How Much Does Divorce Cost in California?
The average California divorce costs $17,500 with lawyers. With DivorceBuddy, you can complete a simple uncontested divorce for just $149 + court fees.
Cost Comparison: DivorceBuddy vs Lawyers
DivorceBuddy
Traditional Lawyer
California Divorce Cost Breakdown
Court Filing Fees
Required by California courts to file your divorce petition. This fee is the same whether you use a lawyer or file yourself.
✓ Fee waiver available for low-income filers
Service of Process
Your spouse must be officially notified. Free if they sign an acknowledgment, or $40-100 for a process server.
✓ DivorceBuddy provides the acknowledgment form
Document Preparation
All required California Judicial Council forms (FL-100, FL-110, FL-115, FL-120, and more) prepared and ready to file.
✓ Lawyers charge $2,000-5,000 for the same forms
Your Time
Answer questions in our guided chat, review your documents, and file with the court.
✓ Lawyer-led divorces take 10-20+ hours of meetings
Your Potential Savings
Do You Qualify for the $149 Option?
DivorceBuddy works for simple, uncontested divorces where you and your spouse agree on:
If you agree on these issues, you likely don't need an expensive lawyer.