How Much Does Divorce Cost?

Average Divorce Costs

The cost of divorce varies dramatically based on whether it's contested, your location, and whether attorneys are involved.

Type of Divorce	Average Cost
DIY Uncontested (no attorney)	$300 - $1,500
Uncontested with Attorney	$1,500 - $5,000
Mediated Divorce	$5,000 - $10,000
Contested Divorce (settled)	$10,000 - $30,000
Contested Divorce (trial)	$30,000 - $100,000+

Filing Fees

Every divorce requires a court filing fee, which varies by state and county:

• Range: $70 to $450
• Average: $200 to $300
• Additional fees may apply for responses, motions, and amendments
• Fee waivers may be available for low-income filers

Attorney Fees

Attorney fees typically represent the largest expense in divorce:

Hourly Rates

• National Average: $250 - $350 per hour
• Small Towns/Rural: $150 - $250 per hour
• Major Cities: $300 - $500+ per hour

Flat Fee Services

Some attorneys offer flat fees for specific services:

• Uncontested divorce: $1,000 - $3,000
• Document preparation: $500 - $1,500
• Consultation: $100 - $300

Retainer

Most attorneys require an upfront retainer, typically $2,500 - $10,000, which is applied against hourly fees.

Other Costs

Mediation

• Private mediator: $100 - $300 per hour
• Total mediation cost: $3,000 - $8,000
• Court-ordered mediation: Often lower cost or free

Expert Witnesses

• Child custody evaluator: $2,500 - $10,000
• Business valuation expert: $5,000 - $20,000
• Real estate appraiser: $300 - $600
• Forensic accountant: $300 - $500 per hour

Additional Expenses

• Process server: $50 - $100
• Copies of documents: $0.50 - $1 per page
• Parenting class (if required): $25 - $100
• Credit report: $15 - $30

Factors That Increase Costs

• Contested issues: The more you disagree, the more it costs
• Complex assets: Business ownership, investments, real estate
• Child custody disputes: Often require evaluators and more court time
• High conflict: Frequent motions, hearings, and communication
• Discovery: Depositions and document requests add up
• Trial: Dramatically increases costs

Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs

1. Agree on as much as possible

   The more issues you can resolve together, the less attorney time you'll need.

2. Consider mediation

   Often less expensive than traditional litigation, even with attorney involvement.

3. Be organized

   Gather all documents in advance. Attorney time spent organizing is expensive.

4. Limit communication through attorneys

   When possible, communicate directly with your spouse about non-contentious matters.

5. Choose your battles

   Consider whether fighting over an item is worth the legal fees.

6. Use unbundled services

   Hire an attorney for specific tasks rather than full representation.

7. Consider online divorce services

   For simple, uncontested divorces, online services can prepare documents at low cost.

Fee Waivers

If you cannot afford court fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver:

• Available for low-income individuals
• Typically based on income relative to federal poverty guidelines
• Requires filing an application with supporting documentation
• May waive filing fees, service fees, and other court costs