Which state you live in can really affect how much it costs to get divorced. While you might think the costs are the same everywhere, they’re actually not, with some states in America having much higher costs while others are more affordable. You don’t have to get divorced in the same state as you were married, so to help you find the cheapest state for your legal separation, we’ve looked at 18 states to avoid where ‘uncoupling’ costs are sky-high.
New York
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Embarking on a divorce journey in New York is a costly undertaking. The initial Filing Fee alone will set you back $335, not to mention the average hourly rate of lawyers, which clocks in at $83.12. As for the total cost? Expect it to hover around $9,206 on average. Interestingly, according to Statista, there’s been a noticeable decline in divorce rates over the past three decades. In 2021, New York saw 2.2 divorces per 1,000 inhabitants, a significant drop from 1990 when the rate stood at 3.2 divorces per 1,000 residents.
Nevada
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Divorcing in Nevada can be costly, with a median cost of $7395.63. Before tying the knot in a hasty Las Vegas wedding, it’s worth considering the potential expenses of a divorce. In Nevada, filing for divorce requires a fee of $299, with legal fees averaging around $62.89 per hour. These costs can quickly accumulate, prompting couples to weigh their options carefully before proceeding with a divorce.
South Dakota
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In South Dakota, the financial implications of divorce can be significant. With an average filing fee of $300 and attorneys’ fees averaging $12,400, this state’s legal separation cost is considerable. Couples contemplating divorce must factor in these expenses when considering their options. Despite the high costs, many individuals must pursue divorce proceedings to achieve personal and emotional well-being. It’s essential to weigh the financial implications against the benefits of ending an unhappy marriage.
Wyoming
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In Wyoming, the financial burden of divorce can be substantial. With an average filing fee of $210 and attorneys’ fees averaging $13,500, this state’s legal separation cost is significant. Couples thinking about divorce must look closely at their financial situation and plan carefully. Even though it can be expensive, many people still need to go through with a divorce to move on, so it’s crucial to prepare for the financial challenges that come with it.
Massachusetts
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In Massachusetts, divorcing couples face significant financial hurdles, with legal fees averaging $77.66 per hour and a hefty $200 filing fee. Forbes highlights the median divorce cost in the state at $10,406, surpassing many others nationwide. This substantial expense represents approximately 7.15% of the median married household income, which may prompt couples to reassess their decision to pursue divorce altogether.
North Carolina
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In North Carolina, the initial step towards divorce comes with a modest filing fee of $75. However, this is the beginning of the financial commitment to legal separation. With the average cost of divorce amounting to $10,113, individuals contemplating divorce must carefully weigh their options and prepare for the financial implications. Despite the relatively low filing fee, the overall expenses involved underscore the seriousness and complexity of the divorce process in North Carolina.
California
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Divorce proceedings in California come with a hefty price tag. Initially, there’s the substantial filing fee of $435, not to mention the hefty average hourly rate of lawyers at $84.46. Research indicates that the median cost of a divorce in California is $10,159, which amounts to 8% of the state’s average household income. Such costs clearly show the financial burden divorce can impose in this state. According to Orange County Family Law, the vast majority of divorces in California, almost 90%, proceed uncontested, reflecting a preference for amicable resolutions. Child custody issues loom large in approximately 43% of these cases, underscoring their significance in divorce proceedings. Moreover, financial strain emerges as a primary driver of divorce in around one-third of cases. Interestingly, a high income does not guarantee marital stability, as evidenced by 18% of divorced couples boasting annual incomes exceeding $100,000.
Alaska
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Alaska, known for its stunning landscapes, also boasts a hefty price tag for divorce. The median cost of a divorce in the state is $9,111, representing approximately 7.68% of the household income. The elevated cost of living in Alaska contributes to the steep expenses associated with legal separation, as goods and services are generally pricier in this remote state.
Colorado
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In Colorado, initiating a divorce requires a filing fee of around $230, setting the stage for the legal proceedings. However, the financial commitment extends further, with the average attorney’s fees reaching $11,400. This reflects the complexity and costliness of navigating the divorce process in the state. With a divorce rate of 3.3 per 1,000 people in 2018, individuals considering divorce must be prepared for both the emotional and financial implications of ending their marriage.
Washington
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In Washington state, the high cost of living contributes to the hefty divorce price tag. Residents of this upper Northwest corner of the US often face higher expenses. The average cost of a divorce in Washington is approximately $8,399.17, representing 6.76% of the median married household income. Legal assistance is costly, too, with lawyers charging an average of $63.09 per hour for their services during divorce proceedings.
North Dakota
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In North Dakota, the cost of divorce can be substantial. With an average filing fee of $360 and attorneys’ fees averaging $12,200, the financial burden of legal separation is significant. Couples seeking to dissolve their marriage in North Dakota must contend with these expenses, which can strain their finances and prolong the process. Despite the high costs involved, many individuals in the state pursue divorce as they navigate the problems of ending their marital union.
Delaware
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In Delaware, commencing a divorce requires a filing fee of approximately $155, a necessary step toward initiating the legal process. However, navigating the complexities of divorce in the state entails additional costs, with average attorney fees totaling $12,800. Despite these financial considerations, Delaware’s divorce rate stood at 2.8 divorces per 1,000 people in 2018, reflecting the significant number of individuals and families affected by marital dissolution in the state.
Hawaii
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Unfortunately, Hawaii, renowned for its paradise-like setting, comes with a hefty price tag for divorce. According to Forbes, the median cost of divorce in the state is a staggering $13,198.70. While the filing fee is relatively lower compared to other states at just $265, the cumulative lawyer fees quickly escalate. If you are considering tying the knot and settling down in Hawaii, bearing this significant expense is crucial. World Population Review underscores the prevalence of divorce in the United States, with approximately 35% to 50% of first-time marriages ending in divorce, a figure that increases to around 60% for second marriages and exceeds 70% for subsequent ones.
Alabama
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In Alabama, the cost of divorce can be burdensome. With an average filing fee of $225 and attorneys’ fees totaling around $9,900, legal separation is costly. In 2018, the state recorded a divorce rate of 3.7 divorces per 1,000 people, reflecting the prevalence of marital dissolution despite the financial implications. These expenses underscore the significant financial strain that divorcing couples in Alabama may face as they navigate the legal process of ending their marriage.
Arizona
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Arizona residents face significant expenses when seeking a divorce. With an average lawyer wage of approximately $58.18 per hour and a $280 filing fee, the total cost can quickly add up. At around $7,788, the median divorce cost in Arizona accounts for about 7.55% of the household income. Despite the financial burden, the emotional relief of legally ending a marriage may outweigh the hefty fees for some individuals.
New Jersey
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In New Jersey, the financial toll of divorce can be staggering. With a filing fee of $300 and attorneys’ hourly fees averaging $365, the expenses associated with legal separation in this state are among the highest nationwide. Furthermore, the divorce process in New Jersey tends to be protracted, lasting at least 12 months on average. Interestingly, despite the high divorce costs, New Jersey has the lowest marriage rate in the country, with just 5.4 marriages per 1,000 residents.
Florida
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Despite its reputation as a more affordable state, Florida proves to be pricey regarding divorce proceedings. With a filing fee starting at $409 and lawyers charging an average of $50.17 per hour, the costs add up quickly. On average, Floridians can expect to spend around 7.53% of their household income on divorce, totaling approximately $7,410. This highlights the significant financial burden that legal separation can place on individuals in the Sunshine State.
Oregon
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Considering a prenuptial agreement in Oregon might be a wise move to mitigate potential divorce expenses. FormRush indicates that an Oregon divorce typically costs around $8,405. Beginning with a filing fee of $301, the expenses only escalate. Divorce proceedings in Oregon can prove financially burdensome, underscoring the importance of careful planning and consideration beforehand.
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