Introduction
Court fees in the United States vary significantly from state to state. While federal courts follow uniform fee schedules, state and local courts set their own filing fees and administrative charges. This guide provides a general comparison of court fees by state and explains why costs differ across jurisdictions.
Why Court Fees Differ by State
Each state determines its own court funding structure, which affects how fees are set. Factors that influence court fees include:
- State budgets and court funding models
- Administrative costs
- Local county surcharges
- Type of court system (unified vs local courts)
As a result, the same type of case may cost more to file in one state than another.
Typical Court Fees by State (General Ranges)
Below are general filing fee ranges for common court cases. Actual costs may vary by county and court level.
Civil Court Filing Fees
- Low-cost states: $100–$200
- Average-cost states: $200–$350
- High-cost states: $350–$500+
Small Claims Court Filing Fees
- Low-cost states: $15–$50
- Average-cost states: $50–$100
- High-cost states: $100–$150+
Divorce and Family Law Filings
- Typical range: $200–$450
Examples of Court Fees in Selected States
While fees change frequently, these examples illustrate how costs differ:
- California: Civil filing fees often range from $225 to $435
- Texas: Filing fees are commonly $250 to $350
- Florida: Civil filing fees typically start around $400
- New York: Supreme Court civil filings are usually $210
Local court websites provide the most accurate and up-to-date fee schedules.
Additional State-Level Court Costs
In addition to filing fees, states may impose:
- Case management fees
- Technology or records fees
- Motion and amendment fees
- Appeal filing fees
These charges can increase total court costs beyond the initial filing fee.
How to Find Exact Court Fees in Your State
To find accurate court fees:
- Visit your state or county court website
- Contact the court clerk’s office
- Review official court fee schedules
Some courts publish downloadable fee charts for public reference.
How State Court Fees Affect Total Legal Costs
Higher court fees can significantly impact the overall cost of legal action, especially for cases requiring multiple filings or appeals.
For an overview of how filing fees fit into total court expenses, see our guide on court filing fees in the United States.
For a complete breakdown of court-related expenses, visit our Court Costs in the United States hub.