Utah Divorce Cost Estimator

A Utah divorce costs between $3,000 for an uncontested case and $13,200 for a contested case, based on 2022 state data. The $325 court filing fee under Utah Code § 78A-2-301 is just the starting point — attorney fees, mediation ($150–$300/hr), and required parenting classes ($65/person) add significantly. Contested divorces involving custody disputes or complex assets can exceed $25,000–$30,000 per spouse.

The Utah divorce filing fee is $325, governed by Utah Code § 78A-2-301 and the Utah Courts fee schedule. Filing an answer costs nothing unless a counterclaim is included, which adds $130. Fee waivers are available through Form 1301GEG (Motion to Waive Fees) for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship. As of March 2026, verify current fees with your local clerk.

Utah divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $293, with most family lawyers billing between $250 and $400 per hour. Initial retainers typically range from $2,000 to $5,000, billed against hourly work. For uncontested divorces, some Utah firms offer flat fees between $750 and $3,500. Contested cases with custody disputes commonly cost $15,000–$30,000 in total attorney fees.

Utah courts grant fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford the $325 filing fee. You must file Form 1301GEG (Motion to Waive Fees and Statement Supporting Motion), which requires disclosure of income, expenses, and assets. If approved, the waiver covers filing fees and may also cover required parenting class fees. Apply through the Utah Courts self-help center at utcourts.gov.

Utah requires mediation in all contested divorce cases before proceeding to trial. Mediators charge between $30 and $300 per hour, with most experienced mediators billing $150–$300 per hour. A typical 3–4 hour mediation session costs $750–$1,000, split equally between the parties. Utah Dispute Resolution offers sessions at $160/hour ($80 each), and financial assistance is available for low-income parties.

An uncontested divorce in Utah typically costs $3,000–$5,000 total, including the $325 filing fee and attorney representation. Some Utah firms handle uncontested divorces for flat fees as low as $750, bringing total costs to approximately $1,083 with filing fees. Parents with minor children must also pay $65 per person for required Divorce Orientation and Education classes under UCJA Rule 4-907.

Beyond the $325 filing fee and attorney retainer, Utah divorces commonly incur additional costs: mandatory parenting classes ($65/person), mediation ($750–$1,000 per session), process server fees ($45–$75), real estate appraisals ($300–$500), and business valuations ($5,000–$25,000). Guardian ad litem fees for custody disputes run $2,000–$5,000. Court reporter fees for depositions or hearings add $200–$500 per session.

Utah courts actively support self-represented (pro se) divorce filings through the Utah Courts Self-Help Center at utcourts.gov. Free court forms are available online, and the $325 filing fee can be waived for financial hardship. For uncontested divorces without children or significant assets, filing pro se can reduce costs to under $500. However, cases involving custody, Virtual Parent-Time arrangements, or complex property division benefit significantly from legal representation.