District of Columbia Divorce Cost Calculator
Estimate the real cost of divorce in District of Columbia — 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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia
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 District of Columbia's average family-law rate of ~$492/hour, every disputed issue adds hours quickly. Note that District of Columbia has a mandatory waiting period of None before a divorce can be finalized.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in District of Columbia?
The court filing fee in District of Columbia is typically around $120 (2024 law removed separation-period grounds requirements; low $120 fee but the highest attorney rates in the country.). Fee waivers are generally available for filers who can't afford it.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in District of Columbia?
Family-law attorneys in District of Columbia average around $492/hour. Uncontested divorces typically run $1,000–$5,000 total; contested divorces $10,000–$32,600 or more.
How long do I have to live in District of Columbia before filing?
District of Columbia requires 6 months of residency before filing for divorce.
What's the cheapest way to get divorced in District of Columbia?
An uncontested DIY filing: agree on everything, use the court's forms (many District of Columbia courts provide self-help packets), and pay only the filing fee (~$120). 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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