A simple divorce — an uncontested divorce with no minor children, no real estate, few assets and debts, and both parties in complete agreement — costs $300 to $3,000 total. A purely DIY divorce costs $300 to $500: the court filing fee. An online divorce service costs $500 to $1,500: the filing fee plus the service’s document preparation. An attorney-handled uncontested divorce costs $1,500 to $3,000: a flat fee that covers the attorney’s time to prepare the paperwork and attend the final hearing. The cost is contained because there is nothing to litigate.
The reason a simple divorce is cheap is not that the legal system gives a discount for amicable couples. It is cheap because there is nothing for attorneys to do. Every dollar in a contested divorce is spent on discovery, motions, negotiations, and trial preparation — resolving disputes. A simple divorce has no disputes. The paperwork is the same forms in every case. The attorney drafts them once. The clerk stamps them. The judge signs. The work is measured in hours, not months.
What Makes a Divorce “Simple” — The 5 Requirements
| Requirement | Why It Keeps the Cost Low |
| No minor children | Eliminates custody, parenting time, and child support — the most expensive disputes |
| No real estate | Eliminates the need for a property appraisal, mortgage refinancing, and a buyout agreement |
| Few assets and debts | Eliminates retirement account division (QDRO), business valuation, and complex property settlements |
| Both parties agree on everything | Eliminates discovery, motions, settlement negotiations, and trial preparation |
| Short marriage (typically <5 years) | Eliminates spousal support/alimony claims in most states |
If any one of these five requirements is not met, the divorce is not simple. A divorce with children is not simple, even if both parties agree on custody — the court must still review and approve the parenting plan, which requires additional forms and a more thorough judicial review. A divorce with a house is not simple, even if one party keeps the house — a quitclaim deed, a mortgage assumption or refinance, and a property settlement agreement are required.
Simple Divorce Cost by Method
| Method | Total Cost | What You Get | Best For |
| Pure DIY | $150-$500 | Filing fee only — you prepare and file all forms | No kids, no assets, both agree, comfortable with paperwork |
| Online divorce service | $500-$1,500 | Completed forms + filing instructions | No kids, minimal assets, want guidance without attorney cost |
| Flat-fee attorney | $1,500-$3,000 | Attorney prepares all documents, attends hearing | Some assets, want professional review, peace of mind |
“Simple” is a legal determination, not a self-assessment. You cannot declare your own divorce simple and expect the judge and the court clerk to agree. If you file for an uncontested divorce but the paperwork reveals a minor child, a jointly owned house, or a contested debt, the court will not process the case as a simple divorce. The clerk will reject the filing, or the judge will continue the hearing and instruct you to hire an attorney. The simplicity of your divorce is determined by the facts, not by what you call it.
Hidden Costs in a “Simple” Divorce
- Service of process: $50 to $150 to formally serve the other spouse. Even if both parties agree, the law requires proof that the other spouse received the papers.
- Mandatory parenting class: Many states require a parenting class for divorcing parents, even in uncontested cases. Cost: $25 to $75.
- Name change: If a spouse is resuming a former name, the court order must include the name change. There is typically no additional fee if included in the divorce decree.
- Certified copies: $5 to $20 per copy. You will need at least 2 to 3 certified copies for banks, employers, and government agencies.
- QDRO preparation: If there is a retirement account to divide — even by agreement — a Qualified Domestic Relations Order must be prepared by a specialist and signed by the judge. Cost: $500 to $2,000. This single item can double the cost of a “simple” divorce.
FAQ: Common Questions About Simple Divorce Costs
What is the fastest, cheapest divorce possible?
A DIY divorce in a state with a short waiting period and low filing fees: $150 to $300 in filing fees, no children, no real estate, no retirement accounts, both parties agree on everything, and the divorce is finalized in 30 to 90 days. In some states — Alaska, Idaho, Nevada, New Hampshire — the waiting period can be as short as 20 to 30 days. In California, the minimum waiting period is 6 months regardless of how simple the divorce is. The fastest divorce is the combination of a simple case and a state with the shortest waiting period.
What if my spouse won’t sign the papers? Can it still be a simple divorce?
No. A divorce is not uncontested if one spouse refuses to participate. If the other spouse will not sign, you cannot use the simple/uncontested procedure. You must serve them, wait for their response period to expire, and file for a default judgment — which extends the timeline and may require additional court hearings. A spouse who will not sign converts a simple divorce into a contested process.
$300 to $3,000, If You Truly Qualify
A simple divorce costs $300 to $3,000 — roughly the price of a major car repair rather than a college education. The cost is low because a truly simple divorce has nothing for attorneys to dispute. No children means no custody battle. No real estate means no property fight. Full agreement means no litigation.
Before filing, verify that your divorce meets every requirement for a simple case. A divorce with a jointly owned house, a 401(k) to divide, or a spouse who will not sign is not simple. The money spent on an attorney to review the paperwork — $500 to $1,500 — is the cheapest insurance against a filing mistake that turns a $500 divorce into a $5,000 divorce.
