How Much Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?
Last updated: June 2, 2026 by the How Much Does That Cost? editorial team. Estimates are informational - see our methodology.
An uncontested divorce — where both spouses agree on the terms — typically costs $300 to $2,000 total, averaging around $1,000, once court filing fees are combined with either a self-filing effort, an online divorce service, or a flat-fee attorney. This guide covers cost estimation only and is not legal advice; for guidance on your specific situation, consult a licensed family law attorney.
Court filing fees alone run $100 to $500 depending on the state. On top of that, an online paperwork service typically adds $100 to $500, while an attorney handling an uncontested case usually charges a flat fee in the $500 to $3,000 range. Whether children or shared property are involved affects how much paperwork and review time is needed even when both spouses agree.
Quick Answer
Typical range: $300 – $2,000
Low end
$100
High end
$3,500+
Actual pricing varies by location, project size, materials, labor rates, and job complexity. Use the calculator below for an estimate tailored to your project.
an Uncontested Divorce Cost Calculator
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Estimated Project Cost
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Typical estimate: —
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Cost Breakdown
How a typical project budget breaks down by category.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $100 – $500 |
| Paperwork preparation (online service or attorney) | $100 – $1,200 |
| Document review & filing | $50 – $225 |
| Serving papers / miscellaneous court costs | $25 – $75 |
What Affects the Cost
Court filing fees
Every divorce requires a court filing fee, which is set by the state and county and typically runs $100 to $500 regardless of how the rest of the process is handled.
How the paperwork is prepared
Self-filing keeps costs to close to just the filing fee, an online divorce service adds guided document preparation for a few hundred dollars, and an attorney costs more but handles filing and reviews terms for you.
Children or shared property
Even in an uncontested divorce, cases involving children or property to divide require additional forms — such as a parenting plan or property settlement agreement — which can add time and cost compared to a simple, no-asset case.
Mediation
Some couples add a mediation session to formalize an agreement in writing before filing, which adds cost but can prevent disputes later.
State requirements
Filing fees and required waiting periods vary significantly by state, which affects both the base cost and how long the process takes. Many people also update or create a new will as part of settling their affairs after a divorce is finalized.
Name change and other filings
Restoring a former name or filing additional related paperwork typically carries its own small separate fee.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional
Doing it yourself
Self-filing keeps cost closest to just the court filing fee ($100-$500) and works for very simple, no-asset cases, but requires correctly completing and filing all required forms yourself with no professional review.
Hiring a professional
An online divorce service adds guided paperwork preparation for $100-$500, while an attorney charges $500-$3,000 (often a flat fee near $1,000-$1,500 for uncontested cases) to prepare, review, and file the agreement on your behalf.
Bottom line: Self-filing or an online service is often sufficient for a simple case with no children or property to divide; a flat-fee attorney is generally worth the added cost once children, shared property, or other assets need to be addressed in the agreement.
Ways to Save
- Confirm both spouses genuinely agree on all terms before starting, since an uncontested filing avoids the much higher cost of contested litigation.
- Use an online divorce service instead of an attorney for a simple case with no children or property to divide.
- Ask attorneys who handle uncontested cases for a flat fee quote rather than hourly billing.
- Complete required parenting or financial disclosure forms accurately the first time to avoid refiling fees.
- Check whether your state or county offers a fee waiver for filing costs based on income.
- Handle serving papers yourselves when the process allows it, rather than paying a process server.
How We Estimated This Cost
We model each calculator from public price ranges, labor data, material pricing, industry surveys, and the regional adjustment method explained in our methodology. Estimates are reviewed for consumer usefulness, then shown as ranges because local quotes, site conditions, materials, and timing can change the final price.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an uncontested divorce cost?
An uncontested divorce typically costs $300 to $2,000 in total, averaging around $1,000, combining a court filing fee ($100-$500) with either self-filing, an online divorce service, or a flat-fee attorney.
What is the difference between filing fees and attorney fees?
The filing fee is a fixed charge the court itself requires to open the case, typically $100-$500 depending on the state. Attorney or online service fees are separate and cover preparing and reviewing the paperwork.
Can I file for an uncontested divorce myself without a lawyer?
Yes, many people self-file when both spouses agree on all terms, which keeps the cost closest to just the court filing fee, though an online service or attorney can help ensure the paperwork is completed correctly.
Does having children change the cost of an uncontested divorce?
Yes, cases involving children typically require additional forms such as a parenting plan, which can add to the preparation cost even when both spouses agree on custody and support terms.
How much do online divorce services cost compared to a lawyer?
Online divorce services typically cost $100 to $500, compared to $500 to $3,000 for an attorney, with attorneys handling uncontested cases often charging a flat fee closer to $1,000-$1,500. Separately, if either spouse owns a business, an LLC formation or ownership change may need to be addressed as part of dividing assets.