Family Law Legal Fees Estimator — United States

Family attorney hourly rates range from $150–$500/hour depending on state and experience. New York and California senior attorneys charge $400–$700/hour. An uncontested divorce costs $1,500–$5,000. A contested divorce with children and property typically costs $15,000–$50,000+, and can exceed $100,000 if it goes to trial.

An uncontested DIY divorce (where you and your spouse agree on everything) costs as little as $500–$1,500 in filing fees. Online divorce services like Wevorce or Divorce.com handle paperwork for $500–$2,000. Mediation ($1,500–$5,000) resolves disputes without litigation.

Collaborative divorce is an alternative dispute resolution process where both spouses hire specially trained collaborative attorneys and commit to resolving issues out of court. It is typically 40–60% cheaper than litigation and preserves the co-parenting relationship. If the process breaks down and you go to court, both attorneys must withdraw.