West Virginia Divorce Cost

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

West Virginia Divorce Cost Comparison

MethodCost Range
Divorce.ai$299 + $135 filing fee
DIY (Pro Se)$135 filing fee only
Mediation$3,000-$8,000(~$150/session)
Uncontested + Attorney$1,000-$3,000
Contested + Attorney$5,000-$20,000+

West Virginia Divorce Fee Breakdown

Court Filing Fee$135
Process Server$40
Certified Copy$5
Parenting Course$40
Minimum Total (DIY)$180

County Fee Variations

Kanawha$135
Monongalia$135
Cabell$135
Raleigh$135
Berkeley$135

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Attorney Costs in West Virginia

Divorce attorneys in West Virginia typically charge between $150 and $350 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

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

West Virginia allows fee waivers through the Application to Proceed Without Payment of Costs (SCA-AC-20). The applicant must demonstrate financial inability to pay court costs. The court reviews income, assets, and expenses. Forms are available on the West Virginia Judiciary website under Fee Waiver Forms.

Income threshold: Demonstrated financial inability to pay court costs, as determined by the court based on income, assets, and expenses

Required form: Application to Proceed Without Payment of Costs (SCA-AC-20)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in West Virginia?
An uncontested divorce in West Virginia typically costs $1,000-$3,000, while a contested divorce ranges from $5,000-$20,000. The court filing fee alone is $135.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in West Virginia?
Divorce attorneys in West Virginia typically charge $150-$350 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 West Virginia?
Yes, West Virginia offers fee waivers for those who cannot afford the filing fee. West Virginia allows fee waivers through the Application to Proceed Without Payment of Costs (SCA-AC-20). The applicant must demonstrate financial inability to pay court costs. The court reviews income, assets, and expenses. Forms are available on the West Virginia Judiciary website under Fee Waiver Forms. You will need to complete form Application to Proceed Without Payment of Costs (SCA-AC-20).
What is the cheapest way to get divorced in West Virginia?
The cheapest option is an uncontested divorce using an online service like Divorce.ai (starting at $299) plus the $135 filing fee. This avoids expensive attorney fees while ensuring your forms are prepared correctly.

Related West Virginia Guides

File your West Virginia divorce for less

Complete divorce document preparation from $299. Filing fee of $135 paid directly to the court.