If both spouses agree on the divorce and all major issues, an uncontested divorce can often cost about $500 to $3,500 in the U.S., although some couples may pay less or considerably more. Your total depends on your state’s filing fee, if you hire a lawyer, and if you need help with property, children, support, or other legal issues.
Key Takeaways
- An uncontested divorce is usually much cheaper than a contested divorce.
- Court filing fees vary by state and may be roughly $100 to $450 or more.
- A DIY divorce can keep costs close to the court fees, while legal help increases the total.
- Children, property, debts, and support agreements can make the case more complicated.
- Some people who cannot afford filing fees may qualify for a fee waiver.
What Is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is a divorce in which both spouses agree on ending the marriage and reach agreement on the important issues that must be resolved.
Those issues can include property, debts, child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support. Simply agreeing that you want a divorce does not necessarily make the case uncontested. If you still disagree about an important issue, the case may require additional negotiation or court involvement.
This distinction matters because the biggest cost difference usually comes from how much conflict the case involves. When spouses have already reached an agreement, there is generally less need for hearings, discovery, lengthy negotiations, and extensive attorney work.
How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?
There is no single nationwide price because divorce is handled under state law and court fees vary by location.
As a practical 2026 estimate, a straightforward uncontested divorce may cost around $500 to $3,500, including typical filing and document-related expenses. Some very simple cases can cost less, particularly when the spouses prepare their own paperwork. Cases involving lawyers, children, property, or more complicated finances can cost substantially more.
Here is a simple comparison:
| Divorce option | Possible cost range | Usually best for |
| DIY divorce | A few hundred dollars or more | Couples with simple circumstances |
| Online document service | Often several hundred dollars | Couples who want paperwork assistance |
| Lawyer with flat fee | Often $500–$1,500+ for simple cases | Couples wanting professional help |
| More complex uncontested case | Several thousand dollars or more | Couples with property, children, or financial issues |
These are general estimates, not guaranteed prices. Your state’s court fee and the lawyer or service you choose can change the final amount.
DIY Divorce
A DIY divorce is often the least expensive option because you handle the paperwork yourself.
Your main expenses may include the court filing fee, document copies, postage, notary services, and service of process when required.
However, “DIY” does not mean the divorce is free. Courts still require the correct forms and filing procedures, and requirements differ by state and sometimes county.
Online Divorce Services
Online divorce services can help prepare forms based on information you provide. They may cost more than doing everything yourself but less than hiring a lawyer for every part of the case.
Before paying for one, check exactly what the price includes. Some advertised prices cover document preparation but not court filing fees, service, or additional legal assistance.
The American Bar Association also warns that advertised fixed prices may not include court costs and other expenses.
Hiring a Divorce Lawyer
A lawyer can review your agreement, prepare documents, explain legal requirements, or handle the filing process.
Some attorneys offer flat fees for straightforward uncontested divorces. The American Bar Association notes that lawyers may use flat fees when the work is predictable and routine, including some uncontested divorce cases.
Your price may increase if the attorney must negotiate property, review complicated finances, address custody issues, or handle unexpected disagreements.
What Does the Divorce Cost Include?
The final bill can contain several separate expenses.
Court Filing Fees
The court filing fee is usually one of the unavoidable costs of starting a divorce.
However, there is no universal U.S. filing fee.
For example, California Courts currently list a divorce filing fee of $435–$450.
New York Courts state that an uncontested divorce costs at least $335 in court filing fees, including its index number and note-of-issue fees.
These examples show why you should check the official court website for the state and county where you will file.
Lawyer or Document Preparation Fees
If you hire an attorney, you may pay a flat fee or an hourly rate.
Ask exactly what the quoted price covers. For example, does it include preparing the settlement agreement, filing documents, responding to court requests, and attending a hearing?
The American Bar Association recommends discussing the lawyer’s billing method and expected costs before beginning legal work.
Service, Notary, and Copying Costs
Even when both spouses agree, there may be smaller expenses for serving papers, notarizing documents, mailing forms, making copies, or obtaining certified court documents.
Some states may have specific procedures for serving a spouse even when the spouse does not intend to fight the divorce.
Property, Child, or Financial Issues
A couple can agree on everything and still have a more expensive divorce if their situation is complicated.
For example, dividing a house, retirement accounts, a business, multiple debts, or other significant assets may require additional legal or financial assistance.
Children can also add paperwork and legal requirements involving custody, parenting time, and support.
The goal of an uncontested divorce is not simply to agree to separate. The spouses generally need to create a complete agreement that addresses the issues the court must resolve.
Is It Cheaper If Both Spouses Agree?
Usually, yes.
When spouses agree, they can potentially avoid many of the expenses associated with disputes and prolonged litigation.
A contested divorce can involve extensive attorney time, negotiations, discovery, hearings, and other litigation expenses. An uncontested case generally requires less legal work because the spouses have already resolved their disagreements.
That does not guarantee a cheap divorce, though. A couple with substantial assets or complicated financial arrangements may still need professional assistance.
Can You Get an Uncontested Divorce Without a Lawyer?
In many situations, yes. if you can and if it makes sense to do so depends on your state’s rules and your circumstances.
Some courts provide self-help materials and forms for people who represent themselves. For example, New York Courts provide an uncontested divorce packet and forms for people whose spouses do not intend to contest the divorce.
California Courts also provide self-help instructions and forms for people starting a divorce case.
A DIY approach may make sense when the marriage is relatively simple, both spouses understand the agreement, and there are no major financial or custody complications.
If you own a business, have substantial assets, disagree about support, or have complicated custody or debt issues, professional legal advice may be worth the additional cost.
How to Lower the Cost of an Uncontested Divorce
If you and your spouse genuinely agree, several steps can help control expenses:
Agree on the major issues first. Discuss property, debts, custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support before filing when possible.
Ask for a flat fee. If you want a lawyer, ask if the attorney offers a flat-fee uncontested divorce instead of open-ended hourly billing.
Compare what each service includes. A low advertised price may not include filing fees, service, or attorney review.
Prepare your financial information. Having documents about income, debts, property, and accounts organized can reduce unnecessary legal work.
Use court self-help resources. Official court websites may provide forms and instructions.
Ask about fee waivers. If you cannot afford the filing fee, your court may have a process for requesting a waiver.
What If You Cannot Afford the Divorce Filing Fee?
You may not necessarily have to pay the full filing fee if you have limited income or meet your state’s requirements for a waiver.
For example, California Courts explain that people who cannot afford the filing fee can request a fee waiver.
LawHelp.org also explains that some people may qualify to have some or all court fees waived depending on their financial circumstances and local rules.
Because eligibility rules differ, check the official court in your state rather than assuming you qualify.
Frequently aAsked Questions
Who pays for an uncontested divorce?
The person who files may initially pay the court filing fee, but spouses can agree between themselves about how to divide divorce expenses. If one spouse can be ordered to contribute to the other’s legal fees depends on state law and the circumstances of the case.
How long does an uncontested divorce take?
The timeline varies by state. Some jurisdictions impose mandatory waiting periods, while others have additional procedural requirements. Reaching an agreement can make the process smoother, but it does not eliminate required waiting periods or court procedures.
Is an uncontested divorce always cheap?
No. An uncontested divorce is generally less expensive than a contested divorce, but complicated property, business, debt, custody, or support issues can increase the cost. Lawyer fees, filing fees, and other expenses also vary by location.
Does having children make divorce more expensive?
It can. A divorce involving minor children may require additional forms and agreements concerning custody, parenting time, and child support. The case can remain uncontested if both spouses agree, but the paperwork and legal requirements may be more involved.
Conclusion
If you are wondering how much does it cost to get a divorce if both parties agree, a realistic starting point is roughly $500 to $3,500 for many straightforward uncontested cases, although your actual cost could be lower or higher.
The biggest factors are your state’s filing fee, if you hire a lawyer, and how complicated your finances and family situation are. A simple DIY divorce may cost little more than the required court fees, while professional legal assistance can raise the total.
Before filing, check your state’s official court website for the current filing fee, forms, residency rules, and fee-waiver requirements. If you have significant property, children, business interests, or complicated debts, consider getting advice from a licensed family-law attorney in your state.
Margaret Mitchell is the expert behind coupleanniversary. Transforming ordinary anniversaries into unforgettable memories. With unmatched insight in love, relationships, and celebration ideas, she guides couples to make every milestone special.
