Family
Feb. 3, 2026
California's new $435 divorce won't solve the underlying problems
California's new $435 divorce option will help some couples, but won't address the real cost drivers: too few family court judges, court reporter shortages and a lack of publicly funded mediation programs.
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Want to get married? In Los Angeles, a marriage license
costs $91. Want to get divorced? That's going to cost you.
The statewide average cost of a divorce is $17,500,
increasing to $26,000 if children are involved, according to Martindale-Nolo
Research.
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