Is the divorce filing fee the same in every California county?

Almost. The base fee is set statewide, but Riverside County and San Francisco County add a local courthouse-construction surcharge, so some amounts are higher there. County pages show the exact local figure.

What does the $435 fee not include?

Serving the other party (billed separately by the sheriff, constable, process server, or clerk), certified copies, publication notices where required, and attorney's fees. The notes above cover what service typically costs for this case type.

California Divorce Filing Fees by County

Filing for divorce in California costs $435, paid to the Superior Court Clerk (Superior Court). That base fee holds in 56 of 58 counties; Riverside and San Francisco add a local surcharge.

Filing	Fee
Petition for dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership Gov. Code §§ 70670(b), 70602.5, 70602.6	$435
Response to a petition for dissolution Gov. Code §§ 70670(d), 70602.5, 70602.6	$435
Joint petition for dissolution or legal separation (covers both petitioners) Fam. Code § 2342.5(h); Gov. Code §§ 70602.5, 70602.6	$870
Joint petition for summary dissolution Gov. Code §§ 70670(b), 70602.5, 70602.6	$435

Source: Superior Court of California — Statewide Civil Fee Schedule (effective Jan. 1, 2026) — schedule dated 2026-01-01, last checked 2026-08-25.

Both spouses pay a first-appearance fee: the petitioner when filing and the respondent when responding. A joint petition for dissolution covers both petitioners in a single $870 fee.
If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask for a fee waiver with form FW-001; the court grants it based on income or public benefits received.

Divorce fees by county

Common questions

Is the divorce filing fee the same in every California county?: Almost. The base fee is set statewide, but Riverside County and San Francisco County add a local courthouse-construction surcharge, so some amounts are higher there. County pages show the exact local figure.
What does the $435 fee not include?: Serving the other party (billed separately by the sheriff, constable, process server, or clerk), certified copies, publication notices where required, and attorney's fees. The notes above cover what service typically costs for this case type.