Our Methodology

Divorce Cost Estimator

The full divorce cost calculator combines several state-specific inputs to produce an estimate range. Attorney fees, the largest variable, are calculated using your state's hourly rate range multiplied by the typical hours required for each divorce type: 5 to 15 hours for uncontested, 10 to 30 hours for mediated, 20 to 50 hours for collaborative, and 40 to 200 hours for contested.

Asset complexity, marriage length, and combined household income each apply multipliers to the attorney fee calculation. Higher complexity and longer marriages typically require more attorney time. Higher income brackets generally face higher hourly rates because of the legal market they draw from.

Court filing fees come directly from state court websites and are verified quarterly. Mediator fees use each state's average per-session cost multiplied by typical session counts for the divorce type chosen. Custody evaluation costs are sourced from national averages for family-court psychological evaluations and only apply when there is a contested custody dispute. Real estate fees and QDRO costs are based on professional fee surveys, layered in only when the inputs indicate they apply (homeownership, retirement assets, complex property).

Child Support Calculator

Child support in the United States falls into three formula types, and the calculator applies the one used by your state.

• Income Shares Model(used by 39 states): Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total child support obligation is determined from a guideline schedule, and the obligation is split between parents proportionally to their share of the combined income.
• Percentage of Income Model(used by 10 states): Child support is calculated as a fixed percentage of the paying parent's gross income, with the percentage rising for additional children.
• Melson Formula(used by Delaware, Hawaii, and Montana): The formula reserves a self-support amount for each parent first, then calculates the child's share of the remaining income. This produces lower payments for lower-income parents than the other models.

Our income shares tables are based on national guideline averages. Individual states publish their own guideline tables, so results may vary modestly from official state worksheets. The calculator also applies adjustments for shared parenting time (typically 40% or more overnights), health insurance paid by the paying parent, and work-related childcare costs.

Alimony / Spousal Support Calculator

Alimony estimation works differently across the 50 states, and the calculator handles each category.

• Formula states apply a percentage of the income difference between the spouses, scaled by a marriage-length factor.
• Discretionary stateshave no formula. Our calculator weighs the statutory factors listed in the state's code alongside marriage length, income difference, and the standard of living during the marriage.
• Hybrid states use a formula as a starting point but allow the judge to deviate. The calculator returns a blended estimate that reflects both the formula result and the discretionary range.

Each result includes a confidence level (High, Medium, or Low) that reflects how predictable the outcome is for that state. Formula states score High because the math is fixed. Discretionary states score Low because the judge has wide latitude. The calculator also assesses likelihood of an alimony award as Unlikely, Possible, Likely, or Very Likely based on the income gap and marriage length.

Accuracy and Limitations

• All estimates are ranges, not guarantees. The calculator is a planning tool, not a prediction of what a court will order.
• Individual cases vary based on the specific judge, attorney, opposing counsel, and facts of the case.
• Self-employment income, business valuations, and hidden assets are not fully captured by the calculator. These cases often require forensic accounting that adds cost beyond our estimate.
• Contested cases involving custody disputes, domestic violence allegations, or financial misconduct can cost significantly more than our typical contested estimate.
• State laws change. We verify data quarterly but recommend confirming any specific number with a licensed attorney in your state.

DCE State Score

The DCE State Score is a 0 to 100 composite ranking the 50 states by how favorable the divorce environment tends to be. The score combines three sub-scores.

• Cost Score(0 to 40 points): The state's average uncontested divorce cost compared against the national baseline. Lower cost earns a higher score.
• Complexity Score (0 to 30 points): Considers waiting periods, residency requirements, mediation requirements, alimony formula type, and custody discretion level. Less complexity earns a higher score.
• Timeline Score (0 to 30 points): Contested and uncontested duration compared against national averages. Faster resolution earns a higher score.

Across the 50 states, realized scores currently span 37 to 77. Arkansas is the highest at 77, driven by low costs, fast timelines, and minimal procedural friction. California is the lowest at 37, reflecting higher attorney rates, a six-month waiting period, and longer typical case duration. The full 0 to 100 scale leaves room for future states or rule changes to push beyond the current range.

The score is a general guide only. A high score does not mean divorce is easy or inexpensive in that state. It means it tends to be more straightforward than average.