Legal separation basic costs range from $0 for informal separation to $2,000+ for professional assistance

The initial act of legally separating from your spouse is free of charge, as there’s no formal court filing required to live apart. However, creating a formal separation agreement typically involves costs:

  • DIY separation agreement: Only basic documentation costs
  • Lawyer-drafted agreement: $1,000-$3,000 depending on complexity
  • Mediation services: $500-$2,500 for professional assistance
  • Legal consultation fees: $300-$500 per hour if needed

While you can separate informally without cost, investing in professional legal assistance helps ensure your rights are protected and all important matters like property division, support payments, and parenting arrangements are properly documented.