Delaware Divorce Cost

How much does divorce cost in Delaware? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.

Delaware Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $165 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$165 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$200/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$500-$3,000
Contested + Attorney$5,000-$15,000+

Delaware Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$165
Process Server$50
Certified Copy$10
Parenting Course$50
Minimum Total (DIY)$225

County Fee Variations

New Castle$165
Kent$165
Sussex$165

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Attorney Costs in Delaware

Divorce attorneys in Delaware typically charge between $200 and $500 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.

Simple Uncontested

$1,500-$3,000

5-15 hours

Moderate Complexity

$5,000-$15,000

20-60 hours

Highly Contested

$5,000+

60+ hours

Hidden Costs to Watch For

$

QDRO (Retirement Division)

If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.

$

Real Estate Appraisals

Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.

$

Business Valuations

If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.

$

Custody Evaluations

Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.

Fee Waiver Information

Delaware offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.

Delaware allows fee waivers through an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. The applicant must demonstrate that they cannot afford to pay the filing fee without substantial financial hardship. The court considers household income, assets, monthly expenses, and receipt of government assistance.

Income threshold: At or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines or receipt of public assistance

Required form: Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Delaware?
An uncontested divorce in Delaware typically costs $500-$3,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $5,000-$15,000. The court filing fee alone is $165.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Delaware?
Divorce attorneys in Delaware typically charge $200-$500 per hour. A full representation in an uncontested case might cost $1,500-$5,000, while contested cases can exceed $15,000.
Can I get a fee waiver for divorce in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. Delaware allows fee waivers through an Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis. The applicant must demonstrate that they cannot afford to pay the filing fee without substantial financial hardship. The court considers household income, assets, monthly expenses, and receipt of government assistance. You will need to complete form Application to Proceed In Forma Pauperis.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Delaware?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $165 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related Delaware Guides

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Complete divorce document preparation from $299. Filing fee of $165 paid directly to the court.