📍 Mississippi · 2026

How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Mississippi?

Real numbers for Mississippi — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.

✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026

Filing Fee
$148–$160
Varies by county
Attorney Rate
$180/hr
Avg in Mississippi
Uncontested
$3,500
Avg total cost
Contested
$15,000
Avg total cost
Waiting Period
60 days
Mandatory minimum
Property Law
Equitable Split
equitable state

📜 Mississippi Divorce: The Five Stages

However complicated the details get, nearly every Mississippi divorce follows the same underlying sequence:

  1. Opening the case. A petition is filed with the county court and the filing fee is paid, formally starting the divorce.
  2. Serving the papers. The other spouse receives formal notice and has a set period to respond.
  3. Laying out the finances. Both spouses disclose what they own and owe — attorney time tends to accelerate from here.
  4. Working toward settlement. Most cases are resolved at this stage through negotiation or mediation, well short of trial.
  5. Entering the decree. Once the terms are locked in, the court finalizes the judgment and the marriage is legally dissolved.

This outline is meant as general orientation, not a substitute for legal advice — check with a Mississippi family law attorney or your courthouse's self-help center for the forms specific to your case.

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Divorce Costs in Mississippi: The Full Breakdown

The cost of divorce in Mississippi ranges from roughly $2,100 for a simple uncontested case to $24,000 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.

Mississippi divorce filing fees run $148–$160 depending on county. A 60-day waiting period applies.

Divorce TypeLow EstimateTypicalHigh Estimate
Uncontested, no children$148$600$3,500
Uncontested with children$2,100$3,500$5,250
Contested, no trial$8,250$15,000$24,000
Contested, goes to trial$24,000$28,500$50,000+
Savings going uncontestedUp to $11,500 per spouse
The most important number The difference between uncontested and contested in Mississippi is approximately $11,500 per spouse. That is money that stays in your family rather than going to attorneys.

⚖️ Mississippi Filing Fees by County

The court filing fee in Mississippi is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Filing fee note: $148–$160 depending on county

Varies by Chancery Court — confirm with your county clerk

💼 Attorney Fees in Mississippi

Divorce attorney hourly rates in Mississippi average $180 per hour.

How to Reduce Your Divorce Costs in Mississippi

📊 Typical Cost Example in Mississippi

A Jackson couple who both agree to divorce on irreconcilable differences would spend $155 in filing fees and $800–$2,500 in attorney costs — total around $1,000–$2,800 for an uncontested case.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Mississippi Divorce Costs

How much does a divorce cost in Mississippi?

An uncontested divorce in Mississippi typically costs $3,500–$5,250 including a $148–$160 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $15,000–$24,000 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.

Can I get a no-fault divorce in Mississippi?

Yes, but only if both spouses consent. If one spouse contests, the other must file on specific fault grounds such as adultery, desertion, or cruel treatment.

Does fault affect alimony in Mississippi?

Yes. A spouse who committed adultery may be barred from receiving alimony in Mississippi courts. Fault remains a meaningful legal concept here.

What is the waiting period for divorce in Mississippi?

Mississippi has a 60-day waiting period from the date of filing.

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Filing fees based on Mississippi court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.