California Legal Costs & Filing Information
Verified filing fees, courts and requirements for common legal processes in California. Every figure links to the official source it came from, with the date it was last checked.
Divorce in California
- Filing fee (petition):
- $435
- Minimum time to final divorce:
- 6 months
- Residency requirement:
- 6 months in California + 3 months in the county
- Where to file:
- Superior Court
Verified 2026-08-24
Small Claims in California
- Claim limit:
- $12,500 individuals / $6,250 businesses
- Filing fee:
- $30–$75
- Attorneys:
- Not allowed at the hearing
- Court:
- Superior Court — Small Claims Division
Verified 2026-08-24
Probate in California
- Probate petition filing fee:
- $435
- Small estate — personal property:
- $208,850 personal property
- Executor compensation:
- Statutory percentage schedule
- Where filed:
- Superior Court — Probate Division
Verified 2026-08-24
Name Change in California
- Filing fee:
- $435–$450
- Publication:
- Yes — once a week for 4 weeks
- Fingerprints:
- Not required
- Court:
- Superior Court
Verified 2026-08-24
Bankruptcy in California
- Chapter 7 filing fee:
- $338
- Chapter 13 filing fee:
- $313
- Federal districts in California:
- 4
- Fee waiver (Ch. 7 only):
- Income < 150% of poverty line
Verified 2026-08-24
California official resources
- Judicial Branch of California — the state court system
- California Courts Self-Help Guide — official self-help resources and forms
LawLintel provides general legal information, not legal advice. Laws, rules, procedures and fees change and can depend on your specific facts and county. Verify important information with the applicable court or a qualified attorney before acting.