Money is one of the biggest concerns when facing divorce. The good news: an LA divorce doesn’t have to cost $15,000+. Here’s exactly what you’ll pay in 2026 depending on which path you choose.
The Quick Answer
| Path | Total Cost |
| DIY (self-file) | $870–$1,500 |
| Document preparation (Superior Court Docs) | $1,500–$2,500 |
| Mediation | $3,500–$10,000 |
| Attorney (uncontested) | $3,000–$7,000 |
| Attorney (contested) | $15,000–$50,000+ |
| Attorney (high-asset/custody battle) | $50,000–$200,000+ |
Court Filing Fees (Everyone Pays These)
| Fee | Amount |
| Petition filing (FL-100) | $435 |
| Response filing (FL-120) | $435 |
| Total if both file | $870 |
| Fee waiver (if eligible) | $0 |
These are set by Los Angeles County Superior Court and apply regardless of whether you use an attorney, document preparer, or do it yourself.
Fee Waiver Eligibility
You may qualify for a fee waiver if: – You receive public assistance (CalWORKs, SSI, Medi-Cal, SNAP) – Your household income is 125% or less of the federal poverty level – You can’t pay court fees and also pay basic living expenses
File Form FW-001 with your petition.
Path 1: DIY (Self-File) — $870–$1,500
| Item | Cost |
| Filing fees | $435–$870 |
| Process server | $50–$150 |
| Copies and notarization | $20–$50 |
| Total | $505–$1,070 |
| Additional costs if forms get rejected | $100–$500+ (your time + refiling) |
The hidden cost: Your time. Researching forms, filling them out, dealing with rejections, and resubmitting can take 20–40+ hours. And if the court rejects your judgment for errors, you’re looking at weeks of additional delay.
Path 2: Document Preparation — $1,500–$2,500
| Item | Cost |
| Filing fees | $435–$870 |
| Document preparation fee | $599–$999 |
| Process server | $50–$150 |
| Total | $1,084–$2,019 |
Best value for most people. You get professionally prepared documents reviewed by experienced preparers who know the LA court system — without paying attorney prices.
Superior Court Docs prepares everything from petition through judgment, including financial disclosures and your marital settlement agreement.
Path 3: Mediation — $3,500–$10,000
| Item | Cost |
| Filing fees | $435–$870 |
| Mediator (4–8 sessions) | $2,000–$6,000 |
| Document preparation | $500–$1,500 |
| Process server | $50–$150 |
| Total | $2,985–$8,520 |
Mediation is useful when you almost agree but need help working through a few sticking points. The mediator doesn’t take sides — they facilitate agreement.
Path 4: Attorney (Uncontested) — $3,000–$7,000
| Item | Cost |
| Filing fees | $435–$870 |
| Attorney flat fee or retainer | $2,500–$5,000 |
| Process server | $50–$150 |
| Total | $2,985–$6,020 |
Some attorneys offer flat-fee packages for simple uncontested divorces. This makes sense if your case has unusual legal complexities but is otherwise uncontested.
Path 5: Attorney (Contested) — $15,000–$50,000+
| Item | Cost Range |
| Filing fees | $435–$870 |
| Attorney retainer | $5,000–$10,000 |
| Attorney hourly ($300–$500/hr × 40–100+ hours) | $12,000–$50,000 |
| Expert witnesses (if needed) | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Process server / subpoenas | $200–$500 |
| Total per spouse | $20,635–$76,370 |
For two spouses: Multiply by two. A contested divorce can easily cost a couple $40,000–$150,000+ combined.
What Affects the Cost?
Makes It Cheaper
- Agreement on all issues (uncontested)
- No children
- Few assets and debts
- Using document preparation instead of an attorney
- Qualifying for fee waivers
Makes It More Expensive
- Contested issues (especially custody)
- Complex assets (businesses, multiple properties, stock options)
- Expert witnesses (forensic accountants, custody evaluators, appraisers)
- Attorney hourly rates (higher for experienced family law attorneys)
- Multiple court hearings
How to Save Money on Your LA Divorce
- Agree on terms before filing — Every issue you agree on saves attorney hours
- Use document preparation for uncontested cases — Save $2,000–$28,000 vs. an attorney
- File fee waivers if eligible — Save $870 in filing fees
- Complete financial disclosures quickly — Delays cost money
- Don’t fight over small items — Litigating over a $500 couch costs more in attorney fees than the couch is worth
- Consider mediation for 1–2 disputed issues rather than full attorney representation
How Superior Court Docs Saves You Thousands
At Superior Court Docs, an uncontested LA divorce typically costs $1,084–$2,019 total (our fee + filing fees + service). Compare that to the $15,000+ average for an attorney-handled divorce.
Same court-ready documents. Fraction of the cost.
📞 Call (213) 973-7248 or get your free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Los Angeles?
The cheapest route is a DIY uncontested divorce at around $870–$1,500 total. However, for just a few hundred dollars more, professional document preparation eliminates the risk of costly errors and delays — making it the best value option at $1,084–$2,019 total.
Can I get a free divorce in Los Angeles?
If you qualify for a fee waiver and file your own paperwork, your divorce costs nothing in court fees. However, you’ll still need to pay for service of process (unless you find a volunteer). Some legal aid organizations offer free help for low-income individuals.
Do both spouses have to pay filing fees?
The petitioner pays $435 to file and the respondent pays $435 to file a response. If the respondent doesn’t file a response (default judgment), only the $435 petition fee is required. Both parties can apply for fee waivers independently.
Related: The Complete Guide to Divorce in California | Divorce Paralegal vs. Attorney | DIY Divorce vs. Document Preparation
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