Legal Cost Calculator

Type of Divorce

Child Custody Dispute

Marital Assets to Divide

Expected Duration (Months)

years

Expert Witnesses Needed

Results

Estimated Total Divorce Cost —

Attorney Fees —

Court & Filing Fees —

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Methodology

This calculator estimates divorce costs based on key factors that impact legal expenses. The base cost starts with the type of divorce (uncontested vs. contested), then multiplies by complexity factors including child custody disputes, asset division complexity, and expert witness requirements. Duration is calculated monthly, as longer divorces accumulate more attorney billable hours. Attorney fees assume an average hourly rate of $250-350, with uncontested divorces requiring 10-15 hours and contested trials requiring 50+ hours. Court filing fees include initial filing ($300-400), service fees, and potential mediation costs. High-asset cases incur additional appraisal and documentation fees. This provides a realistic range for consumers to budget for divorce proceedings.

Legal Cost Breakdown

Uncontested Divorce (No Children)

Low

$500

Average

$2,000

High

$5,000

Uncontested Divorce (With Children)

Low

$1,500

Average

$4,000

High

$8,000

Contested Divorce (No Children)

Low

$5,000

Average

$12,000

High

$25,000

Contested Divorce (With Children)

Low

$10,000

Average

$20,000

High

$50,000

High-Conflict/High-Asset Divorce

Low

$25,000

Average

$60,000

High

$150,000

Cost Factors

Child Custody Disputes

🔴 high

Contested custody arrangements require additional court hearings, evaluations, and attorney time, often adding $5,000-$30,000 to total costs

Asset Complexity and Division

🔴 high

Multiple properties, businesses, retirement accounts, and investments require appraisals and expert valuations, potentially adding $10,000-$50,000+

Attorney Hourly Rate

🔴 high

Divorce attorney rates typically range from $150-$500+ per hour depending on location and experience, directly impacting total legal fees

Mediation vs. Litigation

🔴 high

Mediation costs $3,000-$8,000 on average, while going to trial can add $15,000-$100,000+ in attorney fees and court costs

Court Filing and Administrative Fees

🟡 medium

Filing fees vary by state from $200-$500, plus additional costs for serving papers, document copies, and court reporter fees

How to Use This Calculator

About Our Calculator

Our Legal cost calculator uses current market data and industry benchmarks to provide accurate estimates. While actual costs may vary, this tool gives you a solid starting point for budgeting.

What Affects Legal Costs?

Several factors influence your total cost:

Scope: Larger projects naturally cost more
Quality: Premium options come at a premium price
Location: Costs vary significantly by region
Timing: Seasonal demand affects pricing
Provider: Prices vary 20-40% between providers

Next Steps

After getting your estimate:

Compare top providers in our directory
Read reviews from verified customers
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Frequently Asked Questions

How accurate is this calculator?

Our calculator uses current market data and is typically accurate within 10-15% of actual costs. For a precise quote, we recommend contacting providers directly.

What if my estimate seems too high?

Check our [money-saving guide](/guides/save-money) for strategies to reduce costs. Getting multiple quotes is the best way to ensure competitive pricing.

Can I save my calculation?

You can download your amortization schedule as Excel or CSV using the buttons below the table. You can also bookmark this page with your current inputs.