California · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

California divorce forms and filing fees

Where to get California's official divorce forms and what filing costs: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver, which court to file in and e-filing.

The short answer

The filing fee in California: $435-$450 to file a divorce petition; $870 for a joint petition (both spouses' fees). If you can't pay: Ask for a fee waiver with Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/fee-waiver.

Filing fee
$435–$450
E-filing
Yes
Court
Superior Court (family law division) in your county

Official divorce forms for California

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in California.

Filing fee in California

  • $435-$450 to file a divorce petition; $870 for a joint petition (both spouses' fees).
  • Your spouse pays a similar fee to respond.

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in California

Ask for a fee waiver with Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/fee-waiver

Where and how to file

Court
Superior Court (family law division) in your county
E-filing
Yes, if your county court allows e-filing; check your court's website.

Filing your divorce papers in California, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (California courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Superior Court (family law division) in your county.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $435-$450 to file a divorce petition; $870 for a joint petition (both spouses' fees).

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    Ask for a fee waiver with Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/fee-waiver.

  5. File online or in person

    Yes, if your county court allows e-filing; check your court's website.

  6. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in California

How much does it cost to file for divorce in California?

$435-$450 to file a divorce petition; $870 for a joint petition (both spouses' fees). Your spouse pays a similar fee to respond.

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in California?

Ask for a fee waiver with Request to Waive Court Fees (form FW-001): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/fee-waiver

Where can I get official divorce forms for California?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (California courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (California courts).

Can I file divorce papers online in California?

Yes, if your county court allows e-filing; check your court's website.

Which court handles divorce in California?

Superior Court (family law division) in your county

More about divorce in California

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.