A court fee calculator estimates the filing fees for common court cases by state and case type. Court fees vary widely by jurisdiction — this tool provides typical ranges to help you budget before filing. Always verify current fees with your court clerk.
Case Details
Estimated Filing Fees
Fee Breakdown
Verify current fees with your court before filing
Fee Waiver Available: If you cannot afford court filing fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver (in forma pauperis). Ask the court clerk for the fee waiver application. Eligibility typically requires income below 125–150% of the federal poverty level.
Important Notes
Court fees change frequently. These estimates are based on typical 2025 fees. Always verify current fees with your court clerk before filing. This tool does not constitute legal advice.
How to Use the Court Fee Calculator
Before filing any legal case, you need to budget for court filing fees. This court fee calculator provides typical filing fee ranges for common case types across different states, helping you plan your legal budget before speaking with an attorney.
Step 1: Select Your State
Court fees vary significantly by state and even by county within a state. California and New York have some of the highest filing fees in the nation, while other states are more affordable. The calculator shows typical statewide ranges — check your county court's website for the most current fees in your specific jurisdiction.
Step 2: Select the Case Type
Different types of cases have very different fee structures. Small claims court is designed to be accessible and affordable ($30–$100 in most states). Full civil court cases are more expensive, especially for larger claims. Family law matters like divorce have their own fee schedules, and bankruptcy filing fees are set at the federal level ($338 for Chapter 7, $313 for Chapter 13 as of 2025).
Beyond Filing Fees: Other Costs to Budget
Filing fees are just the beginning. Service of process (formally notifying the other party) typically costs $50–$150. If you're using an attorney, expect $200–$500/hour for most legal matters. Contested divorces commonly cost $10,000–$30,000 in total. Even small claims court cases can result in additional costs if you need to collect a judgment.
Fee Waivers for Low-Income Filers
Don't let court fees prevent you from accessing justice. Every state and federal court offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. The waiver application is usually a simple one-page form asking about your income and expenses. If approved, the court filing fee is waived completely. Ask the court clerk's office for the fee waiver application when you arrive to file.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file a lawsuit?
Civil court filing fees vary by court and claim amount. Small claims: $30–$100. Civil (under $10K): $75–$200. Civil (over $10K): $200–$400. Federal court: $402 for civil cases. These are just filing fees — additional costs include service of process, attorney fees, and expert witnesses.
How much does it cost to file for divorce?
Divorce (dissolution of marriage) filing fees range from $75 to $450 depending on your state. California: $435. Texas: $100–$300. New York: $210. Add $50–$150 for service of process. Uncontested divorces avoid expensive trial costs; contested divorces can cost $5,000–$30,000+ in attorney fees.
Are court filing fees waived for low-income people?
Yes. Most courts offer fee waivers (in forma pauperis) for people who cannot afford to pay. You must file a financial disclosure form. Eligibility generally requires income below 125–150% of the federal poverty level or current receipt of public benefits.
Is this tool free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.
How accurate are these fee estimates?
Filing fees change frequently. These estimates are based on typical 2025 court fees and should be used as a general guide only. Always verify current fees with your court clerk before filing.