Divorce Flat Fee 2026

Uncontested Divorce Flat Fee — What It Costs in 2026

An uncontested divorce (where both spouses agree on everything) can be handled for a flat fee — no hourly billing, no billing surprises. Here's what that fee includes, what it doesn't, and whether you even need a lawyer.

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Last reviewed: May 2026

$200–$500

DIY + filing fee

forms only, no attorney

$150–$500

Online service

3StepDivorce, CompleteCase

$500–$1,500

Flat fee attorney

simple uncontested cases

Not legal advice. Divorce law varies significantly by state. Costs and procedures depend on your specific situation. Consult a licensed family law attorney if you have questions about your case.

What Is an Uncontested Divorce?

An uncontested divorce is one where both spouses agree on all major issues before going to court:

Division of marital property (assets and debts)
Child custody and parenting time (if applicable)
Child support amounts
Spousal support / alimony (whether any is owed)

Because both spouses have already agreed on everything, there is no trial, no discovery, and minimal court time. The process is essentially paperwork and a brief court hearing (or in some states, no hearing at all for simple cases).

This is why flat fees are possible for uncontested divorces — the attorney (or online service) knows exactly what work is needed upfront. Contested divorces, by contrast, involve unpredictable conflict and are billed hourly, often reaching $10,000–$30,000+ per spouse.

Uncontested Divorce Flat Fee Options

Online divorce service — $150–$500 total

Cheapest option

Services like 3StepDivorce, CompleteCase, and DivorceWriter generate all required state-specific divorce forms based on your answers to an online questionnaire. You print, sign, and file the forms yourself. The filing fee is separate (typically $100–$400 depending on state). Best for simple cases with no children, minimal shared assets, and both parties willing to cooperate.

Flat fee divorce attorney — $500–$1,500

Best for most people

Many family law attorneys offer flat fee packages for uncontested divorces. The fee typically covers: reviewing and preparing all divorce paperwork, court filing, any required hearings, and the final decree. Flat fees start around $500 for the simplest no-fault, no-children divorces and go to $1,500+ for cases with children and more complex property. Get quotes from at least two attorneys.

Legal document preparer (non-attorney) — $150–$400

Affordable middle option

Legal document preparers (LDPs or "paralegals") can prepare your divorce forms without providing legal advice. They are cheaper than attorneys and more hands-on than DIY. This option is most available in California, Arizona, and Florida, which have developed LDP markets. The filing fee is still separate.

DIY with court forms — $100–$400 (filing fee only)

Lowest cost if forms are clear

Most state courts provide free divorce forms on their website. If your case is simple (no children, minimal shared property, both parties agree on everything), you may be able to complete and file these forms yourself without any professional help. The only cost is the court filing fee.

What's Included in a Flat Fee Divorce

✓ Usually included:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Marital settlement agreement
Parenting plan (if children)
Child support calculation worksheet
Property and debt division agreement
Final judgment of dissolution
Correspondence with the other spouse's attorney
Attendance at one court hearing

✗ Usually NOT included:

Court filing fees ($100–$400 — paid to court)
Real estate deed transfer documents
Retirement account QDRO orders
Multiple hearings if case is delayed
Work if case becomes contested
Name change documentation
Post-divorce modifications

Court Filing Fees by State

The court filing fee is separate from any attorney or service fee — it's paid directly to the court and is required regardless of how you handle the paperwork. Here are a few key states:

State	Filing fee range
California	$395–$450
Florida	$400–$410
Texas	$250–$350
New York	$210
Illinois	$289
Georgia	$200–$220
Arizona	$240–$338
Colorado	$230

Full state-by-state filing fees: Divorce Filing Fees by State →

Uncontested Divorce Checklist & Forms Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a flat fee divorce?

A flat fee divorce is when an attorney (or divorce service) charges a single fixed price for handling your uncontested divorce, rather than billing by the hour. Flat fees are possible for uncontested divorces because the scope of work is predictable — both spouses have already agreed on all terms, so the attorney knows exactly what documents they need to prepare. Typical flat fees range from $500–$1,500 through an attorney, or $150–$500 through an online service.

How much does an uncontested divorce cost with a lawyer?

A flat fee divorce attorney typically charges $500–$1,500 for an uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all issues. This typically includes preparing all divorce paperwork, filing with the court, and attending one hearing. Court filing fees ($100–$450 depending on state) are separate and paid to the court. Attorneys sometimes charge higher flat fees for cases involving children or real estate.

Can I get an uncontested divorce without a lawyer?

Yes — for a simple uncontested divorce, you can handle the paperwork yourself using your state court's free forms or an online divorce service. The only cost is the court filing fee ($100–$450 depending on state). This works best when there are no children, no shared real estate, minimal shared assets, and both parties agree completely. If there are children, a house, or retirement accounts involved, at minimum having one attorney review the final agreement is strongly recommended.

How long does an uncontested divorce take?

An uncontested divorce typically takes 2–6 months from filing to final decree, depending on state. The minimum is governed by your state's mandatory waiting period (30–180 days depending on state) plus court processing time. Some states allow very fast completion — in Texas, for example, the minimum waiting period is 60 days for no-fault divorces. Complex cases or court backlogs can extend the timeline.

What makes a divorce contested vs. uncontested?

A divorce is uncontested when both spouses agree on all major issues: property division, debt allocation, child custody (if applicable), child support, and spousal support. It becomes contested when the parties cannot agree on one or more of these issues and need the court to decide. Contested divorces require attorneys, hearings, possibly expert witnesses, and can cost $10,000–$30,000+ per spouse.

What happens if my uncontested divorce becomes contested?

If your uncontested divorce becomes contested (a dispute arises after filing), the flat fee arrangement typically no longer applies. Most flat fee attorneys convert to hourly billing if the case becomes contested, with the original flat fee credited against hours worked. This is why it's important to have a clear written agreement with your attorney about what happens if the case scope changes.