An online tool designed to provide preliminary estimates of potential spousal and child support payments, as well as asset division in a divorce, is often referred to as a basic divorce cost estimator. Such tools typically require users to input information about income, assets, debts, and children to generate these estimates. For example, inputs might include annual salaries, property values, loan balances, and the number of children and their ages.
These estimators offer individuals considering or undergoing divorce a readily accessible starting point for understanding potential financial implications. While not a substitute for legal advice, they can help individuals prepare for consultations with attorneys and facilitate more informed discussions about settlement options. Historically, obtaining even a rudimentary estimate of potential divorce outcomes required consulting an attorney, which could be costly and time-consuming. These tools represent a significant shift towards greater accessibility of information regarding the financial aspects of divorce.
