Divorce is often thought of as an expensive and stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be that way. While there are costs involved, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a divorce. By understanding your options and making smart choices, you can keep the costs of your divorce low. Here are some helpful tips to help you navigate the process without breaking the bank, as well as guidance on when certain options may not be the best fit, especially in cases of domestic violence or significant power imbalances.

1. Choose an Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is when both spouses can agree on everything: how to divide property, custody of children and details of their parenting plan, and whether one person will pay alimony/ spousal support. This is one of the most affordable ways to get a divorce because there’s no need for long, expensive court disputes. If you’re heading toward an uncontested divorce, organizing a shared property inventory upfront is one of the most useful things you can do — a tool like Divisly gives both of you a structured place to log items together, which speeds up the “who keeps what” conversation.

Who is it good for?

• Couples who are on reasonably good terms and can agree on all the important issues (property, custody, etc.).
• Couples with no major disagreements about how things should be handled, especially when both parties are committed to making the divorce process as smooth as possible.

Who is it not good for?

• Couples with a history of abuse (domestic violence or emotional abuse) should avoid uncontested divorce, as one party may be coerced into agreeing to terms they are not comfortable with or are not in their best interests.
• Couples with significant income or power imbalances may also struggle with this approach, as one party could be pressured to agree to unfair terms.

2. Try Mediation

If you and your spouse can’t agree on everything but still want to avoid creating a costly court case, mediation can be a great option. A mediator is a neutral third party who helps you and your spouse work through disagreements and reach an agreement. Mediation can be much less expensive than a trial in court.

Who is it good for?

• Couples who disagree on a few issues but still want to keep the process as peaceful and affordable as possible.
• Couples who are able to communicate and are willing to compromise on some issues.

Who is it not good for?

• Cases of domestic violence or emotional abuse
• Situations with a large income or power imbalance, where one spouse might be pressured or unable to fairly negotiate during mediation.

Mediation can be much cheaper than going to court.

3. Use Online Divorce Services

For a simple, uncontested divorce, online divorce services can be an affordable option. These services help you complete the necessary paperwork and file for divorce without hiring an attorney. The cost typically ranges from $100 to $1500.  Other services can help with paperwork filing, and provide specialized legal advice at key steps of the process.

Who is it good for?

• Couples who have agreed on all the major issues like property division, custody, and support.
• People with straightforward divorces, especially if there are no children or complicated assets involved.

Who is it not good for?

• Couples who cannot agree on important issues like custody or property division. This approach works best when both parties are on the same page.
• People in abusive relationships, as online services cannot provide the necessary support and legal protections for those in unsafe situations.

4. Know Your State’s Divorce Fees

The cost of divorce varies by state, and it’s important to understand the court filing fees in your state. Fees can range from $150 to $500 or more, depending on where you live. Some states also allow for fee waivers for people who can't afford to pay

Who is it good for?

• People who are filing for divorce and need to understand the fees and financial assistance programs in their area.
• Low-income individuals who might qualify for a fee waiver.

Who is it not good for?

• People who need more complex legal help or those who may need court intervention to address issues like abuse or neglect. Fee waivers only cover court fees and won’t help with the cost of legal representation or additional expenses.

Understanding your state’s filing fees and fee waiver options is helpful for budgeting. But if your divorce requires legal support, such as addressing issues of custody, abuse, or spousal support, you will need more than just fee waivers.  Research your state’s filing fees and whether you qualify for a waiver. If you’re dealing with an abusive spouse or a complicated case, make sure you have access to proper legal counsel with a qualified attorney.

5. Get Help From Legal Aid or Pro Bono Services

If you can’t afford a lawyer, you might qualify for free or low-cost legal help through programs like legal aid or pro bono services. These organizations provide legal advice, support, and representation for low-income individuals.

Who is it good for?

• People with limited income who need help navigating the legal process without the high cost of hiring a lawyer.
• Those who need legal advice or representation in complex cases, such as those involving abuse or child custody.

Legal aid and pro bono services can be a lifeline for people who need assistance but can’t afford an attorney. If your case involves serious issues like abuse, custody, or complex finances, these programs can be an important resource and a source of referral.

Tip: If you need full legal support but can’t afford a lawyer, look into legal aid organizations that specialize in divorce and family law.

6. Avoid Court Battles

A contested divorce, where you and your spouse can’t agree on important issues and need a trial, can be very expensive. The longer the divorce process lasts, the more money you’ll have to spend on lawyers, court fees, and other costs. To avoid a costly trial, try to settle as many issues as possible outside of court.

Who is it good for?

• Couples who are willing to compromise and want to avoid prolonged court proceedings.
• Couples who can communicate civilly – even if the communication is through lawyers – and resolve conflicts without going to trial.

Who is it not good for?

• People in abusive situations.  Court intervention may be necessary for protection and to ensure outcomes are met fairly.
• Couples with a significant power imbalance where one party might feel pressured to agree to terms that aren’t in their best interest.

Avoiding court battles can help keep costs low, but if there’s a safety issue or significant imbalance, it’s important to seek professional legal help.

A divorce doesn’t have to be expensive, but it’s important to choose the right approach based on your situation. While options like uncontested divorces, alternative dispute resolution, and online services are great for some, they might not be suitable if there’s abuse, emotional manipulation, or significant financial imbalance involved. Always prioritize your safety and well-being, and seek professional legal advice for your particular circumstances.