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Last Modified on Aug 07, 2026
If you are searching for the cheapest way to get a divorce in California, you are probably worried about money.
That fear is common, and it makes sense. Divorce touches your income, your home, and your future, all at the same time.
You do not have to spend tens of thousands of dollars to end a marriage in California. Many couples finalize their divorce for a few hundred dollars in court fees, and this guide walks you through how to do it the right way for your situation.
The cheapest way to get a divorce in California is a “DIY divorce,” where you file the paperwork yourself without a lawyer to avoid legal fees.
The cost can be as low as the court filing fee of around $435. Individuals can file for divorce with no money by qualifying for a fee waiver, which is available if they receive public benefits, have an income below a certain amount, or cannot afford the fee while paying for basic needs.
This process is easiest for amicable separations with no children or major assets. A summary dissolution is an alternative for couples with short marriages, no children, and few assets.
To qualify, your marriage must meet all of the following criteria:
- Duration: Married for 5 years or less
- Children: No children together (born or adopted)
- Real Estate: Neither spouse owns real estate or land
- Community Property: Combined shared assets are under $57,000 (excluding vehicles)
- Separate Property: Each spouse’s personal assets are under $57,000
- Combined Debt: Total shared debt is under $7,000 (excluding car loans)
As of January 1, 2026, many agreeing couples also have a new option called the Joint Petition for Dissolution, which lets both spouses sign and file together in one case instead of one spouse filing and serving the other.
The combined court filing fee is still $870 total, but couples skip the cost of hiring a process server since formal service is no longer required.
While a “DIY divorce” is the most cost-effective path, remember that California is a community property state where assets and debts are split equally. If your split is complex or contested, spending less on filing fees might mean more work negotiating the details.
The cheapest way to get a divorce in California may not necessarily be the easiest.
Why Should You Hire a Divorce Lawyer?
There are many important reasons why you should hire a divorce lawyer. The last thing you want is to move forward with your divorce without legal help by your side, especially if your spouse has hired a lawyer.
You could end up losing far more than you anticipated. At Edgar & Dow, we can provide you with the right resources to preserve your financial security in your divorce. Our divorce lawyers have helped hundreds of clients through this process, and they can help you, too.
Understanding Marriage & Divorce Statistics
Understanding the marriage and divorce statistics in your state can help you feel less alone in what you’re going through.
Information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) puts California’s marriage rate at around 5.5 per 1,000 residents, one of the lower rates in the country. Just because divorce and marriage alike are below the national average in California, that doesn’t make your struggle any less valid.
Getting divorced can be emotionally overwhelming, especially when you’re focused on the financial difficulties ahead of you.
Try to prioritize your mental health and avoid making major decisions while you’re struggling.
Reaching out to a local divorce support group like DivorceCare can help you move forward.
FAQs
How Much Is the Cheapest Divorce in California?
Depending on how cheap your divorce ends up being, it really varies on a case-by-case basis.
If you do not hire a lawyer and pay only the cost of filing the necessary paperwork with the courts, the total you may spend on your divorce is around $435.
If you ultimately decide to hire a lawyer for your divorce, you will need to pay their fee as well. Divorce can be as cheap or expensive as it needs to be.
How Do I File for Divorce With No Money in California?
You can file for divorce with no money in California by requesting a fee waiver from the California courts when you go to file the paperwork.
The usual fee for filing divorce paperwork is around $435, but if you qualify for a fee waiver, you can avoid that charge.
You typically qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, if you already receive public benefits such as Medi-Cal or CalFresh, or if you cannot pay both your basic living expenses and the court fee.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Divorce if Both Parties Agree in California?
The total cost of an uncontested divorce depends entirely on the case at hand. Every divorce case is different, with different circumstances, assets, custody agreements, and details inherent in each individual case.
Due to the differences among cases, there is no way to tell from the start how much your divorce will cost you, even if both parties are in total agreement. They may change that stance as the divorce progresses, and you could spend as much or as little as it takes.
What Is the Quickest Way to Get Divorced in California?
The quickest way to get divorced in California is to push for an uncontested divorce, where both parties are amicable, have worked out an agreement for property division, and have reached terms for custody if there are children involved.
While every situation is different, and there are no guarantees, an uncontested divorce generally tends to be quicker than a contested one.
What Is California’s New Joint Petition for Divorce?
The Joint Petition for Dissolution (Form FL-700) is a new filing option that started on January 1, 2026, under Senate Bill 1427. It lets both spouses sign and file one petition together, instead of one spouse filing and serving the other.
Couples who agree on every issue can use it regardless of marriage length, children, or how much property they own.
Contact a Divorce Lawyer Today
Divorce can be expensive and time-consuming, whatever path you choose.
If you decide to handle it yourself, that’s a reasonable option when your situation is simple and amicable. But if your case is more complicated, or if your spouse has hired a lawyer, having someone on your side who understands California divorce law can make a real difference in how things unfold.
If you’re not sure which path is right for you, that’s what a consultation is for. Contact Edgar & Dow to talk through your options.
