How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

If you are considering initiating a divorce, you may be wondering, “How much does a divorce cost in California?” The short answer: It’s complicated. The long answer: It could cost you a small fortune—or worse—if you don’t have the right guidance.

Engels-Janzen, a California-based law firm, has seen the financial havoc wreaked by DIY divorces and bad legal advice. Skipping a lawyer to save money often backfires. It’s important to consider the costs, the pitfalls, and why an experienced attorney might actually save you cash in the long run.

Breaking Down the Costs: Filing Fees and Beyond

Divorce isn’t just about who gets the house. There are certain unavoidable expenses during a divorce to prepare for.

1. Filing Fees. Filing for divorce in California isn’t free. To get the ball rolling, you will need to pay your filing fee. Then, you can add motions, hearings, or other filings, and those costs can quickly stack up.
2. Mediation Fees. If you and your soon-to-be-ex are feeling amicable, mediation might seem like the budget-friendly choice to hash out the details. Mediators charge by the hour, and sessions can span several hours over multiple days.
3. Court Costs. From subpoenas to expert witnesses, court costs can add up, and you may want to consider lost wages from time spent out of work.

Divorce costs might seem like just another box to check, but the more complicated things get, the more it can cost. That is why planning ahead and understanding the price tags attached can save you from surprises later on.

The Hidden Costs of DIY Divorce

Doing your divorce paperwork yourself might seem like the thrifty option—until you realize how simple mistakes can make your expenses balloon out of control. Just one error in filing can delay proceedings, add fees, or leave you vulnerable to unfavorable outcomes. For instance:

• Undiscovered Assets. Not disclosing all your assets can cost you when they take you to court to get their share.
• Improper Agreements. Agreeing to whatever your ex-spouse offers to avoid a fight might feel convenient, but you could be left paying unnecessary spousal support.
• Legal Loopholes. Misinterpreting California’s community property laws can greatly affect your retirement nest egg.

By the time you correct these errors (usually with the help of a lawyer), you may have already doubled what it would have cost if you had just hired one in the first place.

What Happens Without a Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer isn’t just about filling out forms or showing up in court. It’s about protecting your future. Without one, you’re risking:

1. Alimony Overload. California courts can order spousal support based on a number of things, including how long your marriage lasted and how much you make or could potentially earn in the future. Without an attorney to argue your case, you could end up paying much more than necessary—or receiving much less.
2. Uneven Property Division. California is a community property state, which means all marital assets are split 50/50. Without legal guidance, you might accidentally give away your fair share of assets, especially if those assets do not fall under community property, like money, stocks, or real estate that you personally inherited from a deceased relative.
3. Child Custody Nightmares. Do-it-yourself custody agreements can easily overlook the important details, like visitation schedules and decision-making authority. An attorney makes sure that every possible scenario is accounted for, that your parental rights are protected, and that your child’s well-being is the number one priority.
4. Tax Bombshells. Selling the family home or splitting retirement accounts can trigger massive tax liabilities. Lawyers can help you navigate these financial landmines, often saving you thousands.

We know it might feel like hiring a divorce attorney is just adding one more bill to an already expensive process, but a good lawyer does so much more than rack up hours. They can save you money by negotiating favorable terms, avoiding costly mistakes, and keeping the time you spend in court to a minimum.

FAQs

What’s The Most Unexpected Expense in A Divorce?

Surprise costs often include forensic accountants to uncover hidden assets, tax liabilities from property division, and post-divorce legal battles over poorly written agreements. Skipping these steps can lead to financial headaches down the road, so make sure you reach out to Engels-Janzen. We can review your case, advise you on the next steps, and keep you informed of any potential surprises.

Can My Spouse Make Me Pay for Their Legal Fees?

Yes. Under California law, the court can order one spouse to cover the other’s legal fees if there is a very wide income difference. This ensures that both parties have access to legal representation, which then levels the playing field. If you need a spouse to pay for your legal fees, the team at Engels-Janzen can work that into your divorce agreement.

How Does Social Media Affect Divorce Costs?

That Instagram post showing off your new car could come back to haunt you. Spouses often use social media to uncover hidden assets or irresponsible spending, which can then lead to long, expensive disputes. It is always a good idea to stay offline until your case is finalized, and in the meantime, reach out to Engels-Janzen for their advice.

What Happens If I Ignore the Divorce Papers?

Ignoring the divorce papers doesn’t make the problem go away. Instead, the court can issue a default judgment against you, which would likely give your spouse everything they asked for. Responding in a timely manner means that you will have a chance to tell your story and argue your case, protect your rights, and your assets.

Engels-Janzen: Your Financial Ally

At Engels-Janzen, we’ve seen clients walk through our doors after failed DIY attempts, drowning in both legal fees and regret. It’s not just about knowing the law; it’s about leveraging it to your advantage. Our team works to minimize financial loss, protect your assets, and expedite the process so you can move on with your life.

Divorce may be expensive, but the cost of doing it wrong is far higher. Think of hiring an attorney as an investment in your future and not just an expense for today.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation.