Family Law Legal Cost Calculator
Explore likely attorney and paralegal labor costs for custody, support, guardianship, and related family law matters. These educational numbers are not legal advice.
Inputs
Phase sliders
Adjust hours for each phase below. Trial hours scale with days × hours/day × (1 − settlement probability).
Narrative overview
Likely blended labor cost: $39,992 based on 124.2 hr of work at a blended rate of $322/hr. External costs add $3,200. Range: $31,099 – $55,286 (±28%). Expected fee-shift credit ≈ $800 (probability adjusted). Retainer shortfall (likely): $37,192.
Educational estimate only — not legal advice. Case facts, court scheduling, opposing behavior, and local rules drive actual outcomes.
Estimate highlights
Likely total cost
$43,192
Labor + external
Likely labor cost
$39,992
External costs
$3,200
Guardian + other
Likely blended rate
$322
Attorney/paralegal weighted
Likely hours
124.2 hr
Retainer shortfall
$37,192
Low (min)
$31,099
Lower bound with ± uncertainty
High (max)
$55,286
Upper bound with ± uncertainty
Expected fee-shift credit
$800
Probability-adjusted
Attorney vs. paralegal hours
86.9 hr / 37.3 hr
Likely distribution
Phase visualization
See which phases drive expected effort so you can focus negotiations and staffing.
Email my calculations
Receive a printable breakdown (PDF) to revisit your calculations later.
Curious how legal cost structures differ for divorce cases? Explore our Divorce Legal Cost Calculator.
How to use the Family Law Legal Cost Calculator
Budget for custody agreements, guardianships, and support modifications by tallying attorney retainers, filing fees, and expert help.
- Pick the case type so the tool can load typical timelines and complexity levels.
- Add hourly rates, flat fees, or mediator charges for the professionals on your team.
- List court filing fees, service-of-process costs, and document preparation expenses.
- Compare the estimate with your available cash and consider payment plans if necessary.
Family Law Legal Cost Calculator key terms
Knowing how each field influences the results keeps the math grounded in reality.
Guardian ad litem
A court-appointed advocate for a child’s best interests. Their fees are often split between parties.
Temporary orders
Interim rulings on custody or support that require additional hearings and legal work.
Alternative dispute resolution
Mediation or arbitration can resolve issues faster than traditional court, changing both cost and timeline.
Family Law Legal Cost Calculator planning ideas
Try running a few “what if” scenarios to translate the numbers into real-world decisions.
Settle out of court
Compare mediation fees with trial prep expenses to motivate collaborative approaches.
Add professional evaluations
Model the cost of custody evaluations or financial experts before you agree to them.
Phase-based budgeting
Split the case into investigation, negotiation, and hearing phases to schedule savings withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
Can legal aid help with family law matters?
Eligibility varies by state, but documenting your expected costs helps demonstrate need when applying for sliding-scale or pro bono assistance.
What if the other party delays the case?
Use the calculator to add contingency hours for unexpected hearings. Having a buffer protects you from surprise invoices.