What is the cheapest way to get a divorce?
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce?
In Oregon, the cheapest way to get a divorce is the process that minimizes court involvement, avoids litigation, and reduces professional time spent managing conflict. Because Oregon is a “no-fault” state, couples who can reach agreement have several lower-cost options.
Do-it-yourself (DIY) uncontested divorce
If you and your spouse agree on all issues—property, support, and parenting—and are comfortable completing court forms on your own, this is typically the least expensive option.
- The primary required cost is the court filing fee.
- This option works best for very simple situations and couples who communicate well.
- The trade-off is that there is no professional guidance, which can increase the risk of mistakes or unintended consequences.
Uncontested divorce with limited professional help
Many couples choose a middle ground: reaching agreement on their own and then using limited legal services, such as document preparation, flat-fee assistance, or attorney review.
- Costs are higher than DIY, but far lower than litigation.
- This option provides reassurance that paperwork is done correctly without turning the divorce into a court battle.
Mediation
When couples need help reaching agreement but want to control costs, mediation is often one of the most cost-effective choices.
- A neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate and problem-solve without filing a contested court case.
- Mediation is typically much less expensive than litigation, because it avoids motions, hearings, and trial preparation.
- Once full agreement is reached, the divorce paperwork is filed and finalized.
Collaborative divorce
Collaborative divorce is not always the absolute cheapest option upfront, but it is often the most cost-effective option for couples with complexity—such as children, real estate, or significant finances—who want to avoid litigation.
- Like mediation, nothing is filed with the court until the parties reach a complete agreement.
- The process uses structured negotiation, shared information, and a team-based approach to resolve issues efficiently.
- While collaborative divorce involves professional support, it is still far less expensive than litigating the same issues in court, where conflict and delay drive costs up.
The most expensive option: Litigation
A contested, court-driven divorce with full attorney representation is almost always the most expensive way to divorce.
- Filing happens at the beginning.
- Costs increase quickly due to court deadlines, motions, hearings, and trial preparation.
- Even cases that eventually settle often do so after significant litigation expense.
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce?
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce?
What is the cheapest way to get a divorce?
Bottom line
- Cheapest overall: DIY or fully agreed uncontested divorce.
- Best balance of cost and support: mediation or limited-assistance uncontested divorce.
- Cost-effective for complex cases: collaborative divorce.
- Most expensive: litigation.
Be Aware: The “cheapest” divorce is not always the one with the lowest upfront cost—it is the one that reduces conflict, avoids court, and helps you reach durable agreements without unnecessary delay or expense.
Ready to Talk?
If you’re navigating a separation or divorce in Oregon or Washington and want to protect your privacy and peace of mind, please reach out to an experienced professional of Bridges Divorce today.
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Diana Fedoroff
Attorney, Mediator and Coach
Portland Cooperative Divorce
2705 E. Burnside St Ste 206
Portland, Oregon 97214
(503) 389-0576
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