North Dakota Divorce Cost Estimator

A divorce in North Dakota costs between $1,800 for an uncontested case and $10,000 or more for a contested case. The mandatory court filing fee is $160 under the North Dakota court fee schedule, with attorney fees averaging $260 per hour based on 2022 data. Total costs depend on whether issues like custody, property division, or spousal support require litigation.

The filing fee for divorce in North Dakota is $160, effective July 1, 2025, as listed in the North Dakota court fee schedule. This fee is paid to the district court clerk when you file a Complaint for Divorce under North Dakota Century Code Title 14, Chapter 05. The same $160 fee applies to post-decree motions to modify support, property, or custody orders.

North Dakota divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $260 based on 2022 data. Most attorneys require an upfront retainer of $2,500–$5,000 before beginning work. An uncontested divorce typically costs $1,500–$2,500 in legal fees, while contested cases with custody disputes or complex property division can cost $15,000–$25,000 in attorney fees alone.

Yes, North Dakota offers fee waivers for divorce filing fees through a Petition for Waiver of Filing Fees and Costs. You must demonstrate financial hardship, typically by showing income at or below 125% of the federal poverty guidelines. The petition is filed with the district court clerk, and if granted, it waives the $160 filing fee and other court costs.

North Dakota courts may order mediation in divorce cases involving custody or parenting time disputes, though it is not mandatory in all cases. Mediation fees in North Dakota typically range from $150–$300 per hour, with most sessions lasting 2–4 hours for a total cost of $300–$1,200. Costs are generally split equally between both parties unless the court orders otherwise.

An uncontested divorce in North Dakota costs a median of $1,800, including the $160 filing fee and limited attorney involvement. If both spouses agree on all issues—property division, custody, and support—legal fees typically range from $1,500–$2,500. Process server fees of $50–$75 and parenting class fees of $35–$75 per parent may also apply when minor children are involved.

Hidden North Dakota divorce costs include process server fees ($50–$75), mandatory parenting education classes ($35–$75 per parent), real estate appraisals ($300–$500), and business valuations ($3,000–$10,000). Guardian ad litem fees range from $1,500–$5,000 when appointed in custody disputes. Post-decree modification motions also carry a $160 filing fee, and court reporter transcript fees can add $200–$500.

Yes, you can file for divorce without an attorney (pro se) in North Dakota. The North Dakota court system provides self-help resources and forms through its website. You will still pay the $160 filing fee unless granted a waiver. Pro se filing works best for uncontested cases where both spouses agree on all terms, potentially reducing total costs to under $500.