Divorce Cost Estimator

Estimate total divorce costs based on your situation. Costs vary enormously by state, complexity, and how much you disagree.

Est. Per Person

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Your legal costs

Total Both Sides

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Combined legal costs

Est. Timeline

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Months to finalize

Savings vs Trial

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vs contested trial

Cost Breakdown

Average Divorce Costs by Path

Path Total Cost Timeline
DIY/Online$300–$2,5001–4 months
Mediation$2,000–$7,0003–9 months
Collaborative (1 atty)$5,000–$15,0004–12 months
Both attorneys$15,000–$40,0006–18 months
Contested trial$40,000–$200,000+1–3+ years

Hidden Costs to Budget For

  • Court filing fees: $100–$400 depending on state
  • Process server / sheriff service: $50–$200
  • Child custody evaluator: $2,000–$10,000
  • Property appraiser: $300–$700
  • Business valuation: $3,000–$20,000+
  • Financial advisor (CDFA): $200–$400/hour
  • Parenting classes (required in some states): $50–$200

Disclaimer: These are rough estimates based on national averages. Attorney rates vary enormously. Get written fee agreements from any attorney you hire.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost on average?
The average US divorce costs $7,000-10,000 per person with attorneys. Uncontested divorces where both parties agree can cost $500-2,500 total using online services or a single attorney. Contested divorces with trials routinely cost $15,000-100,000+ per person.
Can I get a divorce without an attorney?
Yes, in every state. Pro se (self-represented) divorce is possible when both parties agree on all terms. Online divorce services ($150-1,000) provide state-specific forms. The main risks: missing important provisions, unknowingly waiving rights, and errors that require court correction later.
What is mediation, and is it cheaper?
Divorce mediation uses a neutral third party (often $150-300/hour) to help both spouses reach agreement. Total cost: $2,000-7,000. It's typically faster, less adversarial, and significantly cheaper than litigation. Courts increasingly require mediation before scheduling contested hearings.
How long does a divorce take?
Uncontested: 1-6 months (plus mandatory waiting periods). Mediated: 3-9 months. Attorney-negotiated: 6-18 months. Contested trial: 1-3+ years. All states have mandatory waiting periods after filing: from 30 days (Mississippi) to 6 months (California for contested).

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