Understanding the Cost of Divorce in California
Save Thousands with a Legal Document Assistant (LDA)
Divorce is one of life’s most stressful events—and for many Californians, the fear of crushing legal bills keeps them trapped in unhappy marriages far longer than necessary. But here’s the truth most won’t tell you: you don’t need expensive attorneys to get divorced—especially if you and your spouse can agree on the basics.
With the help of a registered Legal Document Assistant (LDA), uncontested divorces in California can cost as low as $300 plus Court filing Fee.
Average Costs at a Glance (2025)
| Scenario | Typical Market Range* |
| Simple uncontested divorce (no kids, minimal assets) | $1,500 – $2,500 |
| Uncontested divorce with children or moderate assets | $2,000 – $4,500 |
| Average contested divorce (with attorneys) | $25,000 – $35,000 per spouse |
| High-conflict divorce (custody battles, complex property) | $50,000 – $150,000+ |
Includes filing fees, professional fees, mediation, and extras. Regional differences (LA vs. rural counties) can add 10–20%.
What Drives the Cost? (And How to Avoid It)
1. Court Fees – Fixed & Low
– Petition + summons: $435-$450
– Serving papers: $50-$150
– All forms: Free online
2. Attorney Fees – The Biggest Variable
– Average Hourly rates: $270*
– Average total (full representation): $11,300*
* Based on data compiled by Martindale-Nolo Research (2019)
3. Other Expenses (Beyond Filing)
– Average non-attorney costs: $2,000
– Includes mediation, evaluations, experts
→ Higher in complex or disputed cases[1]
4. Disputes = Higher Costs & Longer Cases
– No contested issues: $4,500–$5,500
– Trial on 1+ issues: Costs double or triple → Agreement keeps costs low[1]
Uncontested vs. Contested: Side-by-Side
| Factor | Uncontested | Contested |
| Agreement | Yes – you decide | No – court may decides |
| Timeline | typically 6–9 months | potentially 1–3+ years |
| Stress | Lower | High |
| Cost | generally much lower(attorney may not be required) | generally much higher (usually requires legal representation) |
How LDAs Save You Thousands in uncontested cases
Legal Document Assistants are non-lawyers registered with your county to help self-represented people prepare accurate court forms — without hourly billing.
| Prepare all divorce forms | $2,000–$5,000+ | $300 – $900 |
| File with court | $300–$600 | Included |
| Serve spouse | $200–$400 | $50 – $150 |
| Final judgment package | $1,000–$3,000 | Included |
| Total | $4,000–$10,000+ | $350 – $1,050 |
No court appearance required.You stay in control — LDA helps with the paperwork.
Smart Ways to Keep Costs Down
- 1. Go Uncontested with an LDA Flat-fee service covers everything from start to finish.
- 2. Use Free State Resources
- California Courts Self-Help Center
- Free forms, videos, and step-by-step guides
- 3. Try Free Court Mediation (if needed) Most counties offer free custody mediation — no private mediator required.
- 4. Apply for Fee Waivers Over 40% of filers qualify. LDAs help you apply for free.
- 5. Avoid Common Mistakes LDAs catch errors early — preventing costly delays or re-filings.
Hidden Costs to Watch For
- – Temporary support orders (during case)
- – Unnecessary experts or appraisals
- – avoid these by hiring a LDA
Ready to Save Money and Move On?
Contact us today for a free consultation
or fill out the Google form below to receive a quote.
References
1. Divorce in California: How Much Does It Cost? How Long Does It Take?
2. California Courts Self-Help & Judicial Council – LDA scope under CA law (non-attorney document preparation for self-represented litigants).
Disclaimer: Cost ranges are estimates based on publicly available data and surveys. Actual costs vary. LDAs are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice. We assist self-represented litigants by preparing court-approved forms. For legal advice, consult a licensed family law attorney.