Real numbers for North Dakota — 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
Every North Dakota divorce — contested or not — passes through the same basic checkpoints:
Think of this as a general outline rather than a substitute for legal advice — a North Dakota family law attorney or your county's self-help resources can confirm the current forms and procedure for your situation.
Enter your specific situation — children, assets, contested issues — and get a real cost breakdown in 60 seconds. Free, private, no login.
Calculate My North Dakota Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in North Dakota ranges from roughly $2,160 for a simple uncontested case to $24,800 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.
North Dakota has the second-lowest filing fees in the US at $160. No mandatory waiting period.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $160 | $620 | $3,600 |
| Uncontested with children | $2,160 | $3,600 | $5,400 |
| Contested, no trial | $8,525 | $15,500 | $24,800 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $24,800 | $29,450 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $11,900 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in North Dakota 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: $160 statewide — second lowest in US
| Cass County (Fargo) | $160 |
| Burleigh (Bismarck) | $160 |
| Grand Forks | $160 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in North Dakota average $185 per hour.
A Fargo couple with no children going through an uncontested divorce would spend $160 in filing fees and $1600–$2,500 in attorney costs — total around $900–$2,800. Among the most affordable divorce processes in the country.
How much does a divorce cost in North Dakota?
An uncontested divorce in North Dakota typically costs $3,600–$5,400 including the $160 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $15,500–$24,800 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
What is the filing fee for divorce in North Dakota?
North Dakota's divorce filing fee is approximately $160 — moderate compared to other states.
Does North Dakota have a waiting period for divorce?
No. North Dakota has no mandatory waiting period.
How is property divided in North Dakota?
North Dakota uses equitable distribution. Courts divide marital property fairly based on contributions and each spouse's circumstances.
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Open North Dakota Calculator →Filing fees based on North Dakota court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.