How Much Does a Divorce Cost in California?

The average cost of a wedding in California in 2024 was about $36,000. While that is hardly a drop in the bucket, most costs associated with weddings are fairly predictable — e.g., venue, caterer, drinks, photographer, clothing, flowers, DJ, etc. The costs associated with divorce are not so predictable. It’s difficult to say how much a divorce costs in California because every divorce is different. However, there are a few factors that can influence the cost of the divorce process. If you’re curious how much your divorce might cost, our Stockton divorce attorneys recommend asking yourself these questions: 

Is the Divorce Contested? 

One of the primary factors that will affect how much a divorce costs is whether and to what extent it is contested. Uncontested divorces typically are the least expensive, as the couple agrees on everything and doesn’t have to hash anything out in court. Contested divorces tend to be more expensive, with the cost increasing in proportion to the number of issues contested.  

Are There Children? 

Child custody, child support, and visitation issues can significantly increase the overall cost of a divorce. Even if these issues do not turn out to be particularly contentious, they can increase the likelihood that you will end up in court, as parents tend to be significantly more emotional about them than other divorce-related issues.

How Long Was the Marriage? 

Longer marriages generally are more expensive to dissolve than short marriages for several reasons. First, couples who have been married a long time typically have larger marital estates that are more complicated to divide. Second, California family law courts are more likely to award alimony for long-term marriages, especially if one spouse has been out of the workforce for a significant period. 

How Complex Are the Assets? 

Property division can get messy and expensive (although you can reduce the cost and headache by using a prenuptial agreement). Some assets (e.g., bank accounts) are easy to value because they consist only of money. However, other assets can be more difficult to value and might require the use of professional appraisers, such as real estate, vehicles, businesses, and luxury goods.

What Divorce Method Are You Using? 

The cost of a divorce tends to increase based on how willing the parties are to work with each other. Mediation typically is the cheapest option, while litigation is the most expensive. A mid-range option is a collaborative divorce, in which the parties and their attorneys work together to negotiate a divorce settlement. 

Are You Relocating? 

While not a divorce-related expense per se, relocation costs can be substantial, depending on how far you plan to relocate and the standard of living to which you became accustomed during your marriage. It’s not unusual for living costs to increase substantially after divorce, as each former spouse now foots the bill alone. 

Speak to a Stockton Divorce Attorney Today 

If you’re curious about how much a divorce might cost, you should speak to an experienced attorney who can break it down for you. To get started, please contact a Stockton divorce attorney at McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau by using our online form or calling us at 209-477-8171.