The cost of divorce in Washington, DC varies widely depending on whether you and your spouse agree on key issues or take your case to trial. This guide covers the DC divorce filing fee, average attorney and mediation costs, and what influences total expenses—from asset division to custody disputes. You’ll also see how Divorce.com helps District residents complete an affordable and efficient online divorce.

Average Divorce Costs in Washington, DC

Washington DC Divorce Filing Fee

Filing for divorce (known as “Complaint for Absolute Divorce”) in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia requires a filing fee of $80–$100.

• Add $30–$60 for service of process.

• Respondents filing a Counterclaim pay an additional $20–$40.

If you can’t afford the fee, you can request a waiver through an Application to Proceed Without Prepayment of Costs.

Washington DC Divorce Attorney Cost

Attorney rates in the District are among the nation’s highest, reflecting the city’s professional legal market.

• Average hourly rate: $350–$600/hour.

• Retainers: usually $4,000–$10,000 for contested cases.

• Flat fees: possible for uncontested divorces ($1,000–$2,000).

How to reduce attorney costs

• Resolve as many issues as possible before filing.

• Use limited-scope representation (attorney handles one issue).

• Use Divorce.com for document prep and filing to minimize hours billed.

Washington DC Uncontested Divorce Cost

If both spouses agree on everything—property, custody, and support—you can file for an uncontested divorce for $500–$2,000, including the filing fee.

You must show that:

1. At least one spouse has lived in DC for six months, and

2. The marriage is “irretrievably broken.”

Most uncontested divorces are finalized within 30–90 days after filing.

Divorce.com advantage:
We simplify DC’s process with guided forms, electronic document preparation, and optional attorney review—all for one flat fee.

Washington DC Divorce Mediation Cost

Mediation can help couples resolve disputes outside of court.
Typical DC divorce mediation cost:

• $200–$400 per hour.

• $800–$1,500 for half-day sessions.

• $1,500–$3,000 for full-day sessions.

Many mediators charge per session rather than hourly. Most couples spend $3,000–$8,000 total, still far less than trial litigation.

Washington DC Contested Divorce Cost

If spouses disagree on major issues, a contested divorce can cost $15,000–$35,000 or more.
Primary cost drivers include:

• Discovery of finances and assets

• Multiple hearings or motions

• Expert witnesses or forensic accountants

• Custody evaluations or parenting coordinators

These cases typically last 6–18 months and require substantial attorney involvement.

Washington DC Asset Division Cost

DC follows equitable distribution, meaning assets are divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50.
Expenses that increase DC asset division cost include:

• Real estate appraisals: $400–$1,000 each.

• Business valuations: $5,000–$10,000+.

• Retirement QDROs: $300–$600 per plan.

• Forensic accounting: $150–$350/hour.

Agreeing on values or using one neutral expert can lower these costs significantly.

Washington DC Custody Dispute Cost

Custody and parenting issues often drive up divorce expenses.
Typical DC custody dispute cost includes:

• Custody evaluator or guardian ad litem: $2,000–$6,000+.

• Therapist or parenting coordinator: $1,000–$3,000+.

• Additional mediation sessions: $400–$1,000 each.

Judges in DC strongly encourage mediation before trial in custody disputes to minimize costs and emotional strain.

Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in Washington, DC

Typical Washington DC Divorce Budget

FAQs

Can I file for divorce in DC without a lawyer?
Yes. DC allows self-representation. Divorce.com helps you prepare forms and file with the Superior Court correctly.

What is the residency requirement for divorce in DC?
At least one spouse must have lived in the District for six months before filing.

Is mediation required?
Courts often recommend mediation, particularly when children or property are involved.

How long does a DC divorce take?
Uncontested divorces can finalize in as little as 30 days after filing; contested cases may take a year or more.

How can I keep costs low?
Use online filing tools, stay organized, and avoid unnecessary hearings through early agreements.

The Bottom Line

The average cost of divorce in Washington, DC depends on how well you and your spouse cooperate. Couples who reach agreements early can complete their divorce for under $2,000, while contested cases can exceed $30,000.

With Divorce.com, DC residents gain access to fast, affordable, and court-compliant online divorce solutions—without unpredictable hourly fees.

👉 Start your Washington, DC divorce online today at Divorce.com and move forward with clarity and control.