Divorce Cost Estimator — All
50 States
Divorce costs vary enormously — from a few hundred dollars for an uncontested filing to tens of thousands for a contested case with custody disputes. Filing fees alone range from under $100 in some states to over $400 in others. Attorney fees, mediator costs, court reporter fees, and expert witnesses can add up quickly. This free estimator pulls verified filing-fee data for all 50 states and helps you budget for both contested and uncontested scenarios so there are no surprises.
Important: This tool provides educational estimates only — not legal advice. Made For Law is not a law firm and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, county, or local government agency or court system. Calculator results are based on statutory formulas and publicly available fee schedules — not AI. Supporting content is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. Results may not reflect recent legislative changes or your specific circumstances. Do not rely solely on these estimates — always verify with official sources and consult a licensed attorney before making legal or financial decisions. Full disclaimer
Complete Divorce Calculator Suite
Filing fees are just the beginning. Use these companion calculators to estimate the full financial picture of your divorce.
Alimony Calculator
Estimate spousal support by state — formula states (NY, TX, IL) and judicial-discretion states, duration rules, and modification standards.
Property Division Calculator
Community property (9 states) vs. equitable distribution — marital vs. separate property, retirement accounts, and business valuation basics.
Child Support Estimator
State-specific child support worksheets — income shares model, percentage of income, and Melson formula states.
Custody Time Calculator
Calculate parenting time percentages for any schedule. See how time splits affect child support obligations.
Also see: Divorce Filing Fees by State — 50-state fee comparison table →
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Frequently asked questions
Edited and reviewed by our editorial team. Answers are general information — not legal advice.
How much does a divorce cost?
Uncontested divorces where spouses agree on all terms typically cost $500–$3,000 including filing fees and minor legal help. Contested divorces with disputes over assets, custody, or support average $15,000–$30,000 per spouse in attorney fees, and complex high-asset divorces can exceed $100,000. Court filing fees range from $80 in some states to over $400 in others.
What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on all terms — division of property, child custody, support, and debt. These can often be completed in 1–3 months with minimal attorney involvement. A contested divorce means the spouses disagree on one or more issues that must be resolved by negotiation, mediation, or a judge. Contested divorces take 6 months to several years and cost significantly more.
How long does a divorce take?
Most states require a mandatory waiting period (30–90 days) after filing before a divorce can be finalized. Simple uncontested divorces can complete in 2–4 months. Contested divorces typically take 1–3 years. Factors that extend timelines include custody disputes, complex asset division, business valuations, and court backlogs. Some states like California require a 6-month waiting period regardless of circumstances.
Can I get a divorce without an attorney?
Yes. An uncontested divorce with no children and limited assets is often manageable without an attorney — sometimes called a 'DIY divorce' or 'pro se divorce.' Court self-help centers provide forms, and many courts have online filing portals. However, an attorney review is strongly recommended when children, significant assets, retirement accounts, real estate, or businesses are involved, as mistakes can have long-term financial consequences.
Is mediation cheaper than going to court?
Yes, typically. Mediation costs $150–$400 per hour (split between spouses) and resolves disputes in a few sessions rather than months of litigation. Mediated agreements also have higher compliance rates because both parties participated in reaching the outcome. Many courts now require mediation attempts before scheduling a trial. Mediation does not work when there is a power imbalance, domestic violence history, or when one party refuses to cooperate.
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