Typical total costs
| Type of divorce | Typical lawyer cost (per person) |
|---|---|
| Uncontested, flat fee | Often $1,500-$5,000 |
| Mediated | Often $3,000-$10,000 combined |
| Contested, settled before trial | Often $10,000-$30,000 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $30,000+ |
Ranges are broad national estimates; big-city fees run higher.
What drives the cost
- Disputes over custody, support or property
- Business or complex assets
- Number of court hearings and discovery
- How much you and your spouse communicate through lawyers
Ways to spend less
- Agree on what you can before hiring lawyers.
- Consider mediation or collaborative divorce.
- Ask about flat fees for uncontested cases or limited-scope help.
- Organize your financial documents yourself.
Estimate costs with our lawyer cost estimator or read about divorce lawyers.
