Low-Cost Divorce Options
| Option | Cost Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Divorce (DIY) | $262.25 (filing only) | No children, no property, total agreement |
| Uncontested (lawyer) | $1,500-$3,000 | Simple cases with full agreement |
| Mediation | $3,000-$8,000 | Cooperative parties, moderate complexity |
| Contested (litigation) | $15,000-$50,000+ | High conflict, complex assets |
Cost Reduction Strategies
- Be organized: Gather all documents before meeting with lawyer
- Use email: For non-urgent matters (saves phone call billing)
- Prepare questions: Write down questions before consultations
- Stay focused: Don't use lawyer for emotional venting
- Avoid litigation: Negotiate and compromise where possible
- Respond promptly: Delays increase costs
- Review bills: Ask questions about charges you don't understand
Unbundled Legal Services
Pay only for specific services you need:
- Document review: Lawyer checks your DIY documents
- Legal advice session: One-time consultation
- Court appearance only: Represent yourself except for court
- Negotiation assistance: Lawyer handles specific negotiation
- Document preparation: Lawyer drafts specific documents
Free & Low-Cost Resources
Legal Aid Alberta
Free legal help for qualifying low-income Albertans. Family law coverage available.
Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Free legal advice and document preparation for those who qualify.
Lawyer Referral Service
Law Society of Alberta offers 30-minute consultations for nominal fee.
Resolution Services
Alberta government subsidized mediation services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cheapest divorce is uncontested with no property or children: Joint Divorce Application ($262.25 filing fee) + basic legal review. DIY is possible but risky. Desk divorces (no court appearance) cost less. Mediation is cheaper than litigation if both parties cooperate.
Be organized (gather documents before meetings), use email for non-urgent matters, prepare questions in advance, stay focused during consultations, avoid unnecessary litigation, consider unbundled services, and don't call repeatedly about the same issue.
In Alberta, only lawyers can provide legal advice and represent you in court for divorce matters. Paralegals can prepare documents under lawyer supervision. For simple uncontested divorces, document preparation services may suffice, but complex cases need full legal representation.