Case Complexity Score Calculator
Score your divorce case on a 0-100 complexity scale to estimate attorney hours, total costs, and expected timeline based on the specific factors in your situation.
How the Complexity Score Works
The case complexity score assigns points based on factors that family law attorneys and courts recognize as key cost drivers in divorce proceedings. Each factor is weighted based on the additional time, expertise, and procedural requirements it introduces. The total score maps to one of four tiers, each associated with typical attorney hour ranges, cost estimates, and timelines drawn from national averages.
A contested divorce alone adds 20 points because it eliminates the possibility of a simple filing and requires negotiation or litigation on every issue. Children add 5 points each because custody schedules, support calculations, and parenting plans all require additional documentation and negotiation. Disputed custody adds 15 points because custody battles often require evaluations, guardian ad litem appointments, and extensive hearings.
Understanding the Tiers
Simple (0-20 points): These are typically uncontested divorces with few assets, no children, and mutual agreement on all issues. Many can be handled with limited attorney involvement or through online divorce services. Total costs are usually $3,000-$7,500 and the process takes 3-6 months.
Moderate (21-45 points): Cases with some contested issues, children with an agreed custody arrangement, or moderate property to divide. Mediation is often effective for moderate cases and can significantly reduce costs. Expect $7,500-$21,000 and 6-12 months.
Complex (46-70 points): Cases involving disputed custody, business valuations, significant property, or multiple complicating factors. These cases typically require formal discovery, expert witnesses, and multiple court appearances. Costs range from $21,000-$48,000 over 12-18 months.
High-Conflict (71+ points): Cases with many contested issues, domestic violence, hidden assets, international elements, and deeply adversarial dynamics. These cases often involve trial, extensive expert testimony, and significant motion practice. Costs can reach $48,000-$150,000+ over 18-36 months.
How to Reduce Your Complexity Score
While some factors (like children or property value) cannot be changed, others can be managed strategically. Agreeing to mediation rather than litigation on some issues can effectively remove the "contested" points. Cooperating with discovery and asset disclosure eliminates the "hidden assets" factor. Working with a parenting coordinator or agreeing to a parenting plan outside of court can remove custody dispute points. Each factor resolved collaboratively both lowers your score and reduces actual costs.
Does a higher score mean I will definitely pay more?
Not necessarily. The score estimates typical costs based on case characteristics, but actual costs depend on many other variables: the attorneys involved, the jurisdiction, the cooperation level of both parties, and whether settlement is reached before trial. Two cases with the same score can have very different outcomes and costs.
Can my score change during the divorce process?
Yes. Complexity can increase if new issues emerge (such as discovery of hidden assets) or decrease if parties reach agreements on contested issues. Mediation can be particularly effective at reducing complexity mid-case. It is worth reassessing your situation periodically to adjust expectations and strategy.
What is the biggest single cost driver in divorce?
Contested custody is consistently the single largest cost driver. Cases with custody disputes cost 2-3 times more than similar cases without them because they require custody evaluations ($3,000-$10,000), guardian ad litem fees ($3,000-$8,000), and extensive hearing time. If you can reach a custody agreement through mediation, it will have the most significant impact on overall costs.