How Much Does a Divorce Cost By State?

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Bridget Molitor, J.D. | Last reviewed January 04, 2024

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Divorces are specific to the parties and to state or local law.  Divorce costs will vary depending on attorneys fees, court fees and filing fees.  Most people spend several thousand dollars finalizing a divorce. 

 

Keep in mind it is not just divorce attorney fees. You may also need to pay for things like:

  • Filing at your county courthouse (filing fees per state are listed on this page)
  • Education classes on the divorce process or co-parenting
  • Mediation (this can replace attorney fees or be in addition to attorney fees)
  • Psychiatric evaluations for adults or children
  • Refinancing a mortgage

Cost Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce

An uncontested divorce (or an amicable divorce that uses mediation) will typically cost less. An uncontested divorce is possible if you can negotiate together and agree on big-ticket items such as who keeps the house. If you want the court to help you determine how things are split (in a contested divorce), you will rack up additional attorney's fees.

Average Fees for a Divorce Lawyer

It is typical for new lawyers to charge $100+/hour and experienced attorneys to charge $300+/hour. You can expect to see outlier pricing that ranges from $30 to $500/hour as well.

Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. The cheapest attorney per hour might need to spend more time researching the law than someone who has been practicing for years, and may not have the same level of know-how regarding the process and courts.

Do Divorce Lawyers Offer Payment Plans?

Yes, most law firms or independent attorneys understand that an average divorce costs a large sum of money, and may need a payment plan.

There are no state laws on offering payment plans, so this is solely up the firm you want to hire. Ask them in your first meeting if they offer payment plans.

Attorney Fee Factors in Divorce Costs

In every state, a variety of factors will change the hours required to negotiate and find a divorce agreement such as:

  • Child custody
  • Amount of property 
  • Tax advice
  • Alimony (spousal support)

Consider how complex your divorce is when estimating how much it might cost. If you and your spouse own a lot of property and don't agree on its division, for example, you are looking at a longer and more costly divorce. The same is often true in divorces with children.

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by State

State

Average Filing Fees

Other Divorce Costs and Attorney Fees
Alabama $400 ($50 administrative fee included) Average fees: $10,000
Alaska $250 (additional $75 fee to file a modification for child custody, visitation, or support, or for spousal maintenance or property division) Average fees: $10,000+
Arizona $280 Average fees: $10,000+
Arkansas $165 Average fees: $8,000+
California $435 (Ask for a fee waiver) Average fees: $14,000
Colorado $230 Average fees: $11,000+
Connecticut $360 (excluding paternity legal action) Average fees: $12,000+
Delaware $165 Average fees: $12,000+
District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) $80 Average fees: $10,000
Florida $409 (Cost changes per county. Example from Duval County Circuit.) Average fees: $10,000+
Georgia $400 Average fees:  $11,000+
Hawaii $215 (without minor children), $265 (with minor children) Average fees: $9,000+
Idaho $154 (without minor children), $207 (with minor children) Average fees: $8,000+
Illinois $334 (District specific fees. This example is from Lake County Circuit.) Average fees: $10,000+
Indiana $157 Average fees: $9,000
Iowa $185 Average fees: $9,000+
Kansas $400 Average fees: $8,000+
Kentucky $148 (without an attorney), $153 (with an attorney) Average fees: $8,000+
Louisiana $150 to $250 Average fees: $10,000
Maine $120 Average fees: $8,000+
Maryland $165 Average fees: $11,000
Massachusetts $200 Average fees: $12,000+
Michigan $175 (without minor children), $255 (with minor children) (District specific fees. This example is from Wayne County Circuit.) Average fees: $10,000+
Minnesota $365 Average fees: $9,000
Mississippi $400 Average fees:: $8,000+
Missouri $133.50 (without minor children), $233.50 (with minor children) (District specific fees. This example is from Jefferson County Circuit.) Average fees: $10,000+
Montana $170 Average fees: $6,000+
Nebraska $158 Average fees: $8,000+
Nevada $217 (first appearance), $299 (joint petition) Average fees: $10,000+
New Hampshire $400 Average fees: $9,000+
New Jersey $300 Average fees: $12,000+
New Mexico $137 Average fees: $6,500+
New York $335 Average fees: $13,500+
North Carolina $75 (absolute divorce), $150 (for civil cases in district court) Average fees: $10,000+
North Dakota $80 Average fees: $8,000+
Ohio $350 (District specific fees. This example is from Washington County Circuit.) Average fees: $9,000+
Oklahoma $183 Average fees: $9,000+
Oregon $301 Average fees: $10,000
Pennsylvania $201.75 Average fees: $11,000+
Puerto Rico $400 Average fees: $10,000
Rhode Island $400 Average fees: $10,000+
South Carolina $150 Average fees: $10,000
South Dakota $95 Average fees: $8,500+
Tennessee $184.50 (without minor children), $259.50 (with minor children) Average fees: $9,500+
Texas $300 (depending on child support or custody factors) Average fees: $12,500
Utah $325 Average fees: $10,400
Vermont $90 (if you are a resident of the state), $295 (without a stipulation) Average fees: $9,000
Virginia Use this calculator to find your district's fees. Average fees: $11,500
Washington $314 Average fees: $10,000+
West Virginia $134 Average fees: $8,000+
Wisconsin $184.50 (with no child support or alimony), $194.50 (with child support or alimony) Average fees: $8,500+
Wyoming $85 (District specific fees. This example is from Laramie County Circuit.) Average fees: $9,000

*You should expect small differences in fees for photocopies, notary fees mailing, process server fees, judge's funds, and other charges. These are specific to the state and county where you file.

**Fees are always changing per state and county. Contacting your county clerk's office is the best way to find accurate fees.

Getting a Divorce When You Don't Have The Money

While the costs seem high, an important takeaway is that divorce is still attainable. Do not refuse to get a divorce just because you cannot afford it. You may be able to reduce costs by:

  • Asking your attorney for an affordable payment plan
  • Discussing tactics to reduce time in court with your attorney
  • Resolving issues through divorce mediation
  • Working with a lawyer on just some parts of your case (this is called limited scope representation)
  • Getting free advice at a family law clinic (available at some family law courts)
  • Speaking with a legal aid organization to see if you qualify for free services

Many attorneys offer free consultations, so it is doesn't hurt to call one or more experienced divorce lawyers in your area to discuss your divorce. During your consultation, ask them how much they charge and how much time they think your divorce might take.

Note: If you are facing abuse or domestic violence and want a divorce, talk to the police and an attorney immediately.

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Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?

  • You may not need an attorney for a simple divorce with uncontested issues
  • Legal advice is critical to protect your interests in a contested divorce
  • Divorce lawyers can help secure fair custody/visitation, support, and property division

An attorney is a skilled advocate during negotiations and court proceedings. Many attorneys offer free consultations.

Find a local attorney

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Don't Forget About Estate Planning

Divorce is an ideal time to review your beneficiary designations on life insurance, bank accounts, and retirement accounts. You need to change your estate planning forms to reflect any new choices about your personal representative and beneficiaries. You can change your power of attorney if you named your ex-spouse as your agent. Also, change your health care directive to remove them from making your health care decisions.

Start Planning