How Much Does Divorce Cost in Sacramento, CA (2025 Guide)

Divorce costs in Sacramento depend heavily on whether you and your spouse can agree on key issues like property, support, and parenting. Couples who resolve everything cooperatively often finish for under $2,000, while contested cases with major property stakes or custody battles can exceed $20,000–$30,000+. This guide breaks down the Sacramento divorce filing fee, typical attorney and mediation costs, and how asset division and custody issues affect your total expenses.

Average Divorce Costs in Sacramento

Sacramento Divorce Filing Fee

In Sacramento County, the first filing fee to start a divorce is around $435 for a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Additional costs may include:

• Service of process (varies)

• Certified copies (typically $5–$20 each)

• Additional filings or motions ($60+ each in California)

• Mandatory 6-month waiting period from service before a final judgment can be entered.

Fee waivers are available for those who qualify financially. Sacramento County Public Law Library

Sacramento Divorce Attorney Cost

Attorney fees vary widely based on complexity, assets, and custody issues:

• Hourly rates in California can range from $300-$400+ per hour in many areas.

• Retainers for more complex contested cases frequently run $3,000–$10,000+ upfront.

• Flat‐fee options may exist for simple uncontested cases—especially where there are few assets and no children.

Sacramento Uncontested Divorce Cost

If both spouses agree on all significant issues and complete the required disclosures, an uncontested divorce is the most affordable route:

• Estimated cost: $500 – $2,000+, including court filing, service, and minimal attorney review.

• Timeline: Typically completes after the 6-month waiting period once paperwork is in order.

• Fewer motions, less attorney time, and fewer expert fees help keep costs down.

Sacramento Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation is a beneficial alternative when some disputes exist but litigation is unnecessary:

• Mediator hourly rate: ~$200–$350

• Half-day session: ~$800–$1,200

• Full-day session: ~$1,500–$2,500

• Total mediation‐oriented divorce cost: ~$2,000 – $6,000 depending on number of sessions and issues.

Sacramento Contested Divorce Cost

Litigated divorce cases are the most expensive:

• Typical cost: $10,000 – $30,000+, possibly much higher for highly complex situations.

• Cost drivers: Custody evaluations, financial expert witness, business valuations, multiple hearings and motions, trial preparation.

• Timeline often spans 6–18 months or more, especially if major disputes occur.

Sacramento Asset Division Cost

California is a community property state—most marital assets and debts are split equally unless otherwise agreed:

• Real estate appraisals: ~$500–$1,200 each (depending on property value and market)

• Business valuations: ~$5,000–$15,000+

• Retirement account splits, QDROs/ORDOs for military or pensions: ~$300–$700 each

• Forensic accountants or valuation experts: ~$150–$350+/hour
  Agreeing to valuations early or using a single neutral expert helps to reduce costs.

Sacramento Custody Dispute Cost

Child custody or parenting plan disputes add significant cost:

• Custody evaluator or guardian ad litem: ~$2,000–$6,000+ depending on hours and complexity

• Parenting coordinator or therapy/co-parent counseling: $1,000–$3,000+

• Additional mediation sessions or hearings add $500–$1,000+ each
  The combination of time, court appearances and professional involvement drives these higher costs.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Sacramento

Typical Sacramento Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in Sacramento without a lawyer?
Yes. California allows for self‐representation. Many uncontested cases are filed without attorney involvement. Guides and self‐help resources are available at the Sacramento County Superior Court. Sacramento Superior Court

How long does a divorce take in Sacramento County?
At minimum, California requires a 6-month waiting period from the date the respondent is served (or appearance) before final judgment may be entered.

What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Sacramento?
A cooperative, uncontested online filing where both parties agree on all issues—leading to minimal litigation, fewer professional fees, and reliance mainly on court filing fees.

Where do I file for divorce in Sacramento?
At the Sacramento County Superior Court (Family Law Division)—for example, the main courthouse at 720 9th Street in Sacramento.

The Bottom Line

The cost of divorce in Sacramento is driven by how much conflict and how many issues you have.

• Minimal-conflict, agreed divorces: under $2,000

• Mediation‐oriented: $2,000–$6,000

• Contested, complex divorces: $10,000–$30,000+

With careful planning, early agreement, and where possible a streamlined filing path, you can significantly reduce cost, save time, and reduce stress.