Divorce Cost Calculator
Plan for the financial aspects of divorce with this comprehensive cost calculator. Whether you're considering an amicable uncontested divorce or facing complex contested proceedings, get realistic estimates for attorney fees, mediator costs, expert witnesses, and court fees. The calculator considers factors like marriage length, asset complexity, custody disputes, and spousal support to provide low and high estimates for your situation.
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export function divorceCostCalculator(form: FormTs) {
// Divorce types and base complexity
const divorceTypes: Record<string, { baseFee: number, hours: number }> = {
'uncontested-simple': { baseFee: 1500, hours: 5 },
'uncontested-assets': { baseFee: 3000, hours: 12 },
'mediated': { baseFee: 4500, hours: 18 },
'collaborative': { baseFee: 7500, hours: 30 },
'contested-simple': { baseFee: 8000, hours: 35 },
'contested-complex': { baseFee: 15000, hours: 60 },
'high-conflict': { baseFee: 25000, hours: 100 },
'high-net-worth': { baseFee: 35000, hours: 150 }
};
// Attorney rates
const attorneyRates: Record<string, number> = {
'associate': 275,
'senior-associate': 375,
'partner': 500,
'senior-partner': 650
};
form.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('header', {
computedValue: () => 'Divorce Cost Calculator',
customStyles: { 'font-size': '1.5rem', 'font-weight': '600', 'color': '#1e293b' }
});
});
form.addSpacer({ height: 20 });
// Case Type Section
const caseSection = form.addSubform('caseType', { title: '⚖️ Case Overview' });
caseSection.addRow(row => {
row.addDropdown('type', {
label: 'Case Type',
options: [
{ id: 'uncontested-simple', name: 'Uncontested - Simple (No assets/children)' },
{ id: 'uncontested-assets', name: 'Uncontested - With Assets' },
{ id: 'mediated', name: 'Mediated Divorce' },
{ id: 'collaborative', name: 'Collaborative Divorce' },
{ id: 'contested-simple', name: 'Contested - Limited Issues' },
{ id: 'contested-complex', name: 'Contested - Complex' },
{ id: 'high-conflict', name: 'High Conflict' },
{ id: 'high-net-worth', name: 'High Net Worth' }
],
defaultValue: 'uncontested-assets',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addDropdown('marriageLength', {
label: 'Length of Marriage',
options: [
{ id: 'short', name: 'Less than 5 years' },
{ id: 'medium', name: '5-10 years' },
{ id: 'long', name: '10-20 years (+15%)' },
{ id: 'very-long', name: '20+ years (+30%)' }
],
defaultValue: 'medium',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
caseSection.addRow(row => {
row.addDropdown('jurisdiction', {
label: 'State / Jurisdiction',
options: [
{ id: 'low-cost', name: 'Lower Cost State' },
{ id: 'average', name: 'Average Cost State' },
{ id: 'high-cost', name: 'High Cost State (CA, NY, MA)' }
],
defaultValue: 'average',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addDropdown('attorneyLevel', {
label: 'Attorney Level',
options: [
{ id: 'associate', name: 'Associate ($275/hr)' },
{ id: 'senior-associate', name: 'Senior Associate ($375/hr)' },
{ id: 'partner', name: 'Partner ($500/hr)' },
{ id: 'senior-partner', name: 'Senior Partner ($650/hr)' }
],
defaultValue: 'senior-associate',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
// Children Section
const childrenSection = form.addSubform('children', { title: '👨👩👧👦 Children & Custody' });
childrenSection.addRow(row => {
row.addDropdown('childrenCount', {
label: 'Number of Minor Children',
options: [
{ id: '0', name: 'No minor children' },
{ id: '1', name: '1 child' },
{ id: '2', name: '2 children (+$500)' },
{ id: '3+', name: '3+ children (+$1,000)' }
],
defaultValue: '0',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addDropdown('custodyDispute', {
label: 'Custody Situation',
options: [
{ id: 'none', name: 'N/A - No children' },
{ id: 'agreed', name: 'Custody Agreed' },
{ id: 'negotiating', name: 'Negotiating (+$2,000)' },
{ id: 'disputed', name: 'Contested Custody (+$5,000)' },
{ id: 'high-conflict', name: 'High Conflict (+$10,000)' }
],
defaultValue: 'none',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
childrenSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('childSupport', {
label: 'Child Support Calculation (+$500)',
defaultValue: false,
isVisible: () => childrenSection.dropdown('childrenCount')?.value() !== '0'
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('parentingPlan', {
label: 'Detailed Parenting Plan (+$750)',
defaultValue: false,
isVisible: () => childrenSection.dropdown('childrenCount')?.value() !== '0'
}, '1fr');
});
// Assets Section
const assetsSection = form.addSubform('assets', { title: '💰 Assets & Property' });
assetsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addDropdown('assetComplexity', {
label: 'Asset Complexity',
options: [
{ id: 'minimal', name: 'Minimal (Rent, few assets)' },
{ id: 'simple', name: 'Simple (Home, retirement)' },
{ id: 'moderate', name: 'Moderate (Multiple properties)' },
{ id: 'complex', name: 'Complex (Business interests)' },
{ id: 'very-complex', name: 'Very Complex (Multiple businesses)' }
],
defaultValue: 'simple',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addDropdown('totalAssets', {
label: 'Estimated Marital Assets',
options: [
{ id: 'under-100k', name: 'Under $100,000' },
{ id: '100k-500k', name: '$100,000 - $500,000' },
{ id: '500k-1m', name: '$500,000 - $1 million' },
{ id: '1m-5m', name: '$1 - $5 million (+20%)' },
{ id: 'over-5m', name: 'Over $5 million (+40%)' }
],
defaultValue: '100k-500k',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
});
assetsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('businessValuation', {
label: 'Business Valuation Required (+$3,000-10,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('realEstateAppraisal', {
label: 'Real Estate Appraisal (+$500-1,500)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
assetsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('retirementQdro', {
label: 'QDRO for Retirement Accounts (+$750)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('debtDivision', {
label: 'Complex Debt Division (+$500)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
// Spousal Support Section
const supportSection = form.addSubform('support', { title: '💵 Spousal Support' });
supportSection.addRow(row => {
row.addDropdown('alimony', {
label: 'Spousal Support / Alimony',
options: [
{ id: 'none', name: 'Not Applicable' },
{ id: 'agreed', name: 'Amount Agreed' },
{ id: 'negotiate', name: 'Negotiating (+$1,500)' },
{ id: 'contested', name: 'Contested (+$4,000)' }
],
defaultValue: 'none',
isRequired: true
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('incomeAnalysis', {
label: 'Income Analysis Required (+$1,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
// Additional Services Section
const addonsSection = form.addSubform('addons', { title: '✨ Additional Services' });
addonsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('mediator', {
label: 'Mediation Services (+$2,000-5,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('forensicAccountant', {
label: 'Forensic Accountant (+$5,000-15,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
addonsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('custodyEvaluator', {
label: 'Custody Evaluator (+$3,000-8,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('vocationalExpert', {
label: 'Vocational Expert (+$2,000-5,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
addonsSection.addRow(row => {
row.addCheckbox('privateInvestigator', {
label: 'Private Investigator (+$2,000-10,000)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
row.addCheckbox('therapistConsult', {
label: 'Therapist Consultation (+$500)',
defaultValue: false
}, '1fr');
});
form.addSpacer({ height: 20, showLine: true, lineStyle: 'dashed' });
// Summary Section
const summarySection = form.addSubform('summary', { title: '💰 Cost Estimate', isCollapsible: false });
summarySection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('attorneyFees', {
label: 'Attorney Fees',
computedValue: () => {
const type = caseSection.dropdown('type')?.value() || 'uncontested-assets';
const marriageLength = caseSection.dropdown('marriageLength')?.value() || 'medium';
const jurisdiction = caseSection.dropdown('jurisdiction')?.value() || 'average';
let fee = divorceTypes[type]?.baseFee ?? 0;
// Marriage length
const lengthMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'short': 0.9, 'medium': 1.0, 'long': 1.15, 'very-long': 1.3
};
fee *= lengthMultipliers[marriageLength] || 1.0;
// Jurisdiction
const jurisdictionMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'low-cost': 0.8, 'average': 1.0, 'high-cost': 1.4
};
fee *= jurisdictionMultipliers[jurisdiction] || 1.0;
return Math.round(fee);
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('childrenFees', {
label: 'Children-Related',
computedValue: () => {
let total = 0;
const childrenCount = childrenSection.dropdown('childrenCount')?.value() || '0';
const custodyDispute = childrenSection.dropdown('custodyDispute')?.value() || 'none';
if (childrenCount === '2') total += 500;
if (childrenCount === '3+') total += 1000;
const custodyFees: Record<string, number> = {
'none': 0, 'agreed': 0, 'negotiating': 2000,
'disputed': 5000, 'high-conflict': 10000
};
total += custodyFees[custodyDispute] || 0;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('childSupport')?.value()) total += 500;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('parentingPlan')?.value()) total += 750;
return total;
},
variant: 'default',
prefix: '+'
}, '1fr');
});
summarySection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('assetFees', {
label: 'Asset Division',
computedValue: () => {
let total = 0;
const assetComplexity = assetsSection.dropdown('assetComplexity')?.value() || 'simple';
const totalAssets = assetsSection.dropdown('totalAssets')?.value() || '100k-500k';
// Complexity
const complexityFees: Record<string, number> = {
'minimal': 0, 'simple': 500, 'moderate': 1500,
'complex': 3500, 'very-complex': 7500
};
total += complexityFees[assetComplexity] || 0;
// Asset value multiplier
if (totalAssets === '1m-5m') total *= 1.2;
if (totalAssets === 'over-5m') total *= 1.4;
// Specific services
if (assetsSection.checkbox('businessValuation')?.value()) total += 5000;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('realEstateAppraisal')?.value()) total += 1000;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('retirementQdro')?.value()) total += 750;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('debtDivision')?.value()) total += 500;
return Math.round(total);
},
variant: 'default',
prefix: '+'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('supportFees', {
label: 'Spousal Support',
computedValue: () => {
let total = 0;
const alimony = supportSection.dropdown('alimony')?.value() || 'none';
const alimonyFees: Record<string, number> = {
'none': 0, 'agreed': 0, 'negotiate': 1500, 'contested': 4000
};
total += alimonyFees[alimony] || 0;
if (supportSection.checkbox('incomeAnalysis')?.value()) total += 1000;
return total;
},
variant: 'default',
prefix: '+'
}, '1fr');
});
summarySection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('expertFees', {
label: 'Expert & Additional',
computedValue: () => {
let total = 0;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('mediator')?.value()) total += 3500;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('forensicAccountant')?.value()) total += 10000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('custodyEvaluator')?.value()) total += 5500;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('vocationalExpert')?.value()) total += 3500;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('privateInvestigator')?.value()) total += 6000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('therapistConsult')?.value()) total += 500;
return total;
},
variant: 'default',
prefix: '+'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('courtFees', {
label: 'Est. Court Filing Fees',
computedValue: () => {
const jurisdiction = caseSection.dropdown('jurisdiction')?.value() || 'average';
const fees: Record<string, number> = {
'low-cost': 300, 'average': 450, 'high-cost': 650
};
return fees[jurisdiction] || 450;
},
variant: 'default',
prefix: '+'
}, '1fr');
});
const finalSection = form.addSubform('final', {
title: '🧾 Total Estimate',
isCollapsible: false,
sticky: 'bottom'
});
finalSection.addRow(row => {
row.addPriceDisplay('lowEstimate', {
label: 'Low Estimate',
computedValue: () => {
// Calculate all fees then apply 0.8 multiplier for low estimate
const type = caseSection.dropdown('type')?.value() || 'uncontested-assets';
const marriageLength = caseSection.dropdown('marriageLength')?.value() || 'medium';
const jurisdiction = caseSection.dropdown('jurisdiction')?.value() || 'average';
let fee = divorceTypes[type]?.baseFee ?? 0;
const lengthMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'short': 0.9, 'medium': 1.0, 'long': 1.15, 'very-long': 1.3
};
const jurisdictionMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'low-cost': 0.8, 'average': 1.0, 'high-cost': 1.4
};
fee *= lengthMultipliers[marriageLength] || 1.0;
fee *= jurisdictionMultipliers[jurisdiction] || 1.0;
// Add all other costs (simplified)
let total = fee;
// Children
const childrenCount = childrenSection.dropdown('childrenCount')?.value() || '0';
const custodyDispute = childrenSection.dropdown('custodyDispute')?.value() || 'none';
if (childrenCount === '2') total += 500;
if (childrenCount === '3+') total += 1000;
const custodyFees: Record<string, number> = { 'negotiating': 2000, 'disputed': 5000, 'high-conflict': 10000 };
total += custodyFees[custodyDispute] || 0;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('childSupport')?.value()) total += 500;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('parentingPlan')?.value()) total += 750;
// Assets
const assetComplexity = assetsSection.dropdown('assetComplexity')?.value() || 'simple';
const complexityFees: Record<string, number> = { 'simple': 500, 'moderate': 1500, 'complex': 3500, 'very-complex': 7500 };
total += complexityFees[assetComplexity] || 0;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('businessValuation')?.value()) total += 3000;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('realEstateAppraisal')?.value()) total += 500;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('retirementQdro')?.value()) total += 750;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('debtDivision')?.value()) total += 500;
// Support
const alimony = supportSection.dropdown('alimony')?.value() || 'none';
const alimonyFees: Record<string, number> = { 'negotiate': 1500, 'contested': 4000 };
total += alimonyFees[alimony] || 0;
if (supportSection.checkbox('incomeAnalysis')?.value()) total += 1000;
// Experts (low estimates)
if (addonsSection.checkbox('mediator')?.value()) total += 2000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('forensicAccountant')?.value()) total += 5000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('custodyEvaluator')?.value()) total += 3000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('vocationalExpert')?.value()) total += 2000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('privateInvestigator')?.value()) total += 2000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('therapistConsult')?.value()) total += 500;
// Court fees
const courtFees: Record<string, number> = { 'low-cost': 300, 'average': 450, 'high-cost': 650 };
total += courtFees[jurisdiction] || 450;
return Math.round(total * 0.85);
},
variant: 'default'
}, '1fr');
row.addPriceDisplay('highEstimate', {
label: 'High Estimate',
computedValue: () => {
const type = caseSection.dropdown('type')?.value() || 'uncontested-assets';
const marriageLength = caseSection.dropdown('marriageLength')?.value() || 'medium';
const jurisdiction = caseSection.dropdown('jurisdiction')?.value() || 'average';
let fee = divorceTypes[type]?.baseFee ?? 0;
const lengthMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'short': 0.9, 'medium': 1.0, 'long': 1.15, 'very-long': 1.3
};
const jurisdictionMultipliers: Record<string, number> = {
'low-cost': 0.8, 'average': 1.0, 'high-cost': 1.4
};
fee *= lengthMultipliers[marriageLength] || 1.0;
fee *= jurisdictionMultipliers[jurisdiction] || 1.0;
let total = fee;
const childrenCount = childrenSection.dropdown('childrenCount')?.value() || '0';
const custodyDispute = childrenSection.dropdown('custodyDispute')?.value() || 'none';
if (childrenCount === '2') total += 500;
if (childrenCount === '3+') total += 1000;
const custodyFees: Record<string, number> = { 'negotiating': 2000, 'disputed': 5000, 'high-conflict': 10000 };
total += custodyFees[custodyDispute] || 0;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('childSupport')?.value()) total += 500;
if (childrenSection.checkbox('parentingPlan')?.value()) total += 750;
const assetComplexity = assetsSection.dropdown('assetComplexity')?.value() || 'simple';
const totalAssets = assetsSection.dropdown('totalAssets')?.value() || '100k-500k';
const complexityFees: Record<string, number> = { 'simple': 500, 'moderate': 1500, 'complex': 3500, 'very-complex': 7500 };
let assetFees = complexityFees[assetComplexity] || 0;
if (totalAssets === '1m-5m') assetFees *= 1.2;
if (totalAssets === 'over-5m') assetFees *= 1.4;
total += assetFees;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('businessValuation')?.value()) total += 10000;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('realEstateAppraisal')?.value()) total += 1500;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('retirementQdro')?.value()) total += 750;
if (assetsSection.checkbox('debtDivision')?.value()) total += 500;
const alimony = supportSection.dropdown('alimony')?.value() || 'none';
const alimonyFees: Record<string, number> = { 'negotiate': 1500, 'contested': 4000 };
total += alimonyFees[alimony] || 0;
if (supportSection.checkbox('incomeAnalysis')?.value()) total += 1000;
// Experts (high estimates)
if (addonsSection.checkbox('mediator')?.value()) total += 5000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('forensicAccountant')?.value()) total += 15000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('custodyEvaluator')?.value()) total += 8000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('vocationalExpert')?.value()) total += 5000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('privateInvestigator')?.value()) total += 10000;
if (addonsSection.checkbox('therapistConsult')?.value()) total += 500;
const courtFees: Record<string, number> = { 'low-cost': 300, 'average': 450, 'high-cost': 650 };
total += courtFees[jurisdiction] || 450;
return Math.round(total * 1.25);
},
variant: 'large'
}, '1fr');
});
finalSection.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('rangeNote', {
computedValue: () => 'Estimates show typical range. Actual costs depend on case development and opposing party cooperation.',
customStyles: { 'font-size': '0.9rem', 'color': '#64748b', 'text-align': 'center' }
});
});
finalSection.addRow(row => {
row.addTextPanel('disclaimer', {
computedValue: () => 'This estimate is for planning purposes only. Divorce costs vary significantly based on case complexity, opposing counsel, and court requirements. A consultation will provide a more accurate assessment.',
customStyles: { 'font-size': '0.8rem', 'color': '#64748b', 'font-style': 'italic' }
});
});
form.configureSubmitButton({
label: 'Schedule Consultation'
});
}
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I reduce divorce costs?
The most effective ways to reduce costs are: reach agreements outside court, consider mediation, organize financial documents beforehand, communicate clearly with your attorney, and avoid using your lawyer for emotional support (use a therapist instead).
What's the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce means both parties agree on all terms (property division, custody, support). Contested divorces have disputes requiring court intervention. Uncontested divorces are significantly less expensive and faster.
Do I need my own attorney if my spouse has one?
While not legally required, it's strongly recommended. Even in amicable divorces, each party should have their agreement reviewed by an independent attorney to protect their interests.
What's included in the attorney fee estimate?
Attorney fees cover legal advice, document preparation, negotiations, court appearances, and correspondence. Expert fees (forensic accountants, custody evaluators) and court filing fees are separate and shown as additional costs.