Calculate in 30 seconds
Use our calculator — result in seconds, no registration required.
Divorce cost — fee calculatorTable of contents
Divorce cost depends on how contentious the case is. The court fee is only the starting point — add lawyer fees, expert opinions and expenses linked to extra claims (e.g. spousal maintenance, property division). For a quick estimate use the divorce cost calculator, and see the breakdown below.
Core elements are: the filing fee, lawyer fees and procedural expenses (travel, correspondence, documents). There may also be stamp duty on powers of attorney and copying costs. In practice the key factor is whether the case is uncontested or disputed. Disputes over children or property usually mean more hearings, expert opinions and higher lawyer fees.
The divorce petition fee is generally PLN 600. If the case includes additional claims (e.g. spousal maintenance, property division, eviction), extra fees may apply under the court costs act. In practice it may be cheaper or faster to separate some claims. Check current rates and use the calculator.
A lawyer usually charges a flat fee for the case or an hourly rate. Prices depend on region and complexity. In an uncontested divorce one lawyer or self‑representation often reduces the cost significantly. In disputes over children or property, legal representation is often necessary and costs rise with the number of hearings and evidence work.
The court fee is the same, but fault‑based cases are typically more contentious, take longer and require more evidence and hearings. That usually increases lawyer fees and the risk of additional expenses (e.g. expert opinions).
They most often arise in disputes over children or property: expert opinions (e.g. OZSS), more hearings and evidence collection. Add costs for related proceedings (e.g. securing maintenance, property division in a separate case). These elements usually drive the total cost.
With low income you can apply for partial or full exemption from court costs. The court evaluates your financial situation based on a declaration. In practice you can file the request with the petition or later, and the court may also allow instalments. Costs are lower when the case is uncontested and extra claims are handled separately.
Total costs are a mix of court fees, representation, and potential experts (e.g., property valuation or psychological opinions). The court fee is only part of the budget.
Costs can rise if the case is contested, includes fault, or involves children and extensive evidence. Mediation or a settlement can reduce hearings and expenses.
Ask your lawyer for a clear fee model (flat fee or hourly) and what is included. Also account for travel, copies and translations if applicable.
When planning, prepare key documents early to avoid repeated hearings and extra filings.
People often focus only on the court fee and forget the rest of the budget. Witnesses, experts and additional motions can materially increase costs.
If the parties fight over fault or custody, the number of hearings rises, which affects both time and expense. A clear litigation plan can prevent unnecessary steps.
Ask early about possible cost shifting. In some cases the court may allocate costs depending on the outcome, so expectations should be realistic.
Example: A no‑fault divorce with one hearing may involve only the court fee and modest legal costs. A contested divorce with fault, children and property issues can require multiple hearings and expert opinions, which multiplies the budget.
To keep costs down, organize documents early, limit unnecessary evidence, and consider mediation where possible. Even a partial agreement can shorten the process.
Checklist:
Q: Are court fees the main cost? A: No. Legal fees, experts and additional hearings often make up the majority.
Q: Does fault increase cost? A: Typically yes, because more evidence and hearings are required.
Q: Can costs be shifted to the other party? A: Sometimes, depending on the outcome and court decision.
Q: Is legal aid possible? A: It may be, depending on financial circumstances.
Q: Can mediation reduce cost? A: Often yes, especially when it limits the scope of disputes.
Try it in practice
Use our calculator — result in seconds, no registration required.
Choose a law firm for your case
Compare firms by specialization, city, and ratings. You contact the selected firm directly.
Kancelaria Alfa
Sprawy rodzinne i cywilne: rozwod, alimenty, podzial majatku, reprezentacja w sadzie.
Lex Biz Kancelaria
Obsluga JDG i spolek: umowy, podatki, kontrole, sprawy pracownicze.
Nieruchomosci Partner
Zakup i sprzedaz nieruchomosci, umowy deweloperskie, najem, spory o nieruchomosci.
Tax Guard
Doradztwo podatkowe i legal support dla biznesu: VAT, CIT, kontrole, umowy B2B.
Civil Pro
Spory cywilne, dochodzenie roszczen, umowy i sprawy mieszkaniowe.
Familia Law
Prawo rodzinne i pracownicze, w tym sprawy cudzoziemcow pracujacych w Polsce.
