The Top 10 Most Expensive States to Get Divorced In

Money might be one of the first things that crosses your mind when you consider filing for a divorce. Depending on what state your in, this could be a huge factor in how you plan to separate with your significant other. Did you know that the average cost of a divorce in the United States is $15,500 and the average hourly rate for a divorce attorney is around $250?

The financial commentary site, 24/7 Wall St. used survey data from Nolos 2015 divorce study to rank the ten most expensive states to get divorced in. Generally, the states with the highest cost of living tends to rank highest on the list.

1. California

Currently, California's divorce population stands at 9.3 percent and tops the list for the priciest state to split up in. Tara Yelman, a family law attorney in San Diego explains, “The average cost of living in California is much higher than most parts of the country, so this greatly contributes to the high cost of a divorce.” According to the list, the average cost of a divorce in California with kids is $26,300. This number drops to an average of $17,500 if you don’t have kids.

2. New York

Following close behind on the list for priciest states to divorce in, is the Big Apple. The average cost of a divorce in New York with kids is $25, 600 and $17,100 if you file without kids. The average divorce population stands at 8.7 percent.

3. Delaware

Did you know that in Delaware spouses must be separated for at least six months before they can officially divorce? The average price to divorce will set you back on average a total of $24,300 if you have children. The number drops to $16,200 if you don’t have any children.

4. Massachusetts

According to the report, the percentage of divorcees in Massachusetts currently stands at around 9.5 percent. Reports by the CDC show that divorce is declining in this state. The average divorce in Massachusetts costs $23,900 with kids and $15,900 without kids.

5. Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas, and the price tag for a divorce is certainly no exception. Texas tops the list as the fifth most expensive state to get a divorce in. On average, a divorce in Texas (without children) costs $15,600. If you have children, the price jumps up to $23,500. According to a report by the CDC, the divorce rate nearly doubled between 2015 and 2016.

6. New Jersey

Jersey has the lowest population of divorcees on the list at 8.6 percent. The 24/7 Wall St report calculates that the average cost for a divorce in the Garden State is $23,400 with children and around $15,600 without.

7. Connecticut

Data released by the CDC reveals that divorce is at a 5 year high in Connecticut and the average cost of a divorce does not differ much from New Jersey or Texas. If you have children it will cost around 23,400 and without children, the average is at $15,500. The divorce population in Connecticut average around 10.9 percent.

8. Georgia

The population of divorcees is one of the highest on the list at 11.3 percent and the average cost of a divorce is $22,000 with children. If you file for a divorce in Connecticut without children, the number averages $14,700.

9. Virginia

The average divorcee population currently stands at 10 percent and a divorce without children stands at $14,500. In Virginia, the average cost for a divorce is around $21,800.

10. Colorado

Colorado may be last on the list, but it's certainly not the least. According to Stephen Vertucci, a divorce attorney in Fort Collins, “The cost of a divorce in Colorado is about $35, but that doesn't mean the price of a divorce is going to be cheap. The cost of living and unique divorce laws in Colorado make it one of the pricier states to get a divorce in.”

The average cost of a divorce in Colorado is $21,800 with children and $14,500 without kids.

Today, just under 50 percent of marriages will end in divorce. This number has actually decreased in recent years and new studies show that millennials are taking a different route than their elders.

The price of a divorce could be a factor as to why divorce is on the decline. Depending on your assets, what state you're in and who you choose to hire as your divorce lawyer, the price can fluctuate. It’s important to note that children and cases that require a trial also add to the price of divorce costs.