This Is the Worst State to Get Divorced in America, According to Data
From filing fees to attorney costs, getting a divorce here is harder than elsewhere.
![Divorce settlement](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/01/divorce-settlement.jpg?quality=82&strip=1&resize=640%2C360)
In America, around 39 percent of marriages end in divorce—down from its heyday in the '80s, when half of couples tying the knot could expect a divorce in their future. Though it may be slightly less common now, ending a marriage is as expensive as ever, costing, on average, $15,000 per person, according to 2020 data. However it can be even more of a financial and emotional burden depending on where you live. That's why Best Life set out to determine the worst state to get divorced in America.
First, we looked at Divorce Writer's chart of the minimum amount of time it takes to finalize a divorce in every state. Then, we factored in the average filing fees in each state, as compiled by FindLaw. Next, we consulted Business Insider to determine the average divorce attorneys' fees in each state. Finally, we used World Population Review's research to determine each state's divorce rate, based on the number of women who were divorced in 2021 per 1,000. We then gave each metric a weighted value before running them through our exclusive algorithm to see how each state scored on our 100-point scale Divorce Disaster Index.
Our results showed that wealthier states, on average, seem to be worse for divorces, as filing fees and attorney's fees can both be higher. The worst state to get divorced is the worst by a wide margin, having the most expensive filing fees and attorneys' fees, as well as the longest time it takes to finalize a divorce. Read on to discover the worst state to get divorced in America. And for more on a relationship problem that may lead to a split, These Are the Least Sexually Satisfied People in America, Survey Says.
50
New Mexico
![cityscape photo of buildings and trees in Albuquerque, New Mexico](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/albuquerque-new-mexico.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce:30 days
Filing fee: $137
Average legal fees: $6,600
Divorce rate: 13.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 0.00
49
North Dakota
![An aerial view of downtown Fargo, North Dakota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/downtown-fargo-north-dakota-coronavirus-figures.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-90 days
Filing fee: $80
Average legal fees: $8,200
Divorce rate: 9.5 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 0.25
48
Montana
![Montana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/mn.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 20-30 days
Filing fee: $170
Average legal fees: $6,600
Divorce rate: 12.4 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 0.27
47
Wyoming
![city skyline of downtown Cheyenne, Wyoming](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/cheyenne-wyoming.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 20-30 days
Filing fee: $85, though cost varies by district
Average legal fees: $9,000
Divorce rate: 12.5 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 4.42
46
Vermont
![Vermont](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/vt.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30 days
Filing fee: $90
Average legal fees: $8,900
Divorce rate: 12.6 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 5.86
45
West Virginia
![cityscape photo of Charleston, West Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/charleson-west-virginia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 20-30 days
Filing fee: $134
Average legal fees: $8,200
Divorce rate: 13.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 7.42
44
South Dakota
![downtown area of Rapid City, South Dakota in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/rapid-city-south-dakota.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $95
Average legal fees: $8,600
Divorce rate: 10.6 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 10.45
43
North Carolina
![North Carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/nc.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30 days
Filing fee: $75 for absolute divorce, $150 for civil cases in district court
Average legal fees: $10,300
Divorce rate: 10.8 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 11.09
42
Hawaii
![The suburban residential districts of Honolulu, Hawaii along the coastline just outside of downtown from about 1000 feet over the Pacific Ocean.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/hawaii-rising-cases.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30 days
Filing fee: $215
Average legal fees: $9,200
Divorce rate: 9.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 13.06
41
Virginia
![landscape photo of Buchanan, Virginia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/bunchanan-virginia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 15-45 days
Filing fee: $86, though cost varies by county
Average legal fees: $11,500
Divorce rate: 10.1 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 13.73
40
Idaho
![cityscape photo of downtown Bosie, Idaho](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/boise-idaho.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $154
Average legal fees: $8,800
Divorce rate: 12.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 15.02
39
Nebraska
![The skyline of downtown Omaha, Nebraska during the day](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/02/skyline-omaha-nebraska-covid-cases-rise.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90 days
Filing fee: $158
Average legal fees: $8,200
Divorce rate: 10.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 18.07
38
Oklahoma
![The skyline of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/04/oklahoma-city-skyline-covid-cases-surge.jpg)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 14 days
Filing fee: $183
Average legal fees: $9,800
Divorce rate: 13.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 18.97
37
Kentucky
![Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park in Kentucky, USA](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/dale-hollow-lake-kentucky.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $153
Average legal fees: $8,100
Divorce rate: 13.1 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 20.35
36
Missouri
![The skyline of Kansas City Missouri with a deep blue sky in the background and Union Station, a fountain, and Penn Valley Park in the foreground.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/skyline-st-louis-missouri-coronavirus-dropping.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-45 days
Filing fee: $133.50, though cost varies by district
Average legal fees: $10,600
Divorce rate: 12.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 21.00
35
Maine
![augusta maine state capitol buildings](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2019/04/augusta-maine.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $120
Average legal fees: $8,800
Divorce rate: 13.9 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 22.56
34
Maryland
![the Baltimore skyline and Inner Harbor Promenade in Baltimore, Maryland](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/baltimore-maryland.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $165
Average legal fees: $11,000
Divorce rate: 10.0 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 23.07
33
Indiana
![Landscape photo of Brown County State Park, Indiana](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/brown-county-state-park-indiana.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $157
Average legal fees: $9,000
Divorce rate: 12.4 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 24.08
32
Arkansas
![little rock arkansas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_1160372494.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $165
Average legal fees: $8,800
Divorce rate: 13.1 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 24.41
31
South Carolina
![cityscape photo of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/myrtle-beach-south-carolina.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-120 days
Filing fee: $150
Average legal fees: $10,000
Divorce rate: 10.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 24.67
30
Michigan
![cityscape photo of Kalamazoo, Michigan in the afternoon](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/kalamazoo-michigan.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60 days
Filing fee: $175
Average legal fees: $10,200
Divorce rate: 11.5 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 27.00
And for the place with other high costs to consider, This State Has the Highest Taxes in America, According to Data.
29
Tennessee
![The skyline of Nashville, Tennessee](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/skyline-nashville-tennessee-reopening-rollback-covid.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60 days
Filing fee: $184.50
Average legal fees: $9,900
Divorce rate: 12.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 28.38
28
Utah
![aerial view of logan utah](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/logan-utah.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30 days
Filing fee: $325
Average legal fees: $10,400
Divorce rate: 9.0 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 31.55
27
Nevada
![cityscape photo of mountains and skyline in Reno, Nevado](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/reno-nevada.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 14-28 days
Filing fee: $217
Average legal fees: $10,800
Divorce rate: 13.9 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 31.75
26
Iowa
![cityscape photo of buildings, a street, and statue from behind in downtown Des Moines, Iowa at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/des-moines-iowa-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90-120 days
Filing fee: $185
Average legal fees: $9,300
Divorce rate: 10.8 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 32.03
25
Alaska
![photo taken by a drone of the downtown area of Sitka, Alaska](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/sitka-alaska.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $250
Average legal fees: $10,300
Divorce rate: 11.6 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 32.63
24
Minnesota
![aerial view of the town of winona minnesota](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/winona-minnesota.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-45 days
Filing fee: $365
Average legal fees: $9,000
Divorce rate: 10.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 32.96
23
Wisconsin
![Milwaukee, Wisconsin](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/01/aerial-drone-milwaukee-marina-wisconsin.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 120 days
Filing fee: $184.50
Average legal fees: $8,900
Divorce rate: 10.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 33.05
22
Delaware
![The aerial view of the beach town, fishing port and waterfront residential homes along the canal Lewes Delaware](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/02/lewes-delaware.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $165
Average legal fees: $12,800
Divorce rate: 11.1 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 35.86
21
Louisiana
![New Orleans, Louisiana skyline](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/shutterstock_701484019.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 20-180 days
Filing fee: $200
Average legal fees: $10,000
Divorce rate: 11.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 38.67
20
Illinois
![cityscape photo of downtown Aurora, Illinois](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/chicago-illinois.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $334
Average legal fees: $10,900
Divorce rate: 9.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 40.65
19
Oregon
![Eugene, Oregon, USA downtown cityscape at dusk.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/07/oregon-face-mask.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 45-60 days
Filing fee: $301
Average legal fees: $10,000
Divorce rate: 12.8 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 41.41
18
Pennsylvania
![Philadelphia downtown skyline with blue sky and white cloud](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/philadelphia-pennsylvania.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90-120 days
Filing fee: $201.75
Average legal fees: $11,300
Divorce rate: 9.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 42.34
17
Arizona
![An aerial shot of skyscrapers that make up the skyline of Phoenix, Arizona](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/skyline-phoenix-arizona-extremely-high-risk-covid.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-80 days
Filing fee: $280
Average legal fees: $10,300
Divorce rate: 12.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 43.65
16
New Jersey
![New Jersey](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/nj.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60 days
Filing fee: $300
Average legal fees: $12,300
Divorce rate: 8.5 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 45.25
15
Kansas
![cityscape photo of downtown Manhattan, Kansas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/01/manhattan-kansas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $8,600
Divorce rate: 11.2 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 46.02
14
Ohio
![cityscape photo of downtown Columbus, Ohio](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/12/columbus-ohio.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-90 days
Filing fee: $350, though cost varies by district
Average legal fees: $9,900
Divorce rate: 12.0 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 46.12
13
Mississippi
![Jackson is the capital and most populous city of the U.S. state of Mississippi.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/jackson-mississippi.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60-90 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $8,700
Divorce rate: 11.6 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 47.57
12
Alabama
![cityscape photo of a highway, homes, and buildings in Mobile, Alabama](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/mobile-alabama-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $9,900
Divorce rate: 12.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 48.89
11
New Hampshire
![Lake Sunapee is located within Sullivan County and Merrimack County in western New Hampshire, the United States. It is the fifth-largest lake located entirely in New Hampshire.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/lake-sunapee-new-hampshire.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 60 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $9,700
Divorce rate: 11.9 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 50.34
10
New York
![New York's Central Park](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/10/ny.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-45 days
Filing fee: $335
Average legal fees: $13,500
Divorce rate: 8.8 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 51.27
And for one factor that predicts your likelihood of getting divorced, check out The More Money You Spend on This, the More Likely You Are to Divorce.
9
Colorado
![skyline and mountains in Colorado Springs, Colorado at dusk](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/colorado-springs-colorado-1.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90-120 days
Filing fee: $230
Average legal fees: $11,400
Divorce rate: 11.9 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 51.52
8
Washington
![cityscape photo of a church, buildings, and trees in Spokane, Washington](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/spokane-washington.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90 days
Filing fee: $314
Average legal fees: $10,600
Divorce rate: 11.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 52.38
7
Texas
![cityscape photo of Laredo, Texas](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/laredo-texas.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 61-90 days
Filing fee: $300
Average legal fees: $12,400
Divorce rate: 10.6 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 54.70
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6
Georgia
![square and pink trees in downtown Macon, Georgia](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/macon-georgia.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $11,600
Divorce rate: 11.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 55.90
5
Florida
![landscape photo of a pier in Gainesville, which is a town near Lake, City Florida](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/town-near-lake-city-florida.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 30-60 days
Filing fee: $409, though cost varies by county
Average legal fees: $10,700
Divorce rate: 13.0 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 56.10
4
Massachusetts
![cityscape photos of buildings and shops in Quincy Market in Boston, Massachusetts at twilight](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/boston-massachusetts.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 180 days
Filing fee: $200
Average legal fees: $12,600
Divorce rate: 10.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 66.71
3
Connecticut
![aerial view of new haven](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/08/new-haven-connecticut.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 90-120 days
Filing fee: $360
Average legal fees: $12,200
Divorce rate: 10.7 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 67.53
2
Rhode Island
![cityscape photo of pier and building in downtown Providence, Rhode Island](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/11/providence-rhode-island.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 150 days
Filing fee: $400
Average legal fees: $10,400
Divorce rate: 11.1 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 73.62
1
California
![Aerial afternoon view of the historic religious center of downtown Pomona, California, USA.](https://bestlifeonline.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2021/03/pomona-california.jpg?quality=82&strip=all)
Minimum time to finalize a divorce: 183.5 days (6 months plus 1 day)
Filing fee: $435
Average legal fees: $13,800
Divorce rate: 9.3 percent
Divorce Disaster Index Score: 100.00
And for the state where a certain kind of risqué relationship reigns, check out The Kinkiest State in America, According to Data.