Divorce can be life-changing—and costly. The average divorce in the U.S. costs between $7,000 and $20,000, but the range can vary from a few hundred dollars to well over $50,000, depending on whether your divorce is uncontested, contested, mediated, or attorney-led.

At Divorce.com, we help couples simplify the process and avoid unnecessary expenses with transparent pricing, guided tools, and optional attorney support.

Key takeaway: The more you and your spouse agree on, the less your divorce will cost.

1. Why Divorce Costs Vary

• Every divorce is unique. The biggest cost drivers are:

• Level of conflict (contested vs. uncontested)

• Children involved (custody, support)

• Type and value of assets

• Attorney involvement and hourly rates

• Filing fees (set by each state or county)

• Mediation or court time required
  
  

2. Filing Fees by State

Filing fees are the starting point for every divorce. They’re usually set by state courts and range from $70 to $500.

(Source: State Court Clerks, 2025)

3. Attorney Fees and Legal Representation

Attorneys are the single largest cost factor.

• Average hourly rate: $250 – $450 nationally

• Large metros: $400 – $700 per hour

• Typical retainer: $5,000 – $10,000 upfront

Most contested divorces quickly exceed $15,000 – $20,000 in total fees due to court appearances, discovery, and negotiation time.

How to Reduce Attorney Costs

• Settle key issues in advance (property, custody, support).

• Use flat-fee or limited-scope representation.

• Try mediation or online divorce services before litigation.
  
  

4. Mediation Costs

Mediation is one of the most effective ways to reduce divorce expenses.

• Average cost: $3,000 – $7,000 total

• Hourly rates: $150 – $400 per session

• Success rate: 70–80% of mediated cases settle fully

A mediator helps couples reach agreement without going to trial—saving months of stress and tens of thousands in fees.

5. Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce

   
   

   Type	Description	Estimated Cost	Recommended For
   Uncontested Divorce	Both parties agree on property, custody, and support	$500 – $2,000	Low-conflict couples
   Contested Divorce	Disagreements over assets, custody, or alimony	$15,000 – $30,000+	High-conflict or complex cases
   Partially Contested	Agreement on most issues, dispute over a few	$3,000 – $10,000	Moderate complexity

If you and your spouse can agree on major issues, using Divorce.com for an online uncontested divorce can reduce your cost by up to 90% compared to hiring separate attorneys.

6. Costs Related to Assets and Custody

Asset Division

Divorces involving businesses, multiple properties, or investments require appraisals, tax analysis, and legal documentation.
Added costs: $2,000 – $10,000+ for experts or accountants.

Child Custody

Custody and parenting plan disputes often involve:

• Guardian ad litem or custody evaluator fees ($2,000 – $5,000)

• Mediation sessions ($1,000 – $3,000)

• Court hearings (variable)

Parents who collaborate on parenting plans through mediation or Divorce.com’s guided templates can avoid these additional expenses.

7. Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce
   
   

   Feature	Traditional Divorce	Divorce.com
   Average Cost	$15,000 – $25,000+	$499 – $1,500
   Time to Completion	6–18 months	1–3 months
   Billing Model	Hourly	Flat-fee, transparent
   Process	Paper-heavy, in-person	100% online
   Support Options	Full attorney representation	Online guidance + attorney network
   Accessibility	Limited to office hours	24/7 online access

Divorce.com offers step-by-step filing tools, mediation support, and access to licensed attorneys when needed—without the surprise bills or long delays.

8. How to Estimate Your Divorce Cost

Use this simple checklist to estimate your total expense:

Want a personalized estimate?
👉 Start your free divorce cost calculator →

9. How to Keep Your Divorce Affordable

• Stay cooperative. The more you agree, the less you pay.

• Use online tools to prepare and file your forms correctly.

• Avoid unnecessary court motions. Each one costs time and money.

• Consider mediation early to avoid attorney escalation.

• Document everything to minimize disputes.
  
  

  
  

10. Local Divorce Costs by Metro Area

Costs vary widely across major U.S. metros. Explore your local guide:

11. FAQs About Divorce Costs

What is the cheapest way to get divorced in the U.S.?
An uncontested divorce handled online through Divorce.com is typically the least expensive option, starting at $499.

Can you get divorced for free?
If you qualify for a filing fee waiver and prepare your documents yourself, you may pay nothing beyond notarization or service fees.

How do I know if my divorce is uncontested?
If you and your spouse agree on property, custody, and support, it qualifies as uncontested.

Does mediation really save money?
Yes—most couples save 50–70% compared to traditional attorney-led litigation.

The Bottom Line

Divorce costs depend on conflict, complexity, and cooperation—but you can control your cost by choosing the right process.

With Divorce.com, you get transparent pricing, trusted guidance, and attorney-backed support—without the stress or unpredictable bills of traditional divorce.

👉 Start your divorce online today at Divorce.com and move forward with clarity and confidence.

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