The cost to get a divorce where both parties agree is usually much lower than a contested divorce. Most uncontested divorces cost between $500 and $3,000, depending on the state, legal help, and court fees. In some cases, it can be as low as the filing fee, especially if no lawyer is used.
Attorney fees are the biggest cost factor. If you hire a lawyer, flat fees for uncontested divorces often range from $500 to $1,500. Some lawyers offer fixed-price packages that include all paperwork and court filing. If you file without a lawyer (called pro se), you may only pay court fees, which range from $100 to $500, depending on location.
Online divorce services can also lower the cost. These platforms help prepare documents for a fixed fee, usually between $150 and $500. However, they only work if both people fully agree on all terms and there are no complex issues like shared property or child custody.
Key Takeaways
- Uncontested divorces are cheaper and faster because both spouses agree on all terms.
- Average total cost ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on location and legal help.
- Court filing fees are required in all states and usually cost between $100 and $500.
- Lawyer flat fees for agreed divorces typically range from $500 to $1,500.
- Online divorce services offer guided help for $150 to $500, ideal for simple cases.
- Self-filing (pro se) is allowed and can save money but carries a risk of paperwork errors.
- Cost-saving tips include preparing ahead, using online tools, or hiring a mediator.
These points summarize the most affordable paths for couples seeking a divorce with full agreement.
What Are the Typical Cost Ranges for an Uncontested Divorce?
The typical cost of an uncontested divorce ranges from $500 to $3,000, depending on several factors like state laws, filing fees, and whether you hire a lawyer. If both spouses agree on all terms, costs stay low because there’s no need for court battles or long legal meetings.
In Florida, the average cost of an uncontested divorce with no children and no property can be around $400 to $800 if done without an attorney. If you use a lawyer for document preparation and legal advice, fees can increase to $1,500 or more, especially in cases involving children or shared assets.
Other states show similar patterns. For example:
- North Carolina: Basic filing fees start at about $225, with total costs around $500 to $1,500
- California: Filing fees alone can be over $400, and legal fees may raise the total to $1,000–$3,000
What Factors Influence the Cost of an Agreed Divorce?
Several key factors affect how much an uncontested divorce will cost. The most important ones are attorney involvement, court fees, paperwork complexity, and whether the couple has children or shared property. Each of these can raise or lower the total amount spent.
If both parties prepare and file the paperwork themselves, costs stay low. But if the divorce involves real estate, retirement accounts, or a parenting plan, most couples choose to hire a lawyer, which increases the price. Even in uncontested cases, legal guidance may be needed to avoid mistakes.
Location also matters. Each state has different filing fees, and some counties charge additional costs. Using a mediator or online divorce service adds another variable. These services can cost between $150 and $1,000, depending on the platform and the complexity of your situation.
How Do Attorney Fees Affect Total Divorce Cost?
Attorney fees are often the largest cost in an uncontested divorce. When both parties agree on all terms, many lawyers offer flat-fee packages. These packages typically range from $500 to $1,500, depending on the case details and location.
Some lawyers charge hourly rates, usually between $150 and $400 per hour. Hourly billing is more common when clients need extra help with legal paperwork, child support calculations, or court appearances. Even in agreed cases, legal advice can prevent costly errors.
Flat-fee divorces are most common when the couple has no children or major assets. If the case is more complex but still uncontested, the lawyer may charge a slightly higher flat fee or combine flat and hourly rates. This keeps costs predictable while covering all legal steps.
How Much Are Court Filing and Administrative Fees?
Court filing fees are mandatory costs in every divorce, even if both parties agree. These fees usually range from $100 to $500, depending on the state and county. In Florida, for example, the filing fee is typically around $408, not including service or notary costs.
Some courts also charge administrative fees for things like serving divorce papers, document copies, or notarizing signatures. These extra costs can add $50 to $150 to the total. If you need a sheriff or process server to deliver documents, expect additional charges.
In some states, you can request a fee waiver if you meet low-income requirements. This can reduce or eliminate court filing fees. Some online divorce platforms also include filing instructions or offer filing services for an extra charge.
Can You Get a Divorce Without a Lawyer?
Yes, you can get a divorce without a lawyer if both parties fully agree on all terms. This is called a pro se divorce, and it’s legal in every state. Many couples use this option to save money, especially when there are no children or shared assets.
Self-filing involves downloading the correct forms, filling them out, and submitting them to the court. Some courts provide free instructions, but mistakes in the paperwork can cause delays or rejections. That’s why some people choose online divorce services to help with document preparation.
Online divorce platforms charge between $150 and $500 and guide users through the process step-by-step. These services are best for simple, uncontested divorces. However, they don’t give legal advice, so couples with complex situations may still need a lawyer.
How Can Couples Reduce the Cost of an Uncontested Divorce?
Couples can lower divorce costs by agreeing on all terms before filing. This reduces the need for lawyer hours and court time. The more prepared both parties are, the fewer outside services they’ll need.
Using online divorce services is another way to save. These platforms offer step-by-step guidance and forms for a fixed price, often between $150 and $500. They are ideal for simple divorces with no children or complex property issues.
Some couples use a mediator to help them reach an agreement without going to court. Mediation costs around $100 to $300 per hour, but often avoids more expensive legal disputes. Preparing financial documents and custody agreements before involving any professional also helps reduce time and fees.