Santa Clarita Divorce Filing Fees Explained
If you are filing for divorce in Santa Clarita, one of the first questions is: “How much is this going to cost to file?” Here is a clear breakdown of the court filing fees, who pays them, and what to expect so you are not surprised during the process.
How much does it cost to start a divorce in Santa Clarita?
In Los Angeles County, which includes Santa Clarita, the current filing fee to start a divorce case is $435. That fee is paid to the court when you file the initial petition to begin the dissolution of marriage.
Who pays the filing fee?
A common question is:
“Do we both have to pay?”
The short answer is: no. Only the person who files the paperwork pays the $435 filing fee up front. The other spouse only pays if they choose to file a formal response with the court, which would require the same filing fee.
What happens when the other spouse files a response?
If the other spouse files a Response to the Petition, they will be required to pay the court filing fee at the time they file. If they do not file a formal Response, they do not need to pay a fee. In many uncontested cases the responding spouse does not file a Response because both parties agree to the terms and submit the necessary settlement documents.
Uncontested divorces: one fee can be enough
It is possible to complete an uncontested divorce with only the single $435 filing fee. For example, we recently helped a Santa Clarita couple file an uncontested divorce where only one fee was required. We handled the entire case, including court filing, service, and final judgment, without either party having to appear in court.
How to expect the process to go
While every case is unique, here are the typical steps in a straightforward divorce filing:
- Prepare the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and required court forms.
- File the Petition with the court and pay the $435 filing fee.
- Have the Petition served on the other spouse.
- The other spouse may file a Response (and pay a filing fee) or they may agree to the proposed settlement terms without filing.
- If the parties agree, submit settlement paperwork and the court can enter a final judgment without a contested hearing.
Ways to avoid extra costs and delays
- Uncontested settlement – If you and your spouse agree on division of property, custody, support, and other terms, you may avoid additional filings and court appearances.
- Electronic filing – Filing documents electronically saves time and eliminates trips to the courthouse.
- Fee waivers – California courts offer fee waiver forms for qualifying individuals who cannot afford court fees. If you think you may qualify, ask the court or consult with a professional for guidance.
- Flat-fee services – Using a flat-fee divorce service can help you know your total cost up front and avoid surprise charges.
How a full-service option can help
A full-service provider can manage the entire process for you: preparing and filing paperwork electronically, arranging service, communicating with the court, and submitting final judgment documents. Electronic filing removes the need to stand in long courthouse lines and speeds up the process. For couples with amicable separations, flat-fee services streamline the divorce and reduce the risk of unnecessary fees and delays.
Next steps
If you are ready to file for divorce in Santa Clarita or want help determining the best path forward, schedule a free consultation to review your situation and options. A consultation can help you understand whether a single filing is likely to be sufficient, whether a fee waiver might apply, and how to avoid unnecessary costs.
Visit divorce661.com to schedule your free consultation and learn more about flat-fee divorce services, electronic filing, and how to complete your Santa Clarita divorce quickly and correctly.
