How Much Does a Divorce Cost

It’d be nice if you could find a simple number to describe how much a divorce costs. But, much like marriage itself, divorce is more complex than that. 

The cost for you specifically? That’s going to depend on lawyer fees, court costs, and the level of conflict between you and your spouse.

We’re going to dive into the many factors that can affect the cost of your divorce below. Keep reading for that info, but if you need legal support now, you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and control with a LegalShield® Personal Plan.

A summary of the costs that go into a divorce

Divorces can range anywhere from $1,500 and up, depending on the state you live in and the cost of the services you hire. Here are a few examples of different potential costs you may run into:

*A process server’s costs can go up if the served party is difficult to locate.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost?

Average price range: $1,500-$4,500

Uncontested divorces, where you agree on all terms, are more manageable than contested alternatives. Lawyers may charge a flat fee or a per-hour rate, but the price can vary by location. Here’s what two lawyers had to say about uncontested costs in their practice:

• Rebecca A. Carter, Friedman, Framme & Thrush, P.A.: At least $1,500 (based out of Virginia).
• Christopher S. Peoples, LegalShield Supervising Attorney: $3,000-$4,500 (based out of Massachusetts).

If you share assets like a home or retirement accounts, have kids, and need a parenting plan, and agree on the terms but want a lawyer to look at or help write your final agreement, an uncontested divorce is a great route to consider.

With a LegalShield Advanced or Premium Legal Plan, members can receive assistance with an uncontested divorce after a 180-day waiting period. See a LegalShield Plan to determine if this service is right for you.

How much does a contested divorce cost?

Price Range: $5,000 - $12,000+

A contested divorce is what happens when you and your spouse can’t agree on at least one issue. Think custody, alimony, asset division, and similar issues. This is where divorce costs start rising quickly due to negotiation, formal discovery, and — sometimes — a full trial.

Lawyers cost around $300 an hour on average. Even in less complex cases, these billable hours can add up quickly. Here’s what two LegalShield Provider Lawyers had to say about contested divorce costs: 

• Christopher S. Peoples, LegalShield Supervising Attorney: $5,000-$12,000 (dependent upon whether an agreement is reached in mediation)
• Rebecca A. Carter, Friedman, Framme & Thrush, P.A.: If an agreement is reached during mediation, it varies widely. It’s around $10,000-$20,000 if mediation doesn’t work.

Plus, there are other professional costs you may face in a contested divorce:

• Forensic accountants: Accountants who help in cases where there may be hidden money add costs that can vary widely. 
• Real estate appraisals: When dividing home assets fairly, you may appraise your home(s). Additional appraisals may also be necessary if you have artwork or other high-value property in the home.
• Mediation: An impartial third party guides separating couples through negotiating disputes.

Trials are where costs can skyrocket in short order. The expense can increase with each issue you disagree on, like inheritances, child custody, or assets you both gained during marriage. These factors make costs unpredictable.

For example, one parent may request an outside investigator if they are concerned about abuse or neglect. There are different types of custody evaluators, and they vary in cost, depending on the service provider and the state where you reside.

Divorce settlements and ongoing obligations

Child support and alimony are not divorce costs, they are part of a divorce  settlement. But working through these two items can add cost to legal and court costs.

Child support is determined by a state’s Income Shares model, a formula that estimates how much you and your co-parent would’ve spent on your children if you lived together.

The formula often takes into account the differential between each parent’s income and benefits like health insurance coverage, as well as the percentage of time they have custody.

You can sometimes estimate child support costs using a calculator for your state. For example, DC has a child support calculator that takes into account the custody order, who is responsible for health insurance, and the parents’ income. It’s important to get legal representation because the outcome depends on more than a calculator.

Alimony varies more widely across states but is based on each spouse’s earning capacity and the standard of living established during the marriage. If one spouse is the primary earner, some formulas may calculate a percentage of that spouse’s income.

For example, Colorado calculates 40% of the higher-income earners’ amount minus 50% of the lower-income earners’ amount. However, judges are known to deviate from this formula in certain circumstances, such as when one spouse is currently unemployed.

How to lower your divorce bill

Divorce costs often seem unmanageable at first glance. But you might have more control over the final number than you think. Of course, some expenses are unavoidable. But many others come down to time, conflict, and preparation. Try these steps to shave some expenses off that final tally.

Try mediation first

The beauty of divorce mediation is that it can reduce costs and stress by resolving disagreements before a trial. You and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate property division, custody, support, and other issues.

This focuses on collaboration, not conflict, so it can mean fewer billable hours from the involved lawyers. Mediation can range from $150 to $1,000 per hour, so don’t be afraid to shop around for good rates. Some states have contracts with mediators to offer low-cost services, encouraging spouses to pursue mediation over high-conflict alternatives.

Use a LegalShield® Personal Plan

A key way to increase the predictability of your costs is through a legal service plan. LegalShield Personal Plans give you ongoing access to a provider law firm for a set monthly fee.

Getting help with your divorce

Divorce is a series of financial and personal decisions that can affect you for years to come. Even when you and your spouse agree, small paperwork mistakes can cause delays, added costs, and future disputes.

Professional guidance can help with that. That way, you can move forward with more confidence. With a LegalShield Membership, you can get practical support throughout the process.

A LegalShield provider lawyer can:

• Help you understand your options before you choose DIY divorce, mediation, or filing with legal support
• Assist you with an uncontested divorce once you have been active for 180 days
• Advise you on the effects of a pre-nuptial or post-nuptial agreement on your divorce case

There’s no need to do this all on your own. Consult with a provider lawyer who can help. See what’s included in a LegalShield Personal Plan today.