How Much Does an FL-700 Divorce Cost in California?
The cost of a California joint petition (FL-700) divorce — the collaborative filing option created by SB 1427 — comes down to two separate buckets: the court's filing fees, which go to your county, and any preparation help you choose. Let's break both down — and clear up a common misconception about what a joint petition actually saves.
1. Court filing fees
California courts charge a first-appearance fee for each spouse. That fee is set locally, and in most counties it runs about $435 to $450 per person.
Here's the part people get wrong: a joint petition does not eliminate the second fee. Both spouses are still appearing before the court, so you should budget for both — roughly $870 total across the two of you. Some counties (for example, those with a local courthouse-construction surcharge) charge $450 rather than $435. Always confirm the current amount with your county court before you pay, because these figures are set locally and change.
A joint petition doesn't dodge a fee — it dodges the process server. The savings come from skipping service, not from paying the court once.
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Start my FL-7002. What a joint petition saves
Compared with a traditional FL-100 filing, the joint petition removes real costs:
- No process-server or sheriff fees — because there's no service of process.
- No proof-of-service paperwork and the follow-up it requires.
- No delay costs — the six-month clock starts the day you file, so you're not paying to wait for service to complete.
3. Fee waivers
If paying the filing fee would be a hardship, California offers a fee waiver based on income. How waivers apply when two spouses file one joint petition can vary, so ask your county court's self-help center before you file — and don't assume one spouse qualifying covers the whole case.
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Start my FL-7004. Preparation cost
You can prepare the FL-700 yourself using the court's forms and instructions for free, or use a service to do the heavy lifting. MutualFile's guided document preparation starts at $149 — you start for free with no credit card, and you only pay when you're ready to file. You then file the completed, court-ready forms with your county yourself.
Putting it together
| Cost | Traditional (FL-100) | Joint Petition (FL-700) |
|---|---|---|
| Court filing fees (both spouses) | ~$870 total | ~$870 total |
| Process server / service | Additional cost | $0 |
| Proof-of-service filing | Sometimes | None |
| Preparation (MutualFile) | From $149 | From $149 |
For a fuller look at every line item in a California divorce, see our guide to how much a divorce costs in California.
MutualFile is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Court fees are set by the courts and are subject to change — confirm current amounts with your county.