How much does divorce actually cost? The answer depends on your state, whether you and your spouse agree on terms, and whether children are involved. Our Divorce Cost Calculator gives you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.
How It Works
Select your state, choose your divorce type, and tell us whether children are involved. The calculator instantly shows you a cost breakdown including:
- Court filing fees — The mandatory fee your state charges to file a divorce petition. These range from $70 in Wyoming to over $400 in California and Florida.
- Attorney fees — Estimated legal costs based on whether your divorce is uncontested, mediated, or contested. Uncontested divorces with an attorney typically cost $1,500 to $3,500, while contested cases can exceed $25,000.
- Mediation and additional costs — If applicable, estimated mediator fees, parenting classes, and custody evaluations.
- Timeline estimate — How long the process typically takes in your state, including any mandatory waiting periods.
Estimate the total cost of divorce in your state. Select your state and situation below to see a personalized cost breakdown including court fees, attorney costs, and timeline.
Estimated total cost
Filing fees last verified: May 2026. These are estimates based on state averages. Actual costs vary by county, attorney, and case complexity. Filing fees may differ by county within a state. This is general educational information, not legal advice.
Understanding Divorce Costs
The biggest factor in divorce cost is whether both spouses agree on the terms. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on property division, custody, and support is dramatically cheaper than a contested case that goes to trial. Mediation falls in between — a neutral mediator helps you reach agreement, which costs more than a simple uncontested filing but far less than litigation.
Filing fees are set by each state and are unavoidable regardless of how you handle the divorce. Some states also require parenting classes when children are involved, which adds a small additional cost.
Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs
If possible, try to reach agreement with your spouse before hiring attorneys. Many couples save thousands by negotiating the major terms — property division, custody schedules, and support amounts — before involving lawyers. Even if you ultimately need an attorney, having a framework of agreement keeps legal bills lower.
Consider mediation as a middle ground. A mediator typically costs less than two separate attorneys and often produces results both parties find acceptable. Many states now offer court-connected mediation programs at reduced rates.
For straightforward situations with no children and minimal shared property, a DIY divorce using court-provided forms may be sufficient. Many state court websites offer self-help guides and fillable forms at no cost beyond the filing fee.