Divorce Cost Estimator

What affects the cost of divorce?

The cost of a divorce varies dramatically based on several factors. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all major issues can cost as little as a few hundred dollars (just filing fees) if handled without attorneys. A contested divorce with complex property, custody disputes, and trial proceedings can exceed $50,000 per spouse.

Common cost categories

• Filing fees range from $100 to $450 depending on the state, with fee waivers available for those who qualify
• Attorney fees are typically the largest expense, ranging from $200 to $500+ per hour
• Mediation costs $3,000 to $8,000 on average but often saves money compared to litigation
• Expert fees for property appraisals, business valuations, or custody evaluations can add $2,000 to $10,000+

How costs vary by state

Filing fees, attorney rates, and mandatory waiting periods all vary significantly by state. See our interactive divorce cost map for a visual comparison, or our divorce statistics for a detailed breakdown of costs, rates, and timelines across all 50 states.

Ways to reduce costs

The single most effective way to reduce divorce costs is to reach agreement on as many issues as possible before involving attorneys. Mediation, collaborative divorce, and limited-scope representation (where an attorney handles only specific parts of your case) can all significantly reduce total expenses.