If you're considering divorce, one of your first questions is likely: "How much is this going to cost me?" It's a fair question, and one that every single client asks at Bucklin Evans Law Firm. While we wish we could give you a simple, straightforward answer, the truth is that divorce costs vary dramatically depending on the path your case takes.
Attorney Tatiana Gidirimski, with over two decades of family law experience, breaks down the three most common divorce scenarios and what you can realistically expect to pay in each situation.
Why Divorce Costs Vary So Much
Unlike many legal services that have predictable costs, divorce expenses depend on numerous factors that are often outside your attorney's control. The primary driver of cost? The level of conflict and cooperation between you and your spouse.
Other factors that influence divorce costs include:
The complexity of your marital assets and debts
Whether you have children and custody disputes
The need for expert witnesses or financial professionals
The amount of discovery required
Whether temporary orders are necessary
Your spouse's willingness to negotiate in good faith
The need for court hearings and trial preparation
Understanding these three common scenarios can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions about how to approach your divorce.
Scenario 1: Uncontested Divorce with Full Agreement ($3,000 - $5,000)
This is the best-case scenario and the most affordable option for ending your marriage. In an uncontested divorce, you and your spouse have already agreed on all major issues before involving attorneys.
What Does "Agreement on Everything" Mean?
For a divorce to fall into this category, you and your spouse must be in complete agreement on:
Division of all property and assets
Division of all debts and liabilities
Child custody and parenting time (if you have children)
Child support amounts
Spousal maintenance (alimony), if applicable
Any other relevant issues specific to your situation
What Your Attorney Does
Even when you've agreed on everything, you still need legal assistance to:
Draft all required divorce paperwork correctly
Ensure your agreement complies with Washington State law
File documents with the court properly
Navigate the court process and timeline
Finalize your divorce decree
The Bottom Line
If you can work cooperatively with your spouse to reach agreement before hiring attorneys, you'll typically spend between $3,000 and $5,000 to complete your divorce. This represents the attorney's time to draft, review, and file paperwork—not litigate or negotiate on your behalf.
Pro Tip: Even if you're tempted to handle an uncontested divorce yourself, having an attorney review your agreement can prevent costly mistakes that might affect you for years to come.
Scenario 2: Intermediate Divorce with Mediation ($30,000 - $35,000 Per Person)
This middle-ground scenario is where many divorces fall. You and your spouse don't agree on everything from the start, but you're both willing to work toward a settlement without going to trial.
What This Scenario Includes
An intermediate divorce typically involves:
Temporary Court Hearings: You may need to go to court to establish temporary orders for immediate issues like:
Temporary parenting plans
Temporary child support
Temporary spousal maintenance
Possession of the family home
Payment of bills during the divorce process
Discovery Process: Formal exchange of documents and financial information, including:
Bank statements and financial records
Tax returns
Pay stubs and income verification
Property valuations
Retirement account statements
Credit reports and debt information
Mediation: Working with a neutral third-party mediator to negotiate and settle all disputed issues. Mediation sessions typically last a full day or multiple sessions until agreement is reached.
Final Order Preparation: Once settlement is reached, your attorney drafts the final divorce orders for court approval.
The Cost Breakdown
At $30,000 to $35,000 per person, this scenario reflects:
Attorney time for court appearances (preparation and attendance)
Document review and formal discovery responses
Legal strategy and case evaluation
Mediation preparation and attendance
Ongoing communication and legal advice
Drafting settlement agreements and final orders
Why This Path Makes Sense
While significantly more expensive than an uncontested divorce, this intermediate approach is still far more cost-effective than going to trial. You're investing in legal representation to protect your interests while still working toward a negotiated resolution.
Most importantly, you maintain control over the outcome rather than leaving major life decisions in the hands of a judge who doesn't know your family.
Scenario 3: High-Conflict Divorce Going to Trial ($100,000 - $200,000+ Per Person)
This is what Attorney Gerimky calls "the nuclear option"—and for good reason. When you cannot reach an agreement through negotiation or mediation, your only remaining option is to take your case to trial.
When Does a Divorce Go to Trial?
Divorces typically end up in trial when:
There are fundamental disagreements that cannot be resolved
One or both parties refuse to compromise
There are allegations of abuse, addiction, or parental unfitness
Complex business valuations or hidden assets are involved
One spouse is being unreasonable or using litigation as punishment
What Makes Trial So Expensive?
Trial preparation and execution is extraordinarily time-intensive and includes:
Extensive Discovery: Far more comprehensive than in mediated cases, including:
Multiple rounds of formal written discovery requests
Depositions of both spouses
Expert witness depositions
Subpoenas for third-party records
Analysis of complex financial documents
Expert Witnesses: You may need to hire:
Business valuation experts
Real estate appraisers
Vocational experts (for earning capacity evaluations)
Custody evaluators or parenting experts
Forensic accountants
Mental health professionals
Trial Preparation: Your attorney must:
Prepare you for testimony
Prepare all witnesses
Create trial exhibits and demonstrative evidence
Draft legal briefs and motions
Develop examination and cross-examination strategies
Attend pre-trial conferences
The Trial Itself: Depending on complexity, family law trials in Washington can last anywhere from three days to three weeks, with your attorney billing for every hour of preparation and court time.
The True Cost: More Than Money
Beyond the $100,000 to $200,000+ financial cost per person, contested trials also exact a heavy toll in:
Emotional stress and anxiety
Time away from work and family
Damage to co-parenting relationships
Privacy (court proceedings are public record)
Uncertainty about the outcome
Extended timeline (often adding months or years to your divorce)
Why Settlement Is Almost Always Better
Even if you could afford to go to trial, it's rarely the best option. When a judge makes decisions about your property, your children, and your financial future, you lose control over the outcome. Judges must follow legal guidelines that may not account for the unique circumstances of your family.
How to Keep Your Divorce Costs Down
Regardless of which scenario applies to your situation, there are strategies to minimize legal expenses:
1. Be Organized and Responsive
Gather financial documents promptly
Respond to your attorney's requests quickly
Keep detailed records of communications with your spouse
Arrive prepared for meetings and hearings
2. Communicate Efficiently
Consolidate questions for your attorney rather than calling about each small issue
Use email for non-urgent matters
Respect your attorney's time and expertise
3. Be Realistic and Flexible
Understand that compromise is necessary
Focus on what truly matters rather than fighting over every detail
Listen to your attorney's advice about what's worth pursuing
4. Consider the Big Picture
Evaluate whether fighting over a particular issue is worth the attorney's fees
Remember that what you spend on attorneys is money that won't be available for your future
5. Engage in Good Faith Negotiation
Approach mediation with a genuine willingness to settle
Make reasonable offers and counteroffers
Don't use litigation as a weapon or punishment
6. Control Your Emotions
Don't use your attorney as a therapist (consider working with a counselor)
Avoid knee-jerk reactions that escalate conflict
Focus on practical solutions rather than revenge
The Investment in Quality Legal Representation
While divorce costs can seem overwhelming, quality legal representation is an investment in your future. An experienced family law attorney:
Protects your legal rights and financial interests
Ensures you don't agree to unfavorable terms out of pressure or ignorance
Helps you avoid costly mistakes in property division or custody arrangements
Provides objective guidance when emotions run high
Navigates complex legal procedures on your behalf
Works to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation
At Bucklin Evans Law Firm, we're committed to providing excellent legal representation while being mindful of costs. We'll work with you to develop a strategy that protects your interests without unnecessary expense.
Understanding Your Options
The cost scenarios outlined here represent general ranges based on typical cases. Your specific situation may differ depending on:
The complexity of your assets and debts
Whether you have children
The level of conflict with your spouse
Geographic location and local court procedures
Your specific attorney's rates
How efficiently you and your spouse can work together
Questions to Ask During Your Consultation
When meeting with a divorce attorney, don't hesitate to ask:
What is your hourly rate?
What is a typical retainer amount?
Based on what I've told you, which scenario do you think applies to my case?
What steps can I take to keep costs manageable?
How do you bill for different services (court time, phone calls, emails)?
What expenses should I expect beyond attorney's fees (filing fees, mediator costs, expert witnesses)?
Moving Forward with Confidence
Understanding the potential costs of divorce helps you make informed decisions about how to proceed. While the price tags might seem daunting, remember that divorce is not just an expense—it's an investment in your future independence and wellbeing.
The difference between a $5,000 divorce and a $200,000 divorce often comes down to one factor: the willingness of both parties to work cooperatively toward a fair resolution. While you can't control your spouse's behavior, you can control your own approach to the process.
Ready to Discuss Your Situation?
Every divorce is unique, and you deserve personalized guidance about what to expect in your specific case. Contact Bucklin Evans Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with our experienced family law team.
We'll listen to your situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand your options. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you while being mindful of the financial and emotional costs involved.
Don't navigate this challenging time alone. Let our experience work for you.
Disclaimer: This article provides general legal information and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary by state, and every divorce case is unique. Consult with a qualified family law attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation.