Direct Costs

1. The Lawyer ⚖️

To get divorced, you need a lawyer. They file the divorce petition with the court and guide you through the process. Legal fees for a divorce vary greatly. A lawyer can charge between €100 and €400 per hour. The more complicated the divorce, the higher the legal costs. In any case, expect to pay a few thousand euros.

If you and your (ex-)partner are still able to communicate well, you can choose to hire a single lawyer together. This lawyer remains neutral and will guide both of you through the process. If it is more difficult to reach agreements without legal support, each of you can hire your own lawyer. These lawyers will represent your individual interests.  Total legal costs will be higher in that case.

If you have a low income, legal fees can be (partially) covered. The lawyer will apply for a government subsidy through the Legal Aid Board. Some costs may also be reimbursed by your legal expenses insurance.

‍

2. Court Fees (Griffierecht) 🧑⚖️

In addition to lawyer fees, you must also pay court fees. This is a fee you pay at the beginning of the legal process to the court for handling the case. As of 2025, court fees amount to €331. If you have a low income, you can ask your municipality for special assistance to cover this fee.

‍

3. Mediation ✏️

Sometimes it is not possible to reach agreements with your (ex-)partner about children, finances, housing, or possessions due to emotions, misunderstandings, or mistrust. In such cases, it can be helpful to hire a mediator. A mediator can assist you in reaching agreements and work toward solutions.

Costs vary per mediator, but typically you pay about €150 per hour. The final amount depends on the duration and number of sessions. As with lawyer fees, the government may (partially) reimburse mediation costs if you have a low income.

‍

Indirect Costs

Divorce also brings various indirect costs and can have a major impact on your financial situation. Depending on your ex-partner's income, you may need to pay spousal and/or child support. Often, a divorce results in one or both partners moving house, which comes with additional costs. Moreover, your housing expenses may increase after the divorce, as you will now be responsible for fixed costs (such as rent/mortgage, taxes, insurance, and utilities bills) on your own.

‍

Track Your Spending 📱

To stay in control of your expenses during the emotional period of a divorce, you can use the free Grassfeld app. The app gives you a clear overview of your financial situation and automatically categorizes your income and spending, so you know exactly where your money is going. Download the Grassfeld app now in your App Store or Play Store.