How Much Does It Cost to File a Civil Lawsuit?

Filing a civil lawsuit in the United States is not as simple as submitting paperwork. It involves a variety of fees, legal expenses, and potential long-term financial commitments. For many people considering litigation whether for personal injury, breach of contract, property disputes, or civil rights violations the first question is: “How much does it cost to file a civil lawsuit?”

The answer varies widely depending on the court, the complexity of the case, and whether an attorney is involved. However, understanding the typical cost components can help you make an informed decision before moving forward.

1. Court Filing Fees: $50 to $500+

Every lawsuit starts with filing a complaint. Courts charge mandatory filing fees depending on the jurisdiction:

• Small claims courts: $30 to $150
• State civil courts: $100 to $400
• Federal district courts: Approximately $402
• Additional motions or responses: $25 to $60 each

These fees must be paid upfront unless the litigant qualifies for a fee waiver due to financial hardship.

2. Service of Process Costs: $40 to $200

After filing the lawsuit, the defendant must be officially notified. This step is known as service of process and typically involves:

• Sheriff’s department fee
• Private process server fee
• Certified mail in approved cases

Private servers usually charge $75 to $150, especially when multiple attempts are required.

3. Attorney Fees: $150 to $600+ per hour

For most civil lawsuits, attorney fees are the largest cost factor.

Hourly Rate Cases

Many attorneys bill by the hour, charging between:

• $150 to $400/hr in smaller cities
• $300 to $600/hr in major metros
• $600+ for high-profile attorneys

Litigation hours can add up quickly due to research, drafting, hearings, depositions, and negotiations.

Contingency Fee Cases

In personal injury or wrongful death cases, lawyers often work on a contingency basis, taking 30% to 40% of the settlement or verdict instead of upfront fees.
However, clients may still pay:

• Case filing fees
• Expert witness fees
• Deposition costs
• Administrative fees

4. Discovery Costs: $500 to $10,000+

Discovery—the process of exchanging evidence—can become expensive. Costs include:

• Obtaining documents
• Depositions (court reporter fees $300–$800 per day)
• Subpoena fees
• Electronic discovery in business cases

Complex cases involving corporations or medical records often exceed $10,000 in discovery expenses.

5. Expert Witness Fees: $2,000 to $20,000+

Expert witnesses are necessary in cases involving:

• Medical malpractice
• Accident reconstruction
• Financial fraud
• Engineering disputes
• Employment discrimination

Experts typically charge:

• $300 to $800/hr for review
• $2,000 to $5,000 for depositions
• $5,000 to $20,000+ for trial testimony

High-stakes cases may require multiple experts, dramatically increasing the cost.

6. Mediation and Settlement Conferences: $500 to $5,000

Courts often require mediation before trial. Mediators charge:

• $200 to $500/hr,
  or
• $1,500 to $5,000 per full-day session

Even though this adds to the cost, mediation often saves money long-term by avoiding trial.

7. Trial Costs: $5,000 to $50,000+

If a case goes to trial, costs rise sharply. Expenses can include:

• Trial preparation
• Witness fees
• Exhibits and printing
• Travel costs
• Courtroom technology

Complex trials or cases lasting several days can cost $50,000 or more in total litigation expenses.

Total Estimated Cost of a Civil Lawsuit

Here’s a general breakdown:

Conclusion

The cost to file and pursue a civil lawsuit can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands, depending on complexity and duration. While litigation can be costly, many cases settle before trial, reducing expenses. Consulting a qualified attorney early can help estimate your case’s cost and explore lower-cost alternatives such as mediation or arbitration.