North Dakota Divorce Cost Estimator
Estimate your total cost of divorce in North Dakota using verified state data. Filing fees, attorney rates, child support, and alimony, all in one place.
North Dakota divorces typically cost 55% less than the national average of $12,900.
Divorce in North Dakota
- Property system
- Equitable distribution
- Filing fee
- $160
- Waiting period
- None
- Residency requirement
- 180 days
- Uncontested cost range
- $1,200 - $3,500
- Attorney hourly rate
- $175/hr - $325/hr
Divorce Cost Estimator in North Dakota: What You Should Know
North Dakota is one of the least expensive states for divorce, with a $160 filing fee that doubled from $80 in 2025. There is no waiting period, attorney rates run $175 to $325 per hour, and uncontested cases cost $1,200 to $3,500, often finishing in about 90 days. Contested cases fall in the $8,000 to $25,000 range. North Dakota uses a percentage-of-income child support model (14 percent for one child, 19 percent for two). Property is divided equitably.
Key point: North Dakota charges $160 to file (doubled from $80 in 2025) and has no waiting period, so an agreed divorce stays inexpensive and quick.
Where will you file, and what type of divorce are you expecting?
Locked to North Dakota on this page.
Divorce Cost in North Dakota - Frequently Asked Questions
How much does divorce cost in North Dakota?
An uncontested divorce in North Dakota typically runs $1,200 - $3,500, while a contested divorce ranges from $8,000 - $25,000. Your actual cost depends on whether you and your spouse agree on the major terms, how complex your assets are, and whether children are involved. The calculator on this page gives you a personalized estimate based on your situation.
What is the filing fee for divorce in North Dakota?
The court filing fee for divorce in North Dakota is $160. Add about $50 for serving papers on your spouse. Filing fees vary by county, so check with your local court for the exact amount. Fee waivers are available if you cannot afford to pay.
How long does divorce take in North Dakota?
An uncontested divorce in North Dakota usually takes about 3 months from filing to final judgment, while contested cases average around 9 months. North Dakota has no mandatory waiting period after filing. You also need to meet a residency requirement of 180 days before filing.
Do I need a lawyer to file for divorce in North Dakota?
No, North Dakota allows you to file for divorce without a lawyer (called pro se filing). For uncontested divorces with no children and few shared assets, many people file successfully on their own. If your case involves children, retirement accounts, real estate, a business, or any disagreement, hiring an attorney is strongly worth considering. North Dakota attorneys typically charge $175/hr - $325/hr.
How is property divided in a North Dakota divorce?
North Dakota follows equitable distribution, meaning the court divides marital assets fairly based on the circumstances, not always equally. Marital property generally includes assets and debts acquired during the marriage, while separate property (assets owned before marriage or received as gifts or inheritance) usually stays with the original owner. Retirement accounts, real estate, business interests, and pensions often need a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) to divide, which typically costs $400 to $1,200 in North Dakota.
This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.