How to File Fees for a Divorce in California

It'll cost you to get a divorce in California.

Before you start writing checks for alimony, property division and child support, you have to pay the court in California for filing a divorce petition---around $370 as of 2010. Your spouse will have to pay the same amount to respond to your filing. Although in some counties it is possible to fax in a divorce petition and pay by credit card, this is not yet standard in every California superior court.

Instructions

1. Call the California superior court in which you intend to file your divorce petition. Ask the court clerk for the street address, the hours the clerk's office is open for new family law filing, the room number for family law filing and the fee. As of January, 2010, the statewide civil fee for filing an initial family law petition was $370, but the fee can vary slightly between courts.

2. Ask the court about what payment options. Some counties, such as Orange, accept cash, check, money order or credit card, but not all options are available in every county. Make out your check or money order for the correct amount to the superior court clerk, if you are using that payment method.

3. Go to the California superior court with your completed divorce petition, the necessary copies and your cash, check, money order or credit card. Also take your government issued identification. You may be asked to show identification to enter the courthouse.

4. Pass through security and look for signs to the Clerk's Office. Stand in the line for family law filings. If there is no separate line for family law filings---some counties have separate lines---stand in line for civil law filings.

5. Give the clerk your petition and copies. When he is finished, he will hand you a copy of the filing with a civil case number stamped on it. Write that number on the check or money order.

6. Give the clerk the filing fee or pay at the cashier window. Make sure you get a receipt.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find a list of the superior courts in California and their websites on the California Court Self-Help Center website.

• Some California courts allow you to fax in your petition and to pay by credit card. Ask the clerk if this option interests you.

• Some courts have separate rooms for family law with separate opening hours.

References

• California Courts Self-Help Center
• San Francisco Superior Court of California: Statewide Civil Fee Schedule
• Superior Court of California, County of Orange: Dissolution (Divorce)/ Legal Separation/ Nullity (Anulment)