Filing and response fees
The clerk may charge to open the case, respond, file certain motions or request copies. Check the current county schedule.
The court filing fee is only one part of the cost.
Fees vary by state, county, procedure and the papers filed. Exact amounts should come from the current court or clerk fee schedule, not a national estimate.
Source record reviewed: 2026-11-03 · Page updated: 2026-11-03 · Not attorney-certified legal advice
BUILD A REALISTIC BUDGET
Separate court charges from outside services.
Service costs
A process server or sheriff may charge. The filing spouse ordinarily cannot personally serve opening papers in many procedures.
Classes or mediation
Some child-related cases require parenting education; courts may order mediation or other services.
Copies, certification and records
Certified judgments, transcripts, recording and replacement copies can create later costs.
Limited or full legal services
A lawyer may offer full representation or limited-scope help. Ask what is included and whether court costs are separate.
Divorce Filing Path
The service is $39 for one eligible case. Court charges, service, notarization and legal representation are separate.
See pricing →FEE RELIEF
If payment is difficult, check the official relief process.
California uses fee-waiver forms and explains which court charges may be covered. Florida counties use an Application for Determination of Civil Indigent Status. Approval is not automatic, and outside costs may remain.
Never include Social Security numbers, banking credentials or court documents in an ordinary support email when asking about product charges.
PRIMARY SOURCES
Verify with the official source
Rules, forms, fees and local procedures can change. These links are the controlling starting points; the explanations on this site are preparation guidance, not a substitute for the current source.
- California Courts — Ask for a fee waiver ↗Official California court guidance
- Florida Courts — Family law forms ↗Find the current indigent-status application and family forms