What a Court Weighs When Dividing Property
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In equitable-distribution states a judge weighs factors like these to decide what's fair — which is how a split lands somewhere other than a clean 50/50. Tick the ones that apply to picture where your case might tilt. Nothing is saved or sent; it's just a self-check.
These are common equitable-distribution factors; your state's exact list and weighting differ. See how division works in your state →
How This Divorce Calculator Works
Dividing what you own together is one of the hardest parts of a divorce — and one of the most expensive to figure out through lawyers alone. This calculator gives you a clear starting number in three steps:
- Classify. Only marital property — what you built during the marriage — gets divided. Property one spouse owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is usually separate and stays with that person.
- Net it out. Add up marital assets, subtract marital debts. What's left is the net marital estate — the actual pie to be divided.
- Split. In the 9 community-property states the default is 50/50. In the other 41 (equitable distribution) a judge divides it fairly, which often lands near even but can tilt based on income, marriage length, and contributions. Adjust the split to model your situation.
The result updates live as you type. It's an estimate to help you plan and negotiate — not a substitute for advice from a family-law attorney who knows your state's rules and your specific facts.
Plain-Language Divorce Finance Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a divorce calculator accurate?
A divorce calculator gives a solid estimate, not a guaranteed outcome. The math — adding marital assets, subtracting marital debts, and splitting the net — is straightforward. What varies is how a court classifies property and what split a judge considers fair in an equitable-distribution state. Treat the number as a starting point for planning and negotiation, then confirm the specifics with a family-law attorney in your state.
How are assets split in a divorce?
First, property is classified as marital (acquired during the marriage) or separate (owned before, or received by gift or inheritance). Only marital property is divided. The 9 community-property states generally split the marital estate 50/50; the other 41 use equitable distribution, where a judge divides it fairly based on factors like income, marriage length, and each spouse's contributions.
Do we have to split everything 50/50?
Only in community-property states is 50/50 the default. In the 41 equitable-distribution states the split is whatever is fair given the circumstances — it can be 60/40 or another ratio. And in any state, you and your spouse can agree to a different division in a settlement; courts usually approve a fair agreement you reach yourselves.
What's the difference between marital and separate property?
Marital property is generally everything either spouse acquired during the marriage — income, the home, retirement contributions, most purchases — no matter whose name is on the title. Separate property is what one spouse owned before the marriage, plus individual gifts and inheritances. Separate property can become marital if it's mixed with marital money (commingled), a frequent point of dispute. See our separate vs marital property guide.
How is the value of the house split?
Start with the home's equity — current market value minus the mortgage and any other liens. That equity is the marital asset to divide. Couples usually either sell and split the proceeds, or one spouse buys out the other's share and refinances the mortgage into their own name. Our House Buyout Calculator models all three options.
What happens to debt in a divorce?
Debt taken on during the marriage is usually marital debt and is divided along with assets, even if only one spouse's name is on the account. This calculator nets marital debts against marital assets so each share reflects what you actually walk away with. Important: a divorce decree doesn't bind a lender — if both names are on a loan, the creditor can pursue either of you until it's refinanced or paid off.
How are retirement accounts and pensions divided?
The portion of a 401(k), pension, or IRA earned during the marriage is typically marital property. Splitting a workplace plan usually needs a court order called a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order) so the transfer avoids early-withdrawal taxes and penalties. Enter the marital portion's value as an asset, and read our QDRO guide.
What is a financial order or marital settlement agreement?
A marital settlement agreement is the written contract that spells out how you and your spouse divide property, debts, support, and (if relevant) parenting — the financial terms of your divorce. Once a judge approves it, it becomes part of the divorce decree and is enforceable. This calculator helps you walk into that negotiation with realistic numbers.
Is my information stored anywhere?
No. Every calculation runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server, saved, or shared — close the tab and it's gone.
Is Divorce Number free?
Yes. Every calculator here is free, needs no signup or email, and has no paywall. The site is supported by advertising.