How Much Does Divorce Cost?
Updated for 2024 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Divorce Include?
Divorce costs vary enormously depending on whether it's contested or uncontested, whether children are involved, and how much attorney time is needed.
The national average cost for divorce is $7,500 per case. Most homeowners pay between $1,500 and $30,000, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Type
Uncontested: $1,500-$5,000. Contested: $10,000-$30,000+. With trial: $20,000-$100,000+
Attorney
Average divorce attorney charges $250-$350/hour
Mediation
Divorce mediation: $2,000-$5,000 total vs $15,000+ for litigation
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Contested vs uncontested
- ✓Child custody issues
- ✓Property division complexity
- ✓Attorney hourly rates
- ✓Mediation vs litigation
- ✓Geographic location
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Consider mediation — it's much cheaper than litigation
- 2.Uncontested divorces can cost as little as $500-$1,500
- 3.Agree on as much as possible before involving attorneys
- 4.Use a paralegal service for simple uncontested divorces
Divorce Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $1,230 | $6,150 | $24,600 |
| Alaska | $1,920 | $9,600 | $38,400 |
| Arizona | $1,425 | $7,125 | $28,500 |
| Arkansas | $1,200 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| California | $2,025 | $10,125 | $40,500 |
| Colorado | $1,620 | $8,100 | $32,400 |
| Connecticut | $1,830 | $9,150 | $36,600 |
| Delaware | $1,575 | $7,875 | $31,500 |
| Florida | $1,470 | $7,350 | $29,400 |
| Georgia | $1,350 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| Hawaii | $2,130 | $10,650 | $42,600 |
| Idaho | $1,380 | $6,900 | $27,600 |
| Illinois | $1,575 | $7,875 | $31,500 |
| Indiana | $1,320 | $6,600 | $26,400 |
| Iowa | $1,290 | $6,450 | $25,800 |
| Kansas | $1,275 | $6,375 | $25,500 |
| Kentucky | $1,260 | $6,300 | $25,200 |
| Louisiana | $1,305 | $6,525 | $26,100 |
| Maine | $1,530 | $7,650 | $30,600 |
| Maryland | $1,725 | $8,625 | $34,500 |
| Massachusetts | $1,950 | $9,750 | $39,000 |
| Michigan | $1,380 | $6,900 | $27,600 |
| Minnesota | $1,530 | $7,650 | $30,600 |
| Mississippi | $1,170 | $5,850 | $23,400 |
| Missouri | $1,305 | $6,525 | $26,100 |
| Montana | $1,425 | $7,125 | $28,500 |
| Nebraska | $1,320 | $6,600 | $26,400 |
| Nevada | $1,530 | $7,650 | $30,600 |
| New Hampshire | $1,680 | $8,400 | $33,600 |
| New Jersey | $1,875 | $9,375 | $37,500 |
| New Mexico | $1,350 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| New York | $1,980 | $9,900 | $39,600 |
| North Carolina | $1,350 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| North Dakota | $1,350 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| Ohio | $1,350 | $6,750 | $27,000 |
| Oklahoma | $1,245 | $6,225 | $24,900 |
| Oregon | $1,650 | $8,250 | $33,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,530 | $7,650 | $30,600 |
| Rhode Island | $1,725 | $8,625 | $34,500 |
| South Carolina | $1,305 | $6,525 | $26,100 |
| South Dakota | $1,275 | $6,375 | $25,500 |
| Tennessee | $1,290 | $6,450 | $25,800 |
| Texas | $1,395 | $6,975 | $27,900 |
| Utah | $1,425 | $7,125 | $28,500 |
| Vermont | $1,620 | $8,100 | $32,400 |
| Virginia | $1,575 | $7,875 | $31,500 |
| Washington | $1,725 | $8,625 | $34,500 |
| West Virginia | $1,200 | $6,000 | $24,000 |
| Wisconsin | $1,410 | $7,050 | $28,200 |
| Wyoming | $1,380 | $6,900 | $27,600 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a divorce take?
Uncontested: 2-3 months. Contested: 6-18 months. Complex cases with trials: 1-3 years.
Do I need a lawyer for divorce?
For uncontested divorces without children or significant assets, you may not need one. For anything complex, an attorney is strongly recommended.