What makes divorce cost so much?

In my 23 years of specializing in this niche, I have found that the biggest reason for high fees for divorcing couples is the following:
They are angry at each other and emotions overrule common sense. So they hide accounts from each other and they don't share important information. It's like they are saying, "I'll show you!" The result is that the attorneys have to subpoena that information. When that happens, the costs growth quickly. The information will come out eventually and in the meantime, the games people play could cost them thousands and thousands of dollars.

And if the couple ends up in trial in front of a Judge, if some information still has not been revealed, the Judge does not like that. Not at all! And this will damage the case of the person who has been uncooperative.

The least expensive divorces overall, have been the ones where the couple approaches it like two adults, just trying to dissolve their marriage in the least painful way possible. They share all information and try to come to an agreement with their attorneys as quickly (and less expensive) as they can. This way, they both end up with more assets in the end.