How much does a divorce cost in New Jersey?
It depends almost entirely on how you resolve it. A litigated divorce in New Jersey runs about $12,500 to $15,000 on average once you add up attorney fees, court costs, and related expenses. But that figure hides an enormous range. An uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on the major issues can total as little as $3,000 to $10,000. A contested divorce that involves discovery, negotiation, and court appearances commonly costs $15,000 to $35,000 per spouse, and a high-conflict case that goes to trial can exceed $50,000 to $100,000 per spouse. The single biggest driver of cost isn't the paperwork: it's conflict, and how long the process drags on. The cost figures above reflect New Jersey market ranges reported by family law and mediation practitioners; actual costs vary by circumstance. This information is for general education and is not legal advice.