Divorce doesn’t have to drain your bank account. Here are the 5 paths ranked from cheapest to most expensive.
1. DIY with Fee Waiver — $0
How it works: You prepare all forms yourself AND qualify for a court fee waiver. Who qualifies: Recipients of public assistance (CalWORKs, SSI, Medi-Cal, SNAP) or income below 125% of the federal poverty level. The catch: You need to prepare 15–25+ forms perfectly on your own. Court rejection rates for self-prepared documents: 30–50%. Best for: People with legal knowledge and very simple cases.
2. DIY (Self-File) — $870–$1,500
How it works: You research the forms, fill them out, file them, and handle service yourself. Includes: Filing fees ($435–$870) + process server ($50–$150) + copies/notarization. The catch: 20–40+ hours of your time. High rejection rate. Best for: Simple cases with no children or property.
3. Document Preparation — $1,084–$2,019 ⭐ BEST VALUE
How it works: Professional document preparers handle all your forms. You provide the information; they produce court-ready documents. Includes: Filing fees + preparation fee ($599–$999) + process server. The catch: Can’t give legal advice (but you may not need it). Best for: Most uncontested divorces. This is what we recommend for most people.
4. Mediation — $3,500–$10,000
How it works: A neutral mediator helps you and your spouse reach agreement on disputed issues. Includes: Filing fees + mediator ($2,000–$6,000 for 4–8 sessions) + document preparation. The catch: Only works if both parties are willing to participate in good faith. Best for: Near-agreement couples with 1–3 sticking points.
5. Attorney Representation — $5,000–$50,000+
How it works: An attorney handles everything — advice, strategy, negotiation, documents, and court appearances. Includes: Filing fees + attorney fees ($200–$500/hour). The catch: Expensive, especially if contested. Best for: Contested cases, complex assets, custody battles.
The Smart Move
For the 80%+ of divorces that are uncontested, document preparation at Superior Court Docs is the clear winner — professional quality documents at a fraction of attorney cost.
📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started today.
Related: Divorce Cost Guide | Paralegal vs. Attorney | DIY vs. Document Prep
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Superior Court Docs offers the most affordable paralegal services in California most specifically Los Angeles. We provide the most reliable law document services in the industry.
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