How much does divorce cost in California

How much does divorce cost in California

How much does divorce cost in California?

In a divorce in California, there are some set costs, such as filing fees and court fees. These can add up to a few hundred dollars or less over the course of your divorce. In a perfect world, that would be the full sum of the costs. But this is not a perfect world, and there are many costs you may face during your divorce:

Property division losses

Communal property is the law of the land in California, and that means the court divides marital estates equally. That division does mean your total assets are now halved, although proportionally, things may be “about” the same. This asset division cannot account for future valuation and the appreciation of some assets at un-equal rates. For instance, property values can have a way of growing vastly in one place as opposed to another.

Child support payments

Your income will also experience a reduction due to child support payments. These will – depending on the agreement – come directly from your paycheck. This is yet another long-term, unavoidable cost of your divorce.

Alimony or spousal support obligations

There is a significant chance that you may have to pay for spousal support. Spousal support can be a significant cost over time, and unlike child support, it may not have a built-in end date. You may pay spousal support for longer than you were married.

Legal fees

The major cost you will incur in your divorce comes in the form of fees to your representation. Every dispute, every call, every filing is another cost. That’s why most people try to work with attorneys who are compassionate and considerate of their clients. Working with an efficient, solution-minded attorney may be the most important way to control your costs in your divorce.