What does a divorce cost in 2026?
The costs of a divorce vary greatly and depend on the complexity of your situation and how you handle the divorce. A simple joint petition divorce can be arranged from as little as 750 euros per person, while a contested divorce with multiple lawsuits can cost tens of thousands of euros. In this article, we provide you with a complete overview of all costs involved in a divorce, so you are well prepared for the process ahead.
Court fees: mandatory court costs
For every divorce procedure, you must pay court fees. In 2026, court fees for a joint petition divorce are approximately 320 euros. For a unilateral petition, fees are higher, around 340 euros. If you qualify for subsidized legal aid, court fees are reduced. It is important to know that court fees are adjusted annually, so always check the current rates with the court or your lawyer before starting proceedings.
Lawyer fees: the biggest expense
Lawyer fees typically constitute the largest expense in a divorce. A lawyer charges on average between 150 and 350 euros per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and region. For a simple joint petition divorce, you can expect total lawyer costs of 750 to 2,000 euros per person. For a unilateral petition with disputes, costs can rise to 5,000 to 15,000 euros or more. Some lawyers work with fixed price agreements for standard divorces, providing more certainty about total costs. Always request a cost estimate in advance.
Mediation costs: the cheaper option
Mediation is often significantly cheaper than court proceedings. A mediator charges on average 150 to 250 euros per hour, and you share these costs with your partner. A complete divorce through mediation costs on average 1,500 to 4,000 euros in total, typically requiring 4 to 8 sessions. Note: even with mediation, you need a lawyer to submit the petition to court. Some mediators are also lawyers and can combine this, saving costs. Mediation works best when both partners are willing to reach agreements together.
Additional costs: valuations, pensions, and more
Besides lawyer and mediation costs, there are often additional expenses. A property valuation costs between 300 and 600 euros. A pension calculation by an actuary costs 300 to 800 euros. If a business needs to be valued, this can cost 2,000 to 10,000 euros. A financial planner or divorce advisor charges 100 to 200 euros per hour. Potential costs for a child psychologist or family guardian come on top. It is wise to prepare a budget beforehand and map all possible costs.
Subsidized legal aid: divorce on a low income
If you have a low income, you may qualify for subsidized legal aid. This means the government pays a large portion of the lawyer costs. You then only pay a personal contribution varying from approximately 150 to 900 euros, depending on your income and assets. The Legal Aid Board assesses your application based on your income from two years ago. Ask your lawyer if you qualify. At Advocaat bij Scheiden, we are happy to help you apply for legal aid.
Tips to limit costs
There are several ways to limit the costs of your divorce. Choose mediation if communication with your partner is still good. Prepare meetings with your lawyer well so you need fewer hours. Gather all necessary financial documents yourself. Make clear agreements about the division before visiting the lawyer. Avoid unnecessary conflicts and focus on the most important points. Consider a joint petition divorce instead of a unilateral one. At Advocaat bij Scheiden, we offer transparent pricing and help you keep costs manageable. Contact us for a free quote.