Our Pricing Approach to Divorce & Co-Parenting in DuPage County
Most clients facing divorce ask: “Can I afford this, and is it worth it?”
At Birt Family Law, we offer structured divorce services designed to keep families out of court using our Restorative Divorce model. Every situation is different, but most clients fall between $4,000 and $10,000 depending on their situation. The ranges below show typical pricing based on the level of support involved.
• Planning Session: $200 (30 min legal guidance) or $200 per person (mediation)
• Mediation: typically $2,000 to $6,000 per person
• Uncontested or Structured Support: typically $4,000 to $10,000
• Higher-conflict or more complex situations: typically $10,000 to $20,000
Most clients choose Structured Support to stay out of court while still having clear answers and a plan.
Compare Local and National Divorce Costs here.
Not sure where you fall?
Schedule a free 15-minute call, and we'll walk through it together. We offer flexible payment options, including flat-fee packages, hourly support, and monthly plans through Affirm.
Quick Links:
- - Pricing
- - Service Levels
- - How It Works
- - Guidance & Pricing PDF
- - Cost FAQs
- - Divorce Costs: Local vs National
- - Next Steps
Service Levels
Every family's situation is different. The general service levels below help you understand where you may fall.
When parents are largely in agreement
Flat-fee or limited-scope support to finalize agreements efficiently and correctly, without unnecessary court involvement.
When parents need structure and answers
Flat-fee or hourly rates for ongoing support with clear planning, negotiation, and decision-making to move forward in a steady and organized way.
For more complex situations
Hourly rates with expanded support for higher-conflict dynamics, financial complexity, or situations requiring more detailed legal strategy and coordination.
How It Works
Every case begins with a short call to make sure we're the right fit. From there, we guide you step by step.
Our 4-Step Divorce Process in DuPage County
• Step 1: 15-Minute Call
Start with a brief call with our team to discuss your situation and determine next steps
• Step 2: Planning Session with Erin Birt
A focused session to review your legal, financial, and parenting considerations and map out your path forward.
• Step 3: Choose Your Service Plan
Select a flat-fee or structured support option based on your needs and level of agreement.
• Step 4: Move Forward with a Clear Plan
Begin your divorce or mediation process with defined steps, support, and a clear direction.
This step-by-step divorce and mediation process is designed for families in DuPage County and throughout Illinois seeking structured, out-of-court solutions.
Guidance Through Divorce
Divorce is not just a legal process. It's a major life transition that affects your children, your finances, and your future.
Our goal is to bring structure and clarity to that process so you can make thoughtful decisions, avoid unnecessary conflict, and move forward with confidence.
Whether you are working through this individually or together through mediation, you will have a clear path, a defined plan, and steady guidance at each step.
Download our Divorce Pricing Guide for future reference or to share.
Cost FAQs
What does a divorce cost in DuPage County, Illinois?
The cost of a divorce in DuPage County depends on the level of conflict, financial complexity, and how the case is resolved. Most parents working with Birt Family Law invest between $4,000 and $10,000 for structured, out-of-court support. Simpler matters may cost less, while more complex situations may require a higher level of support.
How much does divorce mediation cost in Illinois?
Divorce mediation typically ranges from $2,000 to $6,000 per person, depending on the number of sessions and complexity of the issues. Mediation is often significantly more affordable than litigation and allows parents to maintain control over decisions rather than relying on the court.
What is a flat-fee divorce?
A flat-fee divorce is a structured legal service where the cost is agreed upon in advance based on the scope of work. This approach provides predictability and works well for parents who are ready to move forward in a focused and organized way.
Is an uncontested divorce cheaper?
Yes. An uncontested divorce is generally more affordable because both parents agree on the major terms, reducing the need for extended negotiation or court involvement. Legal guidance remains important to ensure agreements are complete, enforceable, and aligned with Illinois law.
Do you offer payment plans for divorce services?
Yes. Flexible payment options are available, including monthly plans through Affirm, allowing parents to move forward without delaying important decisions due to upfront cost concerns.
Is hiring a divorce attorney or mediator worth the cost?
For many families, working with an experienced attorney or mediator helps avoid costly mistakes, delays, and future disputes. A structured approach often leads to more efficient, balanced, and durable agreements, especially when children are involved.
What happens after the planning session?
After your planning session, you will receive a clear roadmap and a fee structure based on your goals and level of support needed. From there, you can decide how to move forward, whether through mediation, structured legal support, or another appropriate path.
Most parents reach this page when they're trying to understand both the cost and the process. The next step is a Planning Session, where we walk through your situation and outline a clear path forward.
Schedule Your Planning Session
Not ready yet? Start with a 15-minute call
Divorce Costs: Local vs. National
I understand that cost is one of the biggest concerns when facing divorce. My goal is to provide clarity from the beginning so you can make informed decisions without unnecessary stress or expense.
Every family is different. Part of my role is helping you choose the right level of support, not more than you need and not less than you deserve.
In the Chicagoland area, most amicable divorces with legal or mediation support typically fall in the range of $7,500 to $8,500 per person, based on my 20+ years of experience.
Here's how your situation compares:
• National sources like Forbes and Divorce.com report average divorce costs ranging from $7,000 to $20,000
• High-conflict or high-asset cases often exceed $30,000 per person
• Mediation-focused cases, according to NOLO, typically range from $3,000 to $10,000 total and are often shared between spousesAs a former divorce litigator, I have seen cases exceed $100,000 in fees.
Today, my focus is different. Most clients come to me trying to avoid the higher end of these ranges. I provide structure, clarity, and forward momentum so you can move through this process efficiently, avoid unnecessary expense, and make decisions that support your long-term goals.
~ Erin Birt, J.D., CADC
Next Steps
✔ Book Your Free 15-Minute Call to see if we're a good fit.
✔ Schedule a Personalized Planning Session for a clear roadmap.
✔ Move forward with a structured, resolution-focused path.
You can schedule your free 15-minute call or your in-depth planning session here.
