How much will your divorce cost? Estimate total expenses by state — attorney fees, filing fees, mediation, and whether your case is contested or uncontested.
The cost of a divorce in the United States ranges from about $500 for an uncontested DIY divorce to $50,000 or more for a contested divorce with attorneys on both sides. The national average sits around $15,000. But that average is misleading — the distribution is bimodal. Most divorces are either cheap (uncontested, DIY or minimal attorney involvement) or expensive (contested, attorneys on both sides). Very few actually cost the average.
The single biggest cost driver is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on property division, custody, child support, and spousal support before filing — typically costs between $500 and $3,500 from start to finish. A contested divorce that goes to trial can cost ten to twenty times more.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Average | High Estimate | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested — DIY | $100 | $500–$800 | $1,500 | 1–3 months |
| Uncontested — Online service | $150 | $500–$1,000 | $2,000 | 1–3 months |
| Uncontested — With attorney | $1,500 | $4,100 | $8,000 | 2–4 months |
| Contested — Settled before trial | $5,000 | $10,600 | $25,000 | 6–18 months |
| Contested — Went to trial | $15,000 | $20,400+ | $50,000+ | 1–3 years |
Source: Martindale-Nolo Research survey of divorcing couples; Unbiased national divorce cost research 2026.
The most important factor by far. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on everything costs a fraction of a contested case. Even one disputed issue — custody, a house, a retirement account — can push costs into five figures.
Custody disputes are among the most expensive divorce issues. If minor children are involved and custody is contested, divorce costs can increase by $3,000–$5,000 or more. Guardian ad litem appointments and custody evaluations add additional cost.
Business ownership, investment portfolios, pension benefits, and real estate all require valuation and legal work to divide. High-asset divorces often require forensic accountants ($150–$400/hr) and business valuators ($2,000–$10,000).
Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour. Common rates range from $150 to $500/hour, and billing increments can make short calls or emails add up. Urban markets command the highest rates — NYC and LA attorneys charge $350–$600/hour.
Filing fees range from $70 in Wyoming to $435 in California. Attorney rates are heavily influenced by local cost of living. A contested divorce in rural Ohio costs significantly less than the same case in Manhattan.
Every motion, hearing, and court appearance adds attorney time. Cases that settle in mediation save tens of thousands compared to trial. Mediation typically costs $3,000–$8,000 total — far less than the alternative.
A divorce lawyer often costs about $11,300 in total. Simpler uncontested cases average around $4,100, while cases that go to trial can reach $20,400 or more. Most attorneys require a retainer upfront — typically $2,000–$10,000 — which is drawn down as hours are billed.
| State | Average Attorney Rate/hr | Uncontested Total | Contested Total (settled) |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $300–$450 | $3,000–$7,000 | $15,000–$40,000 |
| New York | $350–$600 | $3,500–$8,000 | $20,000–$50,000 |
| Texas | $250–$400 | $2,500–$6,000 | $12,000–$30,000 |
| Florida | $250–$400 | $2,500–$6,000 | $12,000–$35,000 |
| Illinois | $225–$375 | $2,000–$5,500 | $10,000–$25,000 |
| Ohio | $175–$300 | $1,500–$4,000 | $8,000–$20,000 |
| Georgia | $200–$325 | $1,800–$4,500 | $9,000–$22,000 |
| North Carolina | $200–$325 | $2,000–$5,000 | $9,000–$22,000 |
Full breakdown of every divorce cost — filing fees, attorney rates, mediation, expert witnesses, and hidden costs most couples don't expect.
Read guide →What makes a divorce contested, how the cost difference plays out, and how to move from contested to uncontested to save thousands.
Read guide →Court filing fees for every state with county variations, fee waiver eligibility, and what other mandatory costs to expect at filing.
Read guide →