About This Data

Divorce cost estimates for Tempe, Arizona are calculated using court filing fee schedules, attorney rate surveys from the Arizona Bar Association, and Bureau of Labor Statistics cost-of-living data. All figures are adjusted for local economic conditions and updated for 2026.

State Court RecordsArizona Bar AssociationBLS Cost of Living IndexAmerican Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers

Divorce Cost Comparison in Tempe

The total cost depends on the type of divorce. Here is a side-by-side comparison of the three main approaches available in Tempe, Arizona.

Cost ComponentUncontestedMediatedContested
Court Filing Fee$349$349$349
Attorney Fees$2,023Optional$7,225
MediationN/A$7,884Optional
Child CustodyIncludedIncluded$9,461
Property DivisionIncludedIncluded$6,307
Timeline2-4 months3-6 months12-18+ months
Estimated Total$2,372$8,233$23,342

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Detailed Cost Breakdown in Tempe

Court Filing Fees: $349

The mandatory court filing fee in Arizona is $349. This must be paid when you submit your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the county courthouse. Fee waivers (In Forma Pauperis) are available for those who qualify based on income.

Attorney Fees: $289/hour

Family law attorneys in Tempe charge an average of $289 per hour. An uncontested divorce typically requires 7 hours of legal work ($2,023), while contested cases average 25+ hours ($7,225).

Mediation: $7,884

Professional mediation in Tempe costs approximately $7,884. This is often the most cost-effective path when spouses can negotiate but need professional guidance. Sessions typically run $150-$400/hour for 6-10 sessions.

Child Custody & Support: $9,461

When children are involved, custody proceedings in Tempe add approximately $9,461 in legal fees. This includes parenting plan development, custody evaluation, and potential guardian ad litem fees. Uncontested custody agreements are significantly less expensive.

Property Division: $6,307

Arizona follows community distribution principles. Complex property division in Tempe typically adds $6,307 in fees for asset valuation, real estate appraisals, business valuations, and retirement account division (QDRO).

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How Tempe Compares

Uncontested Divorce Cost Comparison

Tempe
 
$2,372
Arizona Avg
 
$2,350
National Avg
 
$4,500

* Based on uncontested divorce with no children

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Tempe, Arizona Area

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Arizona Divorce Laws at a Glance

Divorce TypeNo Fault
Property DivisionCommunity Distribution
Mandatory Waiting Period60 days
Residency Requirement3 months
Filing Fee$349

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Frequently Asked Questions About Divorce in Tempe

How much does a divorce cost in Tempe, Arizona?
An uncontested divorce in Tempe typically costs $2,372 to $3,084, including the $349 filing fee. A contested divorce can range from $23,342 to $32,679 or more.
What is the filing fee for divorce in Arizona?
The filing fee for divorce in Arizona is $349. This is a mandatory court fee that must be paid when you file your divorce petition. Fee waivers may be available for low-income filers.
How long does a divorce take in Arizona?
Arizona has a mandatory waiting period of 60 days and requires 3 months of residency. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-4 months, while contested cases can take 12-18 months or longer.
Can I get a divorce without a lawyer in Tempe?
Yes, you can file for divorce pro se (without a lawyer) in Tempe. This is most suitable for uncontested divorces with no children or complex assets. You would only pay the $349 filing fee plus any document preparation costs. However, legal representation is recommended for contested cases.
Is Arizona a no-fault divorce state?
Arizona is a no-fault divorce state. This means you can file for divorce citing irreconcilable differences without proving fault. Property is divided using community distribution principles.
How much does a divorce lawyer cost in Tempe?
Divorce attorneys in Tempe charge an average of $289/hour. An uncontested divorce typically requires 7 hours ($2,023), while a contested case may require 25+ hours ($7,225 or more).
Is mediation cheaper than going to court in Tempe?
Yes, mediation in Tempe typically costs $7,884, which is significantly less than a contested divorce ($23,342). Mediation is faster, less adversarial, and can resolve most issues including custody and property division.

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