Minnesota Divorce Cost

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

Minnesota Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $390 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$390 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$250/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$800-$8,000
Contested + Attorney$8,000-$35,000+

Minnesota Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$390
Process Server$75
Certified Copy$10
Parenting Course$50
Minimum Total (DIY)$475

County Fee Variations

Hennepin County$402
Ramsey County$397
Dakota County$400
Anoka County$400
Washington County$397

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Attorney Costs in Minnesota

Divorce attorneys in Minnesota typically charge between $150 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

$8,000+

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

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

File an IFP (In Forma Pauperis) fee waiver application. You may qualify if your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, if you receive public assistance, or if you can demonstrate inability to pay. The judicial officer can waive all or part of court fees. Forms are available through Minnesota Guide & File or as downloadable PDFs. Minn. Stat. § 563.01.

Income threshold: At or below 125% of federal poverty level, receipt of public assistance, or demonstrated inability to pay

Required form: IFP (In Forma Pauperis) Affidavit

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Minnesota?
An uncontested divorce in Minnesota typically costs $800-$8,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $8,000-$35,000. The court filing fee alone is $390.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Minnesota?
Divorce attorneys in Minnesota typically charge $150-$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 Minnesota?
Yes, Minnesota offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. File an IFP (In Forma Pauperis) fee waiver application. You may qualify if your income is at or below 125% of the federal poverty level, if you receive public assistance, or if you can demonstrate inability to pay. The judicial officer can waive all or part of court fees. Forms are available through Minnesota Guide & File or as downloadable PDFs. Minn. Stat. § 563.01. You will need to complete form IFP (In Forma Pauperis) Affidavit.
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in Minnesota?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $390 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related Minnesota Guides

File your Minnesota divorce for less

Complete divorce document preparation from $299. Filing fee of $390 paid directly to the court.