The costs of divorce can be hard for both parties to handle. Divorce typically costs thousands of dollars, and according to the legal website Nolo, the average cost of a divorce in the United States is roughly $12,900. This financial toll adds another layer of complexity to a divorce case. A lawyer can explain in detail how divorce costs are calculated. Factors such as your state of residence, whether or not you and your ex have disputes, and whether your case needs to go to trial can add additional expenses. Some primary costs and expenses that clients can expect to pay during a divorce can be broken down into the following items: