Custody & Visitation Cost Calculator
Last reviewed · Attorney rates and filing fees aligned with our divorce data
Estimate the total cost of your custody case, from attorney fees and court filings to mediation and custody evaluations. Covers contested and uncontested scenarios across all 50 states.
The average custody case costs $3,000 to $50,000 depending on complexity. An uncontested case with parental agreement typically runs $2,500 to $7,000. Moderate conflict cases cost $8,000 to $18,000. High-conflict cases going to trial can exceed $25,000 to $50,000 or more. Attorney fees at $200 to $500 per hour are the largest expense. Use the calculator below for a personalized estimate.
Filing in Texas? Use the Texas child custody cost calculator for state specific fees and court costs.
This is an estimate only. Actual case costs depend on complexity, attorney rates, court requirements, and local practices. Consult a family law attorney for advice specific to your situation.
This is an estimate built from the rule, schedule or survey named on this page, not legal advice and not a quote. Figures change when a legislature or a court changes them. Check the statute or the court’s own fee schedule, or ask a lawyer in your state, before you rely on a number here.
How Custody Cases Are Priced Across the US
Custody case costs vary dramatically based on three factors: the level of conflict between parents, your state's court fees and attorney rates, and whether additional services like evaluations or mediation are needed. Understanding these cost drivers helps you budget realistically and make informed decisions about your legal strategy.
Attorney fees are the single largest expense in any custody case. Hourly rates range from $150 in rural areas to $500+ in major metros like New York and San Francisco. Total attorney costs depend on how many hours your case requires. An uncontested case might need 10 to 20 hours. A contested case going to trial can consume 50 to 200 hours or more. Mediation offers a cost-effective alternative, typically resolving disputes in 3 to 10 sessions at $200 to $600 per session.
Researched and verified by the LegalCost.us editorial team, 2026. Sources include state court fee schedules, legal industry surveys, and attorney rate databases.
These calculators provide educational estimates only. Custody case costs involve many variables not captured here, including local court practices, attorney experience levels, and the specific facts of your case. Always consult a licensed family law attorney in your state before making legal decisions.
If you and the other parent or spouse can agree, putting it in writing costs a fraction of a lawyer. Customizable templates from LawDepot.
Affiliate links: LegalCost.us earns a commission if you buy through LawDepot, at no extra cost to you. A template is not legal advice. For a contested case, speak with a licensed attorney in your state.
Filing Fee and Attorney Rate by State
The two numbers that set the floor and the slope of a custody case: what the court charges to open it, and what a family law attorney charges for an hour in that state. The filing fee is close to fixed. The hourly rate is what turns an agreed case into a cheap one and a contested case into an expensive one.
| State | Court filing fee | Typical attorney rate |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $277 | $246 an hour |
| Alaska | $250 | $300 an hour |
| Arizona | $338 | $287 an hour |
| Arkansas | $165 | $271 an hour |
| California | $435 | $391 an hour |
| Colorado | $230 | $302 an hour |
| Connecticut | $360 | $384 an hour |
| Delaware | $165 | $423 an hour |
| Florida | $408 | $335 an hour |
| Georgia | $228 | $340 an hour |
| Hawaii | $215 | $312 an hour |
| Idaho | $207 | $267 an hour |
| Illinois | $299 | $349 an hour |
| Indiana | $157 | $278 an hour |
| Iowa | $265 | $254 an hour |
| Kansas | $195 | $292 an hour |
| Kentucky | $148 | $236 an hour |
| Louisiana | $350 | $266 an hour |
| Maine | $120 | $236 an hour |
| Maryland | $165 | $344 an hour |
| Massachusetts | $215 | $318 an hour |
| Michigan | $175 | $294 an hour |
| Minnesota | $405 | $305 an hour |
| Mississippi | $156 | $242 an hour |
| Missouri | $162 | $280 an hour |
| Montana | $200 | $234 an hour |
| Nebraska | $158 | $256 an hour |
| Nevada | $282 | $330 an hour |
| New Hampshire | $250 | $294 an hour |
| New Jersey | $300 | $348 an hour |
| New Mexico | $137 | $261 an hour |
| New York | $335 | $398 an hour |
| North Carolina | $225 | $295 an hour |
| North Dakota | $160 | $285 an hour |
| Ohio | $338 | $268 an hour |
| Oklahoma | $252 | $257 an hour |
| Oregon | $301 | $296 an hour |
| Pennsylvania | $340 | $302 an hour |
| Rhode Island | $120 | $317 an hour |
| South Carolina | $150 | $287 an hour |
| South Dakota | $95 | $245 an hour |
| Tennessee | $222 | $281 an hour |
| Texas | $333 | $345 an hour |
| Utah | $325 | $291 an hour |
| Vermont | $90 | $267 an hour |
| Virginia | $86 | $351 an hour |
| Washington | $314 | $322 an hour |
| West Virginia | $135 | $195 an hour |
| Wisconsin | $184 | $278 an hour |
| Wyoming | $85 | $290 an hour |
50 states. Filing fees come from state court schedules and vary by county on top of this; the rates are typical family law rates from published attorney rate surveys, not a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custody case cost?
A custody case costs between $3,000 and $50,000 or more depending on complexity. Uncontested cases run $2,500 to $7,000. Moderate conflict costs $8,000 to $18,000. High-conflict cases going to trial can exceed $25,000 to $50,000.
How much does a custody lawyer cost per hour?
Family law attorneys charge $200 to $500 per hour for custody cases. In major cities like New York and Los Angeles, rates reach $400 to $600. Smaller markets range from $150 to $300. Most attorneys require a retainer of $2,500 to $10,000.
What are court filing fees for custody?
Filing fees range from $80 to $450 by state. North Dakota has the lowest at about $80. Pennsylvania can reach $449. Most states charge between $150 and $350.
How much does custody mediation cost?
Mediation usually costs about $600 to $6,000 in total. Private mediators charge about $100 to $300 per hour, and most cases need 3 to 10 sessions of 2 to 3 hours. Many courts offer free or reduced-cost mediation programs.
What is a custody evaluation?
A custody evaluation is a professional assessment costing $3,000 to $15,000. A psychologist or social worker interviews both parents, observes the children, and makes custody recommendations to the court. The process takes 2 to 4 months.
How much does a guardian ad litem cost?
GALs charge $100 to $300 per hour. Total costs range from $1,500 to $5,000 for simple cases and $10,000 or more for contested cases going to trial. Courts usually split fees between parents 50/50.
What are the ongoing costs of custody?
Ongoing costs include transportation for exchanges, co-parenting apps ($50 to $200 per year), and modification filings ($1,000 to $5,000). Long-distance arrangements with air travel can add $3,000 to $12,000 per year.
Can the other parent pay my attorney fees?
In some states, courts can order fee-shifting when there is a large income gap or one parent acts in bad faith. This is not guaranteed and depends on your state's laws and the judge's discretion.
Is an uncontested agreement worth it?
Yes. At $2,500 to $7,000, an uncontested agreement saves $10,000 to $40,000 compared to a full trial. It also resolves in 2 to 4 months instead of 1 to 2 years.
What hidden costs should I expect?
Hidden costs include process server fees ($50 to $150), document copying ($100 to $500), required parenting classes ($50 to $200), drug testing ($100 to $500 per test), supervised visitation ($25 to $75 per hour), and lost wages from court dates.