                        Divorce & Family Law Case
                    

High Estimate

$50,000

Complex / Contested Cases

Cost Component	Low	Average	High
Attorney Hourly Rate	$275/hr	$420/hr	$700/hr
Total Cost Estimate	$5,000	$17,500	$50,000
Court Filing Fee	$435

What to Know About Divorce & Family Law Costs in California

California has some of the highest divorce costs in the nation. The average contested divorce costs around $17,500, while an uncontested divorce can be as low as $5,000. Filing fees in California are $435 for the petitioner and $435 for the respondent. Complex divorces involving significant assets, custody disputes, or business valuations can exceed $50,000.

Sources: California Courts GoV Fee Schedule 2024