Here’s Everything You Need to Know About Divorce Cost by State
Each state has varying costs for divorce, including average filing fees and attorney fees. Here’s everything you need to know about divorce cost by state.
Average Divorce Costs
Below is a comprehensive list of each state and their average divorce fees.
| State | Average Filing Fees | Average Attorney Fees |
| Alabama | $200-$300 | $10,000+ |
| Alaska | $250, $75 for custody, visitation, property division, or alimony modification | $10,000+ |
| Arizona | $280 | $10,000+ |
| Arkansas | $165 | $8,000+ |
| California | $435 | $12,500-$15,300 |
| Colorado | $230 | $9,700-$11,800 |
| Connecticut | $360 | $12,000+ |
| Delaware | $165 | $12,000+ |
| District of Columbia (Washington D.C.) | $80 | $10,000+ |
| Florida | $409 | $10,000-$14,000 |
| Georgia | $200-$400 (varies by county) | $10,500-$12,700 |
| Hawaii | $215 (without minor children), $265 (with minor children) | $9,000+ |
| Idaho | $154 (without minor children), $207 (with minor children) | $8,000+ |
| Illinois | $300-$400 (varies by county) | $11,000-$14,000 |
| Indiana | $157 | $9,000+ |
| Iowa | $265 | $9,000+ |
| Kansas | $402 | $8,000+ |
| Kentucky | $113 | $8,000+ |
| Louisiana | $250-$400 (varies by county) | $10,000+ |
| Maine | $120 | $8,000+ |
| Maryland | $165 (without an attorney), $185 (with an attorney) | $11,00-$13,500 |
| Massachusetts | $200 ($15 surcharge if applicable) | $10,600-$13,000 |
| Michigan | $175 (without minor children), $255 (with minor children) | $9,500-$11,300 |
| Minnesota | $365 | $9,000-$11,000 |
| Mississippi | $400 | $8,000+ |
| Missouri | $130-$235 (varies by county and presence of minor children) | $10,000+ |
| Montana | $200 | $6,000+ |
| Nebraska | $160 | $8,000+ |
| Nevada | $217 (first appearance), $299 (joint petition) | $10,000+ |
| New Hampshire | $402 | $9,000+ |
| New Jersey | $300 (without minor children), $325 with minor children) | $12,000-$14,500 |
| New Mexico | $135-$155 | $2,500-$8000 |
| New York | $335 | $13,000-$16,000 |
| North Carolina | $225-$265 | $9,700-$11,700 |
| North Dakota | $80 | $8,000+ |
| Ohio | $250-$350 (varies by county) | $9,000-$10,500 |
| Oklahoma | $183 | $9,000+ |
| Oregon | $301 | $10,000+ |
| Pennsylvania | $200-$400 (varies by county) | $9,500-$11,500 |
| Puerto Rico | $402 | $10,000+ |
| Rhode Island | $402 | $10,000+ |
| South Carolina | $150 | $10,000+ |
| South Dakota | $95 | $8,500+ |
| Tennessee | $184-$301 (varies by presence of children and sheriff fees) | $9,700-$11,700 |
| Texas | $250-$300 | $11,000-$13,000 |
| Utah | $325 | $8,300-$11,000 |
| Vermont | $90 (if a resident), $295 (without a stipulation) | $9,000+ |
| Virginia | $90 (varies by county) | $12,000-14,000 |
| Washington | $280-$315 (varies by county) | $10,500-$12,000 |
| West Virginia | $135 | $8,000+ |
| Wisconsin | $184.50 (with no child support or alimony), $194.50 (with child support or alimony) | $9,200-$10,600 |
| Wyoming | $70-$120 (varies by county) | $9,000+ |
All figures are estimates and accurate relative to the time of reporting. State fees often vary by county and are subject to change. County rates were averaged to obtain some state fees.
Factors Affecting Divorce Cost by State
Each divorce case varies, and any of the following factors can impact the costs associated:
- Uncontested vs. contested divorce
- Child custody and child support disputes
- Property and debt disputes
- Alimony disputes
- Attorney hourly rates and fees
- Processing and administration fees
- State county, and/or
- Length of divorce process.
Related: Contested and Uncontested Divorce: The Difference
Ways to Lower the Cost of Divorce
Obtaining the help of an experienced divorce lawyer may be a necessary, but expensive decision. Some ways to lower the cost of a divorce:
- Establish a divorce attorney payment plan
- Use associates and paralegals when possible
- Choose limited scope representation
- Divide property without the help of a lawyer
- Choose mediation
- Ask about obtaining a fee waiver
- Organize financial records, and/or
- Use an online divorce service
The cost of divorce may vary depending on a case’s unique circumstances. Contact an attorney to determine the best way to lower the cost of divorce.
Related: Divorce Mediation vs. Lawyer: Pros and Cons
Contact Us
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about the divorce cost by state, get your free consultation with one of our divorce attorneys in California today!