How much does it cost to get a divorce if both parties agree? Costs range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars for uncontested divorces.
Still, there are divorce-related issues that can increase those costs. For more specific answers regarding your divorce situation and costs, talk to a Seattle divorce lawyer from Dellino Family Law.
How Does Divorce Work When Both Parties Agree
When both parties agree to divorce and agree on important terms, the divorce is “uncontested.” The important matters include division of property, spousal maintenance, parenting plans in Washington State, and child support.
Uncontested divorces usually resolve without conflict. Still, it’s important to understand that disputes can arise as you move through the process. An experienced attorney from Dellino Family Law can provide essential guidance.
How Much It Costs to Handle a Divorce on Your Own
If your divorce is uncontested, you may opt for a do-it-yourself (DIY) process. The cost of a divorce when both parties agree can range from $300 to $800.
Filing Fees
You must pay to file your divorce petition with the court. In most counties, you can expect to pay upwards of $300 in filing fees to begin the legal divorce process.
You may have to pay for divorce document packets. Clark County posts a $30 cost for the dissolution of marriage without children packet and $50 for marriages with children.
Service of Process Fees
After you file your petition for divorce, you must arrange to have your partner served with the papers. If you and your spouse are on good terms, you might choose to have an adult friend or family member do this for free. Just be sure they file the required follow-up paperwork for proof of service.
You may have to hire a professional process server. Fees usually fall into the $75 to $150 range. You can also have the County Sheriff complete the delivery. The Revised Code of Washington RCW 36.18.040 establishes the process for determining associated fees. Most likely, the amount will be between $40 and $150.
Additional Costs
You may need to make copies of documents or have documents notarized. The cost per copy usually ranges from $0.25 to $0.50 per page, though that amount can increase for certified copies. The Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 308-30-220 lists amounts notaries can charge. Total copy and notary fees may range from $25 to $100.
You may opt to work with a courthouse facilitator who can check your documents for errors and perform other services. Their fees range from $ 10 to $ 60 per hour. If you and your spouse have children together, you will have to attend mandatory parenting seminars, which cost $40 to $80 per parent.
Though the costs of a do-it-yourself (DIY) divorce are low at face value, you may not realize the long-term financial consequences of your divorce agreement. The attorneys at Dellino Family Law can help you make decisions that support your future stability.
How Much Divorce Costs When Attorneys are Involved
The amount it costs to get a divorce if both parties agree increases when you work with an attorney, at least in the immediate sense. That involvement could save you money in the long run. The increased costs also depend on the extent of your attorney’s involvement.
You may only want to speak to an attorney for guidance on specific matters, not for full representation. These specific discussions can happen at a consultation. Rates for full representation vary according to case specifics.
Our investigation of the real cost of divorce in the U.S. shows that the average cost of an uncontested divorce nationwide is $4,100, and the average hourly rate for divorce attorneys is $270. Reach out to Dellino Family Law for an explanation of family law fees and billing.
Factors Affecting Divorce Costs
It generally costs less to get a divorce if both parties agree. However, you and your spouse may still have complex assets and debts. Having full representation can help you avoid making some of the most common divorce mistakes when it comes to dividing that property. It might be best to have a forensic expert determine how to divide your assets without incurring penalties.
You may also have to pay appraisers to value real estate and other shared property. If you or your spouse has a 401k and that account undergoes division, you’ll need to pay for a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO). Related costs typically range from $500 to $1,500. The attorneys at Dellino Family Law can give you a sense of the factors that may affect the cost of your divorce.
Additional Costs of Divorce, Even if Both Parties Agree
You and your spouse may be ending your marriage with great civility, even a sense of friendship. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience feelings of loss or uncertainty. If you have children, they will almost certainly have those feelings.
Consider post-divorce expenses when calculating the cost of a divorce if both parties agree. You and/or your children may need counseling to adjust to the new family situation and regain a sense of normalcy.
You also have to change your estate plans and your will. While these are not direct divorce expenses, they still count among the costs of the divorce. Dellino Family Law can help you anticipate and plan for these additional expenses.
We Can Help You Understand the Cost of a Divorce
The cost of getting a divorce when both parties agree depends on several factors. If your divorce is simple and doesn’t involve children or valuable shared property, you can likely keep costs low.
Whether your divorce is straightforward or complicated, partnering with Dellino Family Law can protect you from agreeing to terms that could carry unexpected costs and long-term consequences.
