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Research suggests that the divorce rate across the U.S. fell to 2.4 divorces per 1,000 marriages in 2024, the lowest level recorded since 1970. Alongside this decline, the average marriage in the U.S. lasts around eight years before ending in divorce. [1] Divorce Law, 'US Divorce Rate Hits 50-Year Low at 2.4 Per 1,000 — Gray Divorce Now 40%', 2026 https://divorce.law/guides/news/us-divorce-rate-lowest-50-years-gray-divorce-40-percent-2026/ [2] Divorce Law, 'How Long Do Most Marriages Last Before Divorce?', 2026 https://divorce.law/divorce-questions/divorce-process/how-long-do-most-marriages-last-before-divorce/
Divorce rates also vary significantly by state. Of the states that provided record, Nevada records the highest rate at 3.8 divorces per 1,000 people, followed by Idaho and Wyoming at 3.4. In contrast, Louisiana has the lowest rate at 0.9, followed by Illinois at 1.2 and Kansas at 1.7. [3] CDC, 'Divorce', 2025 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/more-maps/divorce.html
Beyond the emotional impact, divorce can carry substantial financial consequences. For many couples, the end of a marriage also means thousands of dollars in legal fees and settlements leaving individuals to rebuild their personal finances, manage credit obligations and navigate the costs of starting a new chapter in life.
With that in mind, new research conducted on behalf of Self Financial examines the average cost of divorce across the U.S., broken down by state and by circumstances such as whether children are involved.
Reports suggest that a lack of equality in a relationship is one of the main reasons for divorce. [4] Wilkinson & Finkbeiner, 'Divorce Statistics: Over 115 Studies, Facts and Rates for 2024', 2024 https://www.wf-lawyers.com/divorce-statistics-and-facts/ While this is not necessarily related to finances alone, a study previously conducted on behalf of Self Financial in June 2025 found that half of respondents (50.3%) said that financial compatibility in dating was very important in their romantic relationships.
Supporting the importance of financial transparency, a separate Self Financial study found that 40.4% of respondents said they would have been put off by a potential partner if they had known about their finances upfront, highlighting the importance of understanding financial dynamics in relationships.
According to 2023 Census data, Nevada is home to the highest divorce rate (3.8 per 1,000 people living in the state). This is followed by Idaho (3.4), Wyoming (3.4) and Oklahoma (3.3).
On the other hand, Louisiana has the lowest divorce rate of the states analyzed (2.9 per 1,000 people living in the state). Following Louisiana is Illinois (1.2), Kansas (1.7) and Massachusetts (1.8). [3] CDC, 'Divorce', 2025 https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/state-stats/more-maps/divorce.html
The cost of divorce can be spread into various parts, fees, legal representation, and (where applicable) settlements and alimony. However, while settlements and alimony can vary wildly in cases, lawyer fees and court costs are far more common but far less reported.
To help you understand the average cost of getting a divorce, the study has analyzed various sources to understand just how much the average divorce in the U.S. costs; highlighting the states with the most and least expensive divorce costs.
The table below shows the combined (legal fees and representation) costs of a divorce in each state showing how the average divorce in the U.S. costs $10,080; with the cost increasing by an average of 37.17% when children are involved.
| Rank | State | Average filing fees | Average cost of divorce per person | Average total cost of divorce for both people |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank1 | StateCalifornia | Average filing fees$443 | Average cost of divorce per person$14,656 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$29,313 |
| Rank2 | StateNew York | Average filing fees$273 | Average cost of divorce per person$13,971 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$27,943 |
| Rank3 | StateTexas | Average filing fees$275 | Average cost of divorce per person$12,938 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$25,875 |
| Rank4 | StateConnecticut | Average filing fees$208 | Average cost of divorce per person$12,464 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$24,928 |
| Rank5 | StateNew Jersey | Average filing fees$213 | Average cost of divorce per person$12,406 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$24,813 |
| Rank6 | StateMassachusetts | Average filing fees$250 | Average cost of divorce per person$12,325 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$24,650 |
| Rank7 | StateDelaware | Average filing fees$225 | Average cost of divorce per person$12,278 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$24,555 |
| Rank8 | StateVirginia | Average filing fees$215 | Average cost of divorce per person$11,692 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$23,383 |
| Rank9 | StateGeorgia | Average filing fees$225 | Average cost of divorce per person$11,513 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$23,025 |
| Rank10 | StateColorado | Average filing fees$255 | Average cost of divorce per person$11,358 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$22,715 |
| Rank11 | StatePennsylvania | Average filing fees$210 | Average cost of divorce per person$11,307 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$22,614 |
| Rank12 | StateMaryland | Average filing fees$208 | Average cost of divorce per person$11,269 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$22,538 |
| Rank13 | StateUtah | Average filing fees$203 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,826 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$21,653 |
| Rank14 | StateFlorida | Average filing fees$350 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,584 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$21,168 |
| Rank15 | StateAlabama | Average filing fees$225 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,513 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$21,025 |
| Rank16 | StateRhode Island | Average filing fees$200 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,500 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$21,000 |
| Rank17 | StateIllinois | Average filing fees$250 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,459 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,918 |
| Rank18 | StateWashington | Average filing fees$250 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,439 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,878 |
| Rank19 | StateArizona | Average filing fees$300 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,430 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,860 |
| Rank20 | StateOregon | Average filing fees$230 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,416 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,832 |
| Rank21 | StateAlaska | Average filing fees$250 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,413 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,825 |
| Rank22 | StateNevada | Average filing fees$240 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,378 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,756 |
| Rank23 | StateMichigan | Average filing fees$213 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,321 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,643 |
| Rank24 | StateLouisiana | Average filing fees$213 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,306 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,613 |
| Rank25 | StateMissouri | Average filing fees$188 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,277 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,555 |
| Rank26 | StateSouth Carolina | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,238 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,475 |
| Rank27 | StateNorth Carolina | Average filing fees$200 | Average cost of divorce per person$10,213 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$20,425 |
| Rank28 | StateTennessee | Average filing fees$188 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,816 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$19,632 |
| Rank29 | StateNew Hampshire | Average filing fees$188 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,494 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,988 |
| Rank30 | StateMinnesota | Average filing fees$213 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,471 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,943 |
| Rank31 | StateOhio | Average filing fees$200 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,450 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,900 |
| Rank32 | StateHawaii | Average filing fees$210 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,345 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,690 |
| Rank33 | StateIowa | Average filing fees$200 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,284 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,568 |
| Rank34 | StateOklahoma | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,271 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,541 |
| Rank35 | StateIndiana | Average filing fees$150 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,232 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,464 |
| Rank36 | StateVermont | Average filing fees$195 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,188 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,375 |
| Rank37 | StateWyoming | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$9,173 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$18,345 |
| Rank38 | StateWisconsin | Average filing fees$240 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,810 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$17,619 |
| Rank39 | StateSouth Dakota | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,683 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$17,365 |
| Rank40 | StateMississippi | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,488 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,975 |
| Rank41 | StateKansas | Average filing fees$150 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,475 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,950 |
| Rank42 | StateIdaho | Average filing fees$190 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,276 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,551 |
| Rank43 | StateArkansas | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,253 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,505 |
| Rank44 | StateNebraska | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,246 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,491 |
| Rank45 | StateKentucky | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,238 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,476 |
| Rank46 | StateWest Virginia | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,222 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,443 |
| Rank47 | StateMaine | Average filing fees$200 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,220 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,440 |
| Rank48 | StateNorth Dakota | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$8,168 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$16,335 |
| Rank49 | StateNew Mexico | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$6,725 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$13,449 |
| Rank50 | StateMontana | Average filing fees$175 | Average cost of divorce per person$6,258 | Average total cost of divorce for both people$12,515 |
As the table and chart show, California is the most expensive state for filing for divorce, with the average (legally represented) divorce costing $14,656 ($14,878 for the person filing and $14,435 for the other party member). This rises to an average of $20,104 per person if those involved have children or other dependents. In California, the average hourly attorney fee is $500, the most expensive of all U.S. states. In comparison, Arkansas has one of the lowest average hourly attorney fees of $200. [5] The Law Offices of David M. Moore, 'Divorce Costs in the U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown & Financial Tips', Accessed May 2026 https://a1conflictresolver.com/divorce-cost-state-by-state-in-usa/
California is the most expensive state for divorce, costing an average of $14,656 per person, but rising to as much as $20,104 per person when children are involved.
Close behind California, New York is the second most expensive state to get a divorce. A divorcee needs to spend an average of $13,971 in court fees and lawyer costs ($14,108 for the person filing and $13,835 for the other party). This figure increases to an average of $19,164 if children are involved in the relationship.
For couples in California and New York, this means that the total divorce cost for both parties can reach as high as $29,313 and $27,943 respectively.
| Rank | State | Average cost of divorce per person | Average cost without children per person | Average cost with children per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank1 | StateCalifornia | Average cost of divorce per person$14,656 | Average cost without children per person$13,100 | Average cost with children per person$20,104 |
| Rank2 | StateNew York | Average cost of divorce per person$13,971 | Average cost without children per person$12,488 | Average cost with children per person$19,164 |
| Rank3 | StateTexas | Average cost of divorce per person$12,938 | Average cost without children per person$11,564 | Average cost with children per person$17,746 |
| Rank4 | StateConnecticut | Average cost of divorce per person$12,464 | Average cost without children per person$11,140 | Average cost with children per person$17,097 |
| Rank5 | StateNew Jersey | Average cost of divorce per person$12,406 | Average cost without children per person$11,089 | Average cost with children per person$17,018 |
The analysis found Montana to be the least expensive state for divorces. The average divorce in the Treasure State costs $6,258 per person for fees and legal representation. This is $3,822 less than the national average and $8,399 less than the most expensive state, California.
In Montana, the average hourly attorney fee is $250 (between $175–$325), exactly half of the average hourly attorney fee in California ($500), and the joint third least expensive. [5] The Law Offices of David M. Moore, 'Divorce Costs in the U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown & Financial Tips', Accessed May 2026 https://a1conflictresolver.com/divorce-cost-state-by-state-in-usa/
Montana is the cheapest state for divorces, costing an average of $6,258 per person.
The second cheapest state for getting divorced in the U.S. is New Mexico, the average divorce costing $6,725 per person. Those involving children and other dependents can expect to pay as much as $9,224 and those without $6,010.
| Rank | State | Average cost of divorce per person | Average cost without children per person | Average cost with children per person |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rank1 | StateMontana | Average cost of divorce per person$6,258 | Average cost without children per person$5,593 | Average cost with children per person$8,583 |
| Rank2 | StateNew Mexico | Average cost of divorce per person$6,725 | Average cost without children per person$6,010 | Average cost with children per person$9,224 |
| Rank3 | StateNorth Dakota | Average cost of divorce per person$8,168 | Average cost without children per person$7,300 | Average cost with children per person$11,203 |
| Rank4 | StateMaine | Average cost of divorce per person$8,220 | Average cost without children per person$7,347 | Average cost with children per person$11,275 |
| Rank5 | StateWest Virginia | Average cost of divorce per person$8,222 | Average cost without children per person$7,348 | Average cost with children per person$11,277 |
The research examined average hourly attorney fees across the United States, revealing significant differences between states. California ranks as the most expensive state, with attorneys charging an average of $500 per hour. This is $300 more than Arkansas, which has one of the lowest average rates at $200 per hour.
New York follows as the second most expensive state, with average hourly fees of $400. Six states share third place, each reporting average attorney fees of $350 per hour: Washington, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Hawaii and Maryland.
At the other end of the scale, Arkansas offers the lowest average hourly attorney fees. It is followed by North Dakota, Idaho, Oklahoma, Mississippi and South Dakota, where attorneys charge an average of $238 per hour. [5] The Law Offices of David M. Moore, 'Divorce Costs in the U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown & Financial Tips', Accessed May 2026 https://a1conflictresolver.com/divorce-cost-state-by-state-in-usa/
| Rank | State | Attorney Fees (per hour) |
|---|---|---|
| Rank1 | StateCalifornia | Attorney Fees (per hour)$500 |
| Rank2 | StateNew York | Attorney Fees (per hour)$400 |
| Rank=3 | StateWashington | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=3 | StateNew Jersey | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=3 | StateMassachusetts | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=3 | StateConnecticut | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=3 | StateHawaii | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=3 | StateMaryland | Attorney Fees (per hour)$350 |
| Rank=9 | StateTexas | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateFlorida | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateRhode Island | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateAlaska | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateColorado | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateIllinois | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=9 | StateArizona | Attorney Fees (per hour)$325 |
| Rank=16 | StateVirginia | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=16 | StateWisconsin | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=16 | StatePennsylvania | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=16 | StateNevada | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=16 | StateOregon | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=16 | StateMinnesota | Attorney Fees (per hour)$313 |
| Rank=22 | StateVermont | Attorney Fees (per hour)$300 |
| Rank=22 | StateLouisiana | Attorney Fees (per hour)$300 |
| Rank=22 | StateMichigan | Attorney Fees (per hour)$300 |
| Rank=25 | StateOhio | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateUtah | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateNorth Carolina | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateNew Hampshire | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateMissouri | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateSouth Carolina | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateTennessee | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateDelaware | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateMaine | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateGeorgia | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateIndiana | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=25 | StateKentucky | Attorney Fees (per hour)$275 |
| Rank=37 | StateIowa | Attorney Fees (per hour)$263 |
| Rank=37 | StateNebraska | Attorney Fees (per hour)$263 |
| Rank=37 | StateKansas | Attorney Fees (per hour)$263 |
| Rank=40 | StateWest Virginia | Attorney Fees (per hour)$250 |
| Rank=40 | StateMontana | Attorney Fees (per hour)$250 |
| Rank=40 | StateNew Mexico | Attorney Fees (per hour)$250 |
| Rank=40 | StateWyoming | Attorney Fees (per hour)$250 |
| Rank=40 | StateAlabama | Attorney Fees (per hour)$250 |
| Rank=45 | StateNorth Dakota | Attorney Fees (per hour)$238 |
| Rank=45 | StateIdaho | Attorney Fees (per hour)$238 |
| Rank=45 | StateOklahoma | Attorney Fees (per hour)$238 |
| Rank=45 | StateMississippi | Attorney Fees (per hour)$238 |
| Rank=45 | StateSouth Dakota | Attorney Fees (per hour)$238 |
| Rank50 | StateArkansas | Attorney Fees (per hour)$200 |
Source: [5] The Law Offices of David M. Moore, 'Divorce Costs in the U.S.: State-by-State Breakdown & Financial Tips', Accessed May 2026 https://a1conflictresolver.com/divorce-cost-state-by-state-in-usa/
Managing your debt during a divorce can take on a whole new level of complexity, when trying to avoid impacting your credit score after a divorce.
While divorce in and of itself isn’t going to ruin your credit, because marital status doesn’t show up on your credit report, the divorce process can impact your finances and ability to keep up with payments as well as other bills.
Like many married couples, the spouses are likely to have accumulated various types of debt during the relationship - often in the form of credit cards, mortgages, and other loans.
While some states consider all assets and debts acquired during the marriage as “community property” split 50/50 between the parties, the vast majority work on a legal principle that the name(s) signed as “owning” the debt or asset are responsible for their repayment.
With both of these legal principles in mind, a general rule for managing debt is to try and work with your former partner to pay off any joint debts before advancing through a divorce, using savings or the proceeds from selling joint assets.
However, if that isn’t an option (and even if it is), it may help to make sure you have a clear picture of your assets and debts to ensure you’re able to split them equitably, if not equally, during the divorce proceedings.
To learn more about the split of assets and debt in a divorce, view our insights into what happens to debt after a divorce.
This study examines the average cost of divorce across all 50 U.S. states, focusing specifically on court fees and legal representation costs. The analysis was conducted in April 2026 using the most recent publicly available data. The figures presented reflect the typical cost of a legally represented, contested divorce, which is the most common cost scenario reported across available datasets.
Court filing fees and estimated legal representation costs were collected for each state from The Law Offices of David M. Moore. Where filing fees vary within a state (e.g., by county or case type), a standardized or representative statewide fee was used to ensure consistency.
Estimated legal representation costs were based on state-level averages reported by The Law Offices of David M. Moore.
Separate figures for divorces with and without children were calculated by applying the national average percentage increase or decrease associated with each scenario to every state's baseline cost; this data was taken from The Motley Fool.
State divorce rates (divorces per 1,000 total population) were sourced from the CDC National Center for Health Statistics, using the most recent available data (2023).
Written on April 18, 2021
Last updated on September 21, 2026
Self is a venture-backed startup that helps people build credit and savings.
Self does not provide financial advice. The content on this page provides general consumer information and is not intended for legal, financial, or regulatory guidance. The content presented does not reflect the view of Self's issuing partner banks. Although this information may include references to third-party resources or content, Self does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of this third-party information. Any Self product links are advertisements for Self products. Please consider the date of publishing for Self’s original content and any affiliated content to best understand their contexts. All trademarks and brand names belong to their respective owners and do not represent endorsements of any kind.
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