Los Angeles County Divorce Filing Fees Explained

I’m Tim Blankenship of Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in Los Angeles County, one of the first questions people ask is: how much will this cost? The filing fees and the way you approach the process can have a big impact on both your wallet and your stress level. Below I break down the basics, explain how to save money, and show how a fee waiver might make divorce affordable for you.

What are the basic filing fees?

Here’s the straightforward math:

• Initial petition filing fee: $435 (Los Angeles County standard)
• Response filing fee: Another $435 if your spouse files a response
• Potential total: $870 if both the petition and the response are filed with fees

In many cases, though, you won’t have to pay both fees. If your divorce is uncontested — meaning both parties agree to the terms — usually only the initial $435 fee is required.

Why uncontested divorce matters (and how it saves you money)

An uncontested divorce can significantly reduce cost, time, and stress. When spouses reach agreement on key issues (property division, child custody, support, etc.), there’s no need for the formal response that triggers the second fee. That’s why most of the cases we handle involve just one filing and one fee, making the process more affordable and smoother for everyone.

Benefits of an uncontested approach:

• Lower court costs (typically just the single $435 fee)
• Faster processing and fewer hearings
• Fewer mistakes and less back-and-forth
• Greater control over the outcome since decisions are negotiated rather than litigated

Can I avoid paying filing fees entirely?

Yes — in some circumstances. If you can’t afford the filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Fee waivers are available based on income and if you receive certain types of public assistance.

Common eligibility factors include:

• Household income below certain thresholds
• Receipt of public assistance (e.g., CalFresh, Medi-Cal)
• Demonstrated inability to pay court costs without affecting basic living expenses

Filing a fee waiver requires documentation and proper completion of the court forms. We guide clients through that process to improve the chances of approval and make sure everything is submitted correctly the first time.

“It’s possible to make divorce affordable.”

Real example: How a fee waiver helped a single parent

We helped a single parent who couldn’t afford the filing fees. By carefully documenting income and public assistance status, completing the waiver application correctly, and submitting supporting documents, we secured approval. The client completed the divorce without paying any court costs.

Stories like this show that with the right guidance, divorce does not have to be financially devastating.

Why correct filing and timelines matter

Mistakes on forms or missing documents can cause delays — sometimes significant ones. We explain all court fees and timelines up front so there are no surprises. That includes:

• Which forms are required for your situation
• How long courts typically take to process filings
• What to expect after filing (notices, waiting periods, next steps)

Getting it right the first time prevents unnecessary trips back to court and additional costs down the line.

How Divorce661 can help

At Divorce661, we provide a full-service solution for amicable or uncontested divorces in California. Our support includes:

• Navigating Los Angeles County filing fees and procedures
• Assisting with fee waiver applications and documentation
• Preparing and filing forms correctly to avoid delays
• Explaining timelines and next steps so you know what to expect

If you’re ready to move forward but want help making the process affordable and stress-free, we offer a free consultation to review your situation and options.

Next steps

Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach you can save money and avoid unnecessary hassle. Consider whether an uncontested route is possible, check if you qualify for a fee waiver, and get help preparing your paperwork so it’s done correctly.

Take action today — visit Divorce661.com for a free consultation and let us guide you through each step.

“By ensuring your case is filed correctly, we prevent mistakes and delays.”