The average divorce costs $15,000-$20,000 in 2026, but costs range from $500 for a simple DIY divorce to $100,000+ for contested cases with trials. Here’s what to expect.
Divorce Cost Overview
Divorce Type
Cost Range
Time
DIY uncontested (no lawyer)
$500-$1,500
2-6 months
Mediated divorce
$5,000-$10,000
3-6 months
Collaborative divorce
$10,000-$30,000
4-12 months
Uncontested with attorney
$2,500-$7,500
2-6 months
Contested (settled)
$15,000-$35,000
6-18 months
Contested (trial)
$50,000-$100,000+
1-3+ years
Divorce Cost Breakdown
Expense
Cost Range
Attorney fees
$5,000-$50,000+
Court filing fees
$100-$450
Mediator
$3,000-$8,000
Process server
$50-$200
Child custody evaluator
$3,000-$15,000
Financial expert/CPA
$1,000-$5,000
Real estate appraisal
$300-$600
Business valuation
$5,000-$25,000
Court reporter
$500-$2,000
Parenting coordinator
$1,500-$5,000
Divorce costs are one of the most significant financial events covered in the life events hub. See the full financial process in the getting divorced financial guide, and compare legal cost estimates with our cost of divorce breakdown.
Attorney Fees
Attorney Type
Hourly Rate
Typical Total
Solo practitioner
$200-$350
$5,000-$15,000
Mid-size firm
$350-$500
$15,000-$30,000
Large firm
$500-$800+
$30,000-$75,000+
Average hourly rate: $350/hour nationwide.
Divorce Cost by State
State
Average Cost
Filing Fee
California
$18,500
$435
New York
$17,500
$210
Florida
$14,000
$300
Texas
$15,500
$300
Illinois
$14,500
$337
Pennsylvania
$13,000
$350
Ohio
$12,000
$300
Georgia
$12,500
$250
Massachusetts
$15,500
$200
Washington
$13,500
$314
Colorado
$14,000
$230
US Average
$15,000
$300
North Carolina
$10,500
$225
Arizona
$11,000
$349
Tennessee
$9,500
$280
Wyoming
$8,000
$70
Factors That Increase Cost
Factor
Added Cost
Contested custody
+$10,000-$50,000
Complex assets
+$5,000-$25,000
Business ownership
+$10,000-$50,000
Trial
+$15,000-$50,000+
Multiple court dates
+$2,000-$10,000
Expert witnesses
+$3,000-$15,000
Appeals
+$10,000-$30,000
Uncooperative spouse
+$5,000-$20,000
Types of Divorce
Uncontested Divorce
Characteristic
Details
Agreement
Both parties agree on all terms
Cost
$500-$5,000
Time
2-6 months
Attorney needed
Optional
Best for
Short marriages, no kids, few assets
Contested Divorce
Characteristic
Details
Agreement
Disputes on custody, assets, support
Cost
$15,000-$100,000+
Time
1-3+ years
Attorney needed
Yes
Best for
Complex situations, high conflict
Mediated Divorce
Characteristic
Details
Process
Neutral mediator helps negotiate
Cost
$5,000-$10,000
Time
3-6 months
Attorney needed
Optional (for review)
Best for
Couples who can communicate
Collaborative Divorce
Characteristic
Details
Process
Each spouse has attorney, commit to settle
Cost
$10,000-$30,000
Time
4-12 months
Attorney needed
Yes
Best for
Cooperation + professional guidance
DIY Divorce Options
Option
Cost
Best For
Court self-help center
$100-$450
Simple, amicable
Online divorce service
$200-$500
Uncontested, no issues
Forms only
$100-$200
Know what you’re doing
Limited scope attorney
$500-$2,000
Document review only
Child Custody Costs
Item
Cost
Custody mediator
$2,000-$5,000
Guardian ad litem
$3,000-$10,000
Custody evaluator
$5,000-$15,000
Parenting class
$50-$300
Co-parenting coordinator
$150-$300/hour
Custody disputes can double or triple total divorce costs.
Alimony/Spousal Support Impact
While not a “cost” of divorce, alimony obligations can be substantial:
Marriage Length
Typical Duration
Under 5 years
1-2 years
5-10 years
3-5 years
10-20 years
5-10 years
20+ years
Long-term/permanent
Asset Division Costs
Asset Type
Valuation Cost
Home appraisal
$400-$600
Investment valuation
$500-$2,000
Business valuation
$5,000-$30,000
Retirement QDRO
$500-$2,000
Stock options analysis
$1,000-$5,000
Hidden asset investigation
$3,000-$10,000+
Timeline and Costs
Phase
Duration
Cost
Filing
Day 1
$300-$450
Response period
30 days
—
Discovery
3-12 months
$5,000-$15,000
Mediation attempts
1-3 months
$2,000-$8,000
Settlement negotiations
1-6 months
$3,000-$15,000
Trial (if needed)
1-5 days
$10,000-$50,000
Total (contested)
12-24 months
$20,000-$75,000
Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs
Strategy
Savings
Agree on as much as possible first
50-70%
Use mediation instead of litigation
60-80%
Choose collaborative divorce
30-50%
DIY uncontested
80-90%
Unbundled legal services
40-60%
Stay organized (reduces attorney time)
20-30%
Avoid going to trial
50%+
Financial Checklist for Divorce
☐ Gather financial documents (taxes, statements)
☐ List all assets and debts
☐ Establish individual credit
☐ Open individual bank account
☐ Understand household budget
☐ Update beneficiary designations
☐ Consider tax implications
☐ Budget for legal fees
Post-Divorce Costs
Item
Cost
Updated estate plan
$1,500-$3,000
Name change (if applicable)
$150-$500
Updated insurance policies
Varies
New housing
Varies
Therapy/counseling
$100-$200/session
Bottom Line
Divorce Type
Cost
Best When
DIY uncontested
$500-$1,500
Simple, amicable
Mediated
$5,000-$10,000
Can communicate
Attorney (uncontested)
$2,500-$7,500
Need guidance
Contested (no trial)
$15,000-$35,000
Disputes exist
Contested (trial)
$50,000-$100,000+
High conflict
Cost-saving principles:
Cooperate wherever possible — conflict is expensive
WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.
The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy
