A Simple Guide to your Payment Options The Judicial Council survey from 2016 found that the average California litigated divorce through trial costs $95,000. Even among cases that settle before trial, a simple internet search will predict the cost of a litigated divorce in California as $40,000 – $50,000+, depending on your situation. Conversely, an average mediated divorce … [Read more...] about Divorce Payment Retainer Options