Delaware Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in Delaware — filing fees, attorney costs, and totals by path. Updated for 2026.
Last reviewed July 2026 · Free · Nothing you enter is stored
Property, support, and custody if you have children.
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estimated total cost range
Estimate based on Delaware filing fees and surveyed attorney costs. Complex assets, custody disputes, and trial can push costs well beyond these ranges.
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What drives divorce costs in Delaware
The single biggest variable is conflict. An uncontested divorce — where you agree on property, support, and parenting — costs a small fraction of a contested one, because attorney hours, discovery, and court appearances are where the money goes. At Delaware's average family-law rate of ~$475/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that Delaware has a mandatory waiting period of None (but 6-month separation required before filing) before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Delaware?
The court filing fee in Delaware is typically around $165 (Couples must live separately for 6 months before filing; contested ancillary matters heard separately from the divorce itself.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Delaware?
Family-law attorneys in Delaware average around $475/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,500–$4,400 total; contested divorces $12,200–$26,200 or more.
How long do I have to live in Delaware before filing?
Delaware requires 6 months of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in Delaware?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many Delaware courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$165). Mediation is the next cheapest path when you need help reaching agreement — typically a fraction of the cost of two attorneys litigating.
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