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Court filing fees in California

What the court charges to start a divorce or an adult name change in California, as stated in the fee schedule or statute. Lawyer fees, service of papers and newspaper costs are extra.

The details

Fee to file for divorce

Petition or other first paper (including a joint petition) for dissolution of marriage $435 (Statewide Civil Fee Schedule effective January 1, 2026)¹²

Same fee statewide.

The 2023 schedule said some fees varied in Riverside, San Bernardino and San Francisco. The 2026 schedule has no such note.

Fee to respond to a divorce

Response or other first paper filed in response to petition for dissolution of marriage $435¹

Fee for an adult name change

Petition for a decree of change of name or gender $435¹

Same fee statewide.

Newspaper publication for a name change

Yes. The Order to Show Cause (NC-120) must be published once a week for 4 weeks in a row, unless filed confidentially through Safe at Home or witness protection.³

Court that handles divorce

Superior Court¹

If you cannot afford the fee

FW-001, Request to Waive Court Fees: You receive public benefits, or household income is below a set amount, or you cannot meet basic needs and pay court fees.⁴ Get the form

Sources

1. Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, Superior Court of California, County of Butte, checked 1 November 2026
2. Superior Court of California Statewide Civil Fee Schedule, effective January 1, 2023, Judicial Council of California, checked 1 November 2026
3. Publish your request (adult name change), California Courts Self-Help Guide, checked 1 November 2026
4. Ask for a Fee Waiver, California Courts Self-Help Guide, checked 1 November 2026

Checked 1 November 2026. "Secondary" marks a source we used only because the official page could not be read.