How much does a divorce really cost in 2026?

The honest answer: anywhere from a few hundred dollars to more than a new car. The difference is almost entirely about two things — whether you and your spouse agree, and how much of the work you do yourselves.

The big picture

Industry surveys in 2026 put the national average around $15,000 per divorce. But that average hides a huge split: uncontested divorces commonly land between $500 and $3,500 all-in, while contested cases run $15,000–$50,000 or more. The single most expensive decision in a divorce is deciding to fight.

Where the money goes with a lawyer

• Hourly rates: family-law attorneys typically bill $260–$450 per hour nationally, and $400–$700+ in major metros.
• Retainers: most ask for $3,000–$7,500 up front just to start — $10,000+ if the case is contested.
• If you litigate: discovery can run $5,000–$15,000, depositions $1,500–$5,000 each, and a trial $10,000–$25,000+.
• With kids in dispute: custody evaluations ($2,000–$5,000) and guardian ad litem fees ($1,500–$5,000) can appear on top.

What the court itself charges

Filing fees run roughly $50–$545 depending on your state and county. If you can't afford the fee, courts have a fee-waiver process — see our fee-waiver guide.

The self-help math

If your case is uncontested, the paperwork is the main event — and that's the part you can do yourself. Preparing your own documents costs $0 in court, and a guided service like CaseForward is $99 once for the complete packet ($29 for a single document). Add your filing fee and, if needed, service of process, and an agreed divorce can genuinely finish for a few hundred dollars.

When paying more is worth it

Real disputes over safety, hidden assets, a business, or custody are worth an attorney's judgment, not just paperwork. Many people split the difference: handle the agreed parts themselves and buy an hour of attorney review for the final agreement.