What is a Divorce Calculator?
A divorce calculator is a comprehensive financial planning tool designed to help individuals understand the potential fiscal impact of ending a marriage. It estimates critical factors such as asset division, alimony (spousal support), child support, and the overall cost of legal proceedings.
While divorce laws vary significantly by state, our tool uses common formulas and national averages to provide a baseline estimate, helping you prepare for the financial transition ahead.
How to Estimate Divorce Costs
To get an accurate picture of your post-divorce financial landscape, follow these steps:
- 1Analyze Household IncomeInput the gross annual income for both spouses and the number of children to calculate potential support obligations.
- 2Inventory Marital AssetsEstimate the total value of shared assets, including home equity, retirement accounts, and savings that will be divided.
- 3Factor in Shared LiabilitiesInclude mortgages, car loans, and credit card debt to understand the net value of the marital estate.
- 4Review Support EstimatesExamine the estimated monthly alimony and child support payments based on common state guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a divorce cost?
The average cost of divorce in the US ranges from $7,000 for an uncontested divorce to $23,000+ for a contested one. Attorney fees are the largest expense at $250-$500/hour. Mediation ($5,000-$10,000) is typically much cheaper than litigation. Court filing fees, appraisals, and financial advisors add additional costs.
How is alimony calculated?
Alimony (spousal support) varies by state but generally considers the length of marriage, income disparity between spouses, standard of living during marriage, age and health, and earning capacity. Many states use a formula based on 30-40% of the difference in incomes. Duration is often tied to marriage length — short marriages may get 1-3 years while long marriages (20+ years) may receive permanent support.
How is child support determined?
Child support is determined by state guidelines that factor in both parents' incomes, the number of children, custody arrangement, healthcare costs, and childcare expenses. Most states use either an income-shares model (both parents' income considered) or a percentage-of-income model (based on the non-custodial parent's income). Support typically continues until the child turns 18 or graduates high school.
Divorce Facts
Average Savings
Mediation saves $15k+
Tax Treatment
Alimony is non-deductible
2026 Legal Fees
$350 - $600 / hour avg