Contested vs Uncontested Divorce: Costs, Timeline & How to Choose
The single biggest factor in how much your divorce costs is whether it's contested or uncontested.
Uncontested Divorce
Both spouses agree on all major issues: asset division, child custody, child support, and alimony.
Typical costs: $1,500–$7,000
Timeline: 3–6 months
Best for: Couples who can communicate, shorter marriages, minimal assets
Contested Divorce
Spouses disagree on one or more issues and need the court to decide.
Typical costs: $10,000–$50,000+
Timeline: 6–18+ months
Best for: Complex finances, custody disputes, domestic violence situations
The Numbers Don't Lie
How to Move from Contested to Uncontested
1. Try mediation — a neutral third party helps you negotiate
2. Focus on interests, not positions — "I need stability for the kids" vs "I want the house"
3. Get financial clarity first — use tools like our asset division calculator to understand what's fair
4. Consider your children — kids suffer most from prolonged conflict
Which Should You Choose?
If there's any possibility of agreement, pursue uncontested first. You can always escalate to contested if negotiations fail, but you can't un-spend legal fees.
Use our divorce cost calculator to compare costs for both options in your state.