Divorce Cost Reality Check

Low, Medium, and High Scenarios—So You’re Not Blindsided 🫶

Purpose: Low, Medium, and High Scenarios—So You’re Not Blindsided

Time Commitment • 10–15 minutes to read; 5 more to pencil your own ballpark.

A pen, rough idea of your conflict level, and any state filing-fee info.

Friendly Ground Rules

1. Agenda-Free Zone—Before, During, After
   Whether you’re weighing the idea of divorce, deep in the paperwork, or rebuilding life on the other side, we’re here to support your chosen path. No judgment, no hidden agenda.

2. Educational, Not Advice
   Everything you’ll read is for general education. It is not legal, financial, mental-health, or medical advice. Laws and circumstances differ by state, county, and family—always verify details with qualified professionals who know your facts.

3. Safety & Well-Being First
   If you feel unsafe, overwhelmed, or in crisis, please pause and reach out:
   • National DV Hotline (US) 1-800-799-7233
   • Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US) 988
   • 911 (or local emergency) for immediate danger

4. Every Journey Is Unique
   Divorce and healing are deeply personal. While we strive for accuracy and empathy, not every tip fits every situation. Keep what helps, adapt what might, and leave the rest.

5. Quick Calm Cue
   Feeling anxious as you read? Try the 5-5-5 Grounding Breath—inhale for 5 seconds, hold for 5, exhale for 5. Repeat three times, then continue when you’re ready.

Why Costs Swing So Widely

• Conflict level – More motions = more billable hours.

• Asset complexity – Business valuation, QDROs, appraisals add experts.

• Custody disputes – Evaluations and GAL fees pile up fast.

• Court backlog – Every delay invites another lawyer email.

• Professional help choices – DIY vs. mediation vs. full-service attorneys.

Mini-Win ➜ Knowing the levers gives you power to manage them.

Sample Budgets You Can Actually Picture

A. Low-Conflict DIY / Uncontested (≈ $1,500 – $3,500 total)

• Filing & service fees …………………… $300

• Online forms or DIY packet ………… $150

• 3 hours of lawyer coaching ……… $750

• Parenting class (if required) ……… $100

• Misc. copies / notary / postage … $100
  
  Grand Total: roughly $1,400 – $3,500

Fits when you agree on property split, have simple assets, and no custody fight.

B. Medium-Conflict Mediation-Plus (≈ $7,000 – $15,000 per spouse)

• Filing & service fees …………………… $300

• Mediator package (4 sessions) … $2,000

• Lawyer review & doc drafting …… $3,500

• Parenting plan workshop ………… $400

• Appraisal or pension QDRO ……… $1,500
  
  Per-spouse Total: about $7k – $15k

Works when you can talk in the same room but need help bridging gaps.

C. High-Conflict Litigation (≈ $20,000 – $50,000+ per spouse)

• Filing, service, motions ……………… $1,000

• Attorney retainer (first) …………… $5,000 – $10,000

• Discovery & depositions …………… $8,000

• Expert witnesses (business, custody) $4,000 – $12,000

• Trial prep & days in court ………… $7,000 – $15,000

• Post-trial enforcement ……………… $2,000
  
  Per-spouse Total: $20k – $50k+

Needed when safety issues, hidden assets, or intractable custody battles exist.

Quick “Where Might I Land?” Self-Quiz

Answer Yes/No:

1. We can discuss issues without shouting. ___

2. Both are willing to disclose finances fully. ___

3. No domestic violence or intimidation. ___

4. No business or complex pension to split. ___

5. Kids’ schedule is mostly agreed. ___

4–5 Yes → Low-Conflict range.
2–3 Yes → Medium range.
0–1 Yes → Prepare for High-Conflict pricing (or hire help to lower conflict fast).

Hidden or Forgotten Costs (Add to Any Budget)

• Second household setup – furniture, utensils, kids’ duplicates.

• Therapy or coaching – emotional support saves mistakes.

• Time off work – court dates, mediation sessions.

• Childcare during legal meetings – factor babysitter hours.

• Health-insurance shift – COBRA or ACA premiums may spike.

Three Universal Cost-Taming Moves

1. Prep documents early – missing statements breed billable “reminder” emails.

2. Bundle lawyer questions – one organized email beats five scattered messages.

3. Negotiate big-ticket items first – housing and pensions drive most legal debate.

Mini-Win ➜ Even in high conflict, these moves shave thousands.

Final Word

A clear cost map turns dread into manageable numbers. Now you know the ballpark—and the levers that keep expenses sane. Pick one cost-taming move and put it on your calendar today.

Stay strategic • Spend where it counts • Forward is forward

— The navigateDivo Team