Divorce Cost Calculator

The Four Paths to Divorce

Uncontested is the cheapest and fastest — both spouses agree on division of assets, custody, and support, fill out paperwork, and submit it to a court. Costs run $1,000–$4,500 total. Mediated uses a neutral third party to help spouses agree on contested points without going to court. Cost: $3,000–$12,000. Collaborative divorce involves both spouses hiring attorneys who agree upfront not to litigate, working together to reach a settlement. Cost: $7,500–$25,000. Contested divorce means at least one major point goes to court. Cost: $15,000–$60,000+ per spouse, sometimes much more.

What Drives Divorce Costs

The single biggest driver is conflict. A divorce where both spouses agree on everything costs almost nothing in attorney time. A divorce where the spouses fight about every small decision can cost six figures, because attorneys bill in 6-minute increments and every email, phone call, and motion adds up. Children add complexity through custody evaluations ($2,000–$7,000), guardian ad litem fees ($1,500–$5,000), and the simple fact that custody disputes are emotionally charged. Real estate adds appraisal fees and complex division arguments. Family businesses are the worst — business valuations alone can cost $5,000–$25,000.

How to Reduce Divorce Costs

Talk to your spouse before talking to a lawyer. Reach as much agreement as possible — division of assets, custody schedule, support amounts — and write it down. Take that agreement to a mediator (one mediator for both of you, not two attorneys), and only consult separate attorneys for legal review of the final paperwork. Avoid using attorneys as therapists. Don't waste billable time on emotional venting — that's what therapists are for, and they're 1/3 the cost. Document everything yourself rather than asking attorneys to compile records.

What's Not Included in This Estimate

The calculator covers attorney and mediator fees plus filing fees, but doesn't include the long-term financial impact of divorce: division of retirement accounts (no fee, just division), spousal support obligations (ongoing), child support obligations (ongoing), the cost of maintaining two households instead of one (often the biggest hidden cost), refinancing or buying out a spouse on a mortgage, and the emotional/health costs that often translate into therapy bills, missed work, and lower productivity for years after the divorce. Plan for the full picture, not just the legal bill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I divorce without a lawyer?

Yes — uncontested divorces with no kids and minimal assets can be filed pro se for under $500 in most states.

How long does a divorce take?

Uncontested: 2–6 months. Mediated: 4–9 months. Contested: 1–3 years, sometimes longer.

What's the cheapest state to divorce in?

Filing fees vary by state ($75 in some, $500+ in others), but attorney rates matter far more than location.

Should I use an online divorce service?

For simple uncontested cases, yes — services like Hello Divorce and Wevorce can save thousands.

Who keeps the engagement ring after a divorce?

In most US states the ring is considered a completed gift and stays with the recipient. State laws vary.