Most family law case projects cost between $2,000 and $20,000 per case, with a typical price near $8,000. Prices vary by state and city, so the range below is a planning guide rather than a quote.
Typical family law case cost
$2,000 – $20,000
per case · typical $8,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Family law case cost breakdown
- Uncontested divorce$1,500 – $5,000typical $3,000
- Contested custody case$10,000 – $40,000typical $20,000
- Mediation services$1,500 – $5,000typical $3,000
What Family Law costs
Covers attorney fees for legal services like divorce, custody, or adoption. Costs vary by complexity, hourly rates, and whether it goes to court. Uncontested matters are cheaper than litigation.
Costs by state
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Alberta
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- British Columbia
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Manitoba
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Brunswick
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northwest Territories
- Nova Scotia
- Nunavut
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Ontario
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Prince Edward Island
- Quebec
- Rhode Island
- Saskatchewan
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
- Yukon
Frequently asked questions
Why are family law cases expensive?
Attorney time, court costs, and expert witnesses. Complexity and disputes drive up hours.
Can I represent myself?
Possible for simple cases, but risky in complex matters. Legal aid or limited scope representation may help.
How to keep costs down?
Be organized, communicate efficiently, and consider mediation or collaborative divorce.