The average cost of divorce in the United States is $15,700 for a contested divorce and $4,100 for an uncontested divorce. But where you live dramatically affects what you'll pay — divorce in California or New York can cost more than twice as much as divorce in Mississippi or Arkansas.
Divorce Cost by State — Full Table (2025)
| State | Filing Fee | Avg. Attorney Rate | Avg. Uncontested | Avg. Contested |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $435 | $350/hr | $6,500 | $17,500 |
| New York | $210 | $385/hr | $6,000 | $17,100 |
| Massachusetts | $200 | $350/hr | $5,500 | $16,800 |
| Washington | $314 | $280/hr | $5,000 | $14,200 |
| Florida | $400 | $265/hr | $4,800 | $13,500 |
| Illinois | $337 | $260/hr | $4,600 | $13,200 |
| Texas | $300 | $260/hr | $4,500 | $12,800 |
| Arizona | $349 | $250/hr | $4,200 | $12,000 |
| Colorado | $230 | $260/hr | $4,300 | $12,500 |
| Pennsylvania | $350 | $230/hr | $4,000 | $11,500 |
| Georgia | $200 | $225/hr | $3,500 | $10,100 |
| Ohio | $350 | $210/hr | $3,400 | $9,900 |
| North Carolina | $225 | $195/hr | $3,200 | $9,100 |
| Tennessee | $280 | $195/hr | $3,000 | $8,800 |
| Missouri | $163 | $190/hr | $2,800 | $8,400 |
| Mississippi | $85 | $160/hr | $2,200 | $6,500 |
| Arkansas | $165 | $155/hr | $2,000 | $6,200 |
Calculate Your Specific Divorce Cost
Use our free calculator to get a personalized estimate for your state and situation.
Use the Free Calculator →Most Expensive States for Divorce
The five most expensive states for divorce share common traits: high attorney billing rates, large metro areas, and often more complex property division rules.
- California — Community property state, high attorney rates ($320–$450/hr), mandatory 6-month waiting period
- New York — No-fault divorce since 2010, but equitable distribution disputes are common; NYC attorneys charge $350–$500/hr
- Massachusetts — High cost of living drives attorney rates; Boston area attorneys average $300–$450/hr
- New Jersey — Equitable distribution state, high real estate values often disputed; average total $14,500
- Connecticut — High attorney rates and complex alimony laws; average $14,200
Cheapest States for Divorce
Lower-cost states tend to have lower attorney billing rates, lower filing fees, and often streamlined court procedures for uncontested divorces.
- Mississippi — Filing fee just $85; average total divorce cost $6,500
- Arkansas — Low attorney rates and straightforward procedures; average $6,200
- Wyoming — Minimal waiting period (60 days), low fees; average $6,900
- Idaho — Community property state but lower attorney rates than other CP states; average $7,200
- South Dakota — No waiting period after filing; one of the fastest and cheapest; average $6,800
Community Property vs. Equitable Distribution States
One of the biggest factors affecting divorce complexity and cost is whether your state uses community property or equitable distribution rules.
Community Property States (9 states)
Assets acquired during the marriage are split 50/50: Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin. Alaska allows couples to opt into community property.
Equitable Distribution States (41 states + DC)
Assets are divided "fairly" but not necessarily equally. Judges have more discretion, which can lead to more litigation and higher costs when spouses disagree on what's "fair."
How to Reduce Divorce Costs in Any State
- Agree on as many issues as possible before hiring attorneys
- Use mediation — typically costs $150–$300/hour vs. $200–$500/hour for attorneys
- Consider collaborative divorce for moderate-complexity cases
- Use online divorce services for truly simple, uncontested cases ($150–$500)
- Request an itemized bill from your attorney monthly to catch unnecessary charges