How Much More Does Divorce Cost With Children?
Having children doesn't just make divorce emotionally harder — it makes it significantly more expensive. On average, divorces involving children cost $5,000–$25,000 more than childless divorces due to custody-related expenses, extended negotiations, and additional court requirements.
Why Children Increase Divorce Costs
When children are involved, the divorce must address:
Each of these issues can become a point of disagreement, driving up legal fees.
Custody Evaluation Costs
When parents can't agree on custody, the court may order a custody evaluation (also called a parenting evaluation). A licensed psychologist or social worker evaluates both parents and the children.
Cost: $3,000–$15,000
The evaluation typically includes:
Some courts have staff evaluators at reduced cost ($1,000–$3,000), while private evaluators charge the full rate.
Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) Fees
A Guardian ad Litem is an attorney or trained advocate appointed to represent the children's best interests (not either parent's). Courts appoint GALs in contested custody cases.
Cost: $2,000–$10,000+
The GAL conducts their own investigation and makes recommendations to the court. In some states, both parents split the GAL's fees equally; in others, the court allocates the cost based on ability to pay.
Parenting Plan Costs
Every divorce with children requires a parenting plan — a detailed document outlining:
If parents agree, an attorney or mediator can draft a parenting plan for $500–$2,000. If contested, developing a plan through litigation can cost $5,000–$15,000+ per parent due to multiple hearings and negotiations.
Child Support Calculations
While child support calculations themselves are formula-based, disputes about the inputs to those formulas drive costs:
A forensic accountant ($3,000–$10,000) may be needed when a parent owns a business or has complex income.
Parenting Classes and Co-Parenting Requirements
Most states require divorcing parents to attend a parenting education course:
Some courts also require or recommend co-parenting counseling ($100–$200/session) to help parents develop effective communication.
How to Minimize Child-Related Divorce Costs
1. Attend mediation — mediators specializing in custody issues help parents reach agreement without expensive litigation. Try our quiz to see if mediation might work for you.
2. Use parenting schedule tools — visualize different custody arrangements before paying attorneys to negotiate. Visit childsupport.app/parenting-schedule for a free tool.
3. Focus on the children's needs — courts care about stability, continuity, and the child's relationship with both parents
4. Be flexible — rigid demands about schedules drive up legal fees
5. Consider a parenting coordinator — a neutral professional who helps implement the parenting plan, reducing future court costs
6. Calculate child support in advance — use childsupport.app to understand what the formula produces, so you're not paying an attorney to tell you the same number
The Real Cost: Contested vs Cooperative
Plan Ahead
Use our divorce cost calculator to see how having children affects your estimated costs in your state. Being informed helps you make better decisions and potentially save thousands.