San Diego County Divorce Filing Fees Explained
Hi, I’m Tim Blankenship from Divorce661. If you’re thinking about filing for divorce in San Diego County, you probably have a lot on your mind—emotionally and financially. In this post I’ll break down the real costs you should expect, smart ways to save money, and the practical steps we use every day to help clients get through an uncontested divorce quickly and affordably.
Quick Overview: The Basic Court Fees
Here are the key numbers to keep front and center:
- Initial filing fee: $435 — this is the standard cost to file a divorce petition in San Diego County.
- Potential second fee: Another $435 — this is commonly incurred if the other spouse files a formal response, bringing the total to $870.
- Certified copies and post-judgment fees: Additional fees apply after the divorce is finalized if you need certified documents.
How to Potentially Avoid the Second $435 Fee
One of the simplest, smartest moves many people don’t know about is using a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt. When used correctly, it can prevent the filing of a formal response that would otherwise trigger the second $435 fee.
In short: strategic filing methods—like having the other party sign and return a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt—can save you hundreds of dollars. We’ve helped clients do this and cut those unnecessary expenses so they have more money left over for moving forward.
What the Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt Does
- Allows the other party to acknowledge they received the papers without a formal “response” being filed immediately.
- Can streamline the process in amicable, uncontested cases.
- Is a legal tool that, when used properly, reduces redundant filings and fees.
Can’t Afford the Filing Fees? Fee Waivers in San Diego County
If money is tight, San Diego County offers a court fee waiver program for those who qualify. I’ve seen fee waivers work in real life—recently we helped a client apply and their fee waiver was approved on the first try, meaning they paid nothing out of pocket for court costs.
Who Typically Qualifies?
- People with low income or limited savings
- Those on public benefits (Medicaid, CalFresh, SSI, etc.)
- People who can demonstrate that paying the fees would create a financial hardship
Applicants complete a fee waiver application and submit it to the court. If approved, court filing fees—including the initial $435—can be reduced or eliminated.
Real Client Examples
We save clients money in two main ways:
- Strategic filing steps (like using a Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt) to avoid unnecessary response fees.
- Pursuing fee waivers when clients meet the eligibility requirements—sometimes resulting in zero out-of-pocket court costs.
One recent client had their fee waiver approved on the first submission and completed their divorce without paying any court fees. Another client saved hundreds by avoiding the second response fee through smart service and acknowledgement procedures.
How Divorce661 Helps
At Divorce661 we offer a full-service, flat-fee divorce solution for amicable, uncontested cases in California, with a focus on San Diego County. Our services include:
- 100% remote handling of your case
- E-filing with the court
- Preparation and submission of fee waiver applications
- Drafting and filing judgments and final paperwork
- Flat-fee pricing—no hourly surprises
Our goal is to make the divorce process fast, affordable, and as stress-free as possible.
Practical Steps to Get Started
- Determine whether your case is uncontested and whether the Notice and Acknowledgement of Receipt applies.
- Assess your eligibility for a fee waiver—gather pay stubs, benefits documentation, and a basic budget.
- Decide whether you want professional help: e-filing, forms, and court communications are easy to get wrong.
- If you want help, schedule a free consultation so we can review your situation and recommend the most cost-effective path forward.
Final Thoughts
Divorce in San Diego County doesn’t have to drain your finances. By understanding the $435 filing fee, knowing how the second $435 response fee can sometimes be avoided, and applying for a fee waiver when appropriate, you can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
If you’d like help navigating the process—whether that’s e-filing, preparing a fee waiver, or ensuring the paperwork is handled correctly—I’m here to help. Visit Divorce661.com or schedule a free consultation to see what your San Diego divorce will cost and how we can make it quick, affordable, and hassle-free.
“We handled a fee waiver for a San Diego resident and it was approved on the first try—no court costs paid.” — Tim Blankenship, Divorce661
