The Cost and Duration of Divorce
average hourly rate: $270
hired lawyers: 67%
typical total costs: $7,500
AVERAGE HOURLY RATE
$270
AVERAGE HOURLY RATE
In our 2019 national survey, readers paid their divorce lawyers an average hourly rate of $270.
AVERAGE TOTAL COST
$11,300
AVERAGE TOTAL COST
Our readers paid an average of $11,300 total in attorneys’ fees, but more than 4 in 10 paid $5,000 or less.
See our survey results on how much readers paid their divorce lawyers per hour and in total, the factors that led to higher or lower fees, and the other costs involved in divorce cases. ... read more
We surveyed readers who had recently divorced to find out how disputes over child custody and child support affected how much their divorce cost and how long it took, as well as the differences when they settled their disputes or went to trial. read more
Average Cost
$15,500
Average Duration
15mo
Our survey showed that readers had lower divorce costs when they didn't have disputes over child support or custody, compared to those with child-related issues. But those costs—and the duration of divorce proceedings—rose when they had other contested issues. read more
Average Cost
$10,100
Average Duration
11mo
Divorce Cost In Different States
The cost of divorce varies from state to state. Read what we learned about average costs, including attorneys' fees, in some of the most populous states.
We surveyed readers across the United States to learn how disagreements over alimony—and whether couples were able to settle those disputes or went to trial to resolve them—affected the costs of their divorce as well as how long the process took. read more
AVG COST WITH ALIMONY
$15,900
AVG COST-NO ALIMONY
$7,800
We surveyed readers across the United States to learn how disagreements over alimony—and whether couples were able to settle those disputes or went to trial to resolve them—affected the costs of their divorce as well as how long the process took. read more