San Bernardino County Divorce Filing Fees Explained | San Bernardino Divorce #divorce661
Hi — I’m Tim Blankenship with Divorce661. If you’re preparing to file for divorce in San Bernardino County, one of the first questions you’ll ask is, “How much will this cost?” In this post I’ll walk you through the standard filing fees, the extra costs you might encounter, how fee waivers work, and how we help clients minimize or avoid these fees altogether.
Quick answer: the basic filing fee
The current court filing fee to start a divorce case in San Bernardino County is $435. That same $435 fee applies if your spouse files a Response. So, when both sides file initial paperwork, each party is typically responsible for the $435 fee.
Other fees to be aware of
The $435 filing fee is the starting point, but it’s not necessarily the end of your costs. Depending on how your case proceeds, you may encounter additional charges, including:
- Motions and hearing fees — filing a motion or requesting a court hearing can add costs.
- Correction or re-submission fees — if paperwork is rejected or needs correction, re-filing can incur additional charges.
- Service fees — fees for serving papers or for certified copies may apply in certain situations.
Being aware of these possibilities up front can help you plan your budget and avoid surprises.
Fee waivers: how they can eliminate filing costs
If your income qualifies, you can apply for a fee waiver to avoid paying court filing fees. Fee waivers can cover the initial filing fee and other related court fees, depending on eligibility.
We’ve helped many clients in San Bernardino County complete the proper waiver forms and submit them with their case. In one recent example, a single parent who was concerned about the financial burden of starting a divorce applied for a fee waiver with our help. The waiver was approved, and they completed their entire divorce without paying any court filing fees.
How Divorce661 helps
At Divorce661 we guide you through every step of the filing process, including fee waivers. Our core services that help keep costs down include:
- Assistance completing and submitting fee waiver paperwork when you qualify.
- Flat-fee divorce services with no hidden attorney costs.
- Fast, accurate eFiling directly with San Bernardino courts so your documents are filed correctly and promptly.
- Support through motions, hearings, and corrections to minimize additional fees whenever possible.
Practical next steps
- Confirm the current filing fee (fees can change — check with the court or get help from a professional).
- Determine whether you or your spouse will file the Petition and whether a Response is expected.
- Assess your eligibility for a fee waiver and start the application if you qualify.
- Consider professional help to eFile and to avoid rejected paperwork or unnecessary motions.
If you’re ready to start your divorce in San Bernardino County and want expert help with fees and fee waivers, visit divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation. We’ll help you keep costs down and your case on track.
Conclusion
Starting a divorce can be stressful — especially when you’re worried about costs. The standard filing fee in San Bernardino County is $435 (and the same if your spouse files a Response), but there are ways to reduce or eliminate those costs through fee waivers and careful handling of your case. If you need guidance, we’re here to help every step of the way.
To get started, visit divorce661.com for a free consultation.
