Divorce Settlement Estimator
Estimate how marital assets and debts may be divided in a divorce.
Returns equitable distribution for property, retirement accounts, and joint liabilities.
A divorce asset division estimator provides a starting framework for understanding how marital assets and debts might be divided. Laws vary significantly by jurisdiction — this is an educational tool, not legal advice. Always consult a licensed family law attorney.
Two main legal frameworks:
1. Community Property (9 US states: AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI): All assets and debts acquired during the marriage are presumed to be 50/50 split. Separate property (owned before marriage, gifts, inheritances) is generally excluded.
2. Equitable Distribution (remaining 41 US states): Assets are divided fairly but not necessarily equally. Courts consider length of marriage, each spouse’s income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, and other factors. A typical range is 45/55 to 35/65 depending on circumstances.
Formula: Net Marital Estate = Total Marital Assets − Total Marital Debts Each Spouse’s Share = Net Marital Estate × Assigned Percentage Equalizing Payment = |Spouse A Retained Assets − Spouse A’s Share|
What counts as marital property (typically):
- Income earned during marriage
- Real estate purchased during marriage
- Retirement accounts accrued during marriage (401k, pension)
- Vehicles, bank accounts, investments acquired during marriage
- Marital debts (mortgage, car loans, credit card balances from marriage)
Worked example: Marital home equity: $180,000 | Joint savings: $45,000 | Retirement (his): $90,000 | Retirement (hers): $40,000 | Vehicles: $25,000 | Credit card debt: −$12,000 | Car loan: −$18,000
Total assets = $380,000 | Total debts = $30,000 Net marital estate = $350,000
50/50 split (community property state): each receives $175,000
If she retains the home ($180,000) and her retirement ($40,000) = $220,000 (over her $175,000 share by $45,000), she would make an equalizing payment of $45,000 to him, or he receives $45,000 more of other assets.
Important: Pension and retirement divisions require a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) — a separate legal document filed with the plan administrator.
How we build and check this calculator
This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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