Each guide answers one question and points you to the calculator that turns the answer into numbers for your state. Facts are tied to official sources — see our methodology for how we verify them. If you already know your state and want figures right away, go straight to the family law calculators.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides legal advice?
No. They are general information written in plain English. Family law is set by each state and changes over time, so confirm how it applies to your situation with a licensed family law attorney before acting.
Where do the facts in the guides come from?
From official sources such as statutes, court and government pages, and legal references like Cornell Law School's Legal Information Institute. Each guide lists the sources behind its claims, and our methodology page explains how we verify them.
Do the guides cover my state?
The guides are national overviews. Where the answer depends on the state, they point to the calculators and state pages that cover that state's rules, such as residency periods, support formulas and custody standards.
Which calculator should I start with?
Start with the question you are trying to answer. The Divorce Timeline Calculator shows the earliest legal dates, the Child Support and Alimony calculators show what your state's rules say is owed, the Property Division Calculator shows how your state divides assets, and the Parenting Time Calculator turns a schedule into overnights.
How do I know a guide is current?
Each guide shows when it was last reviewed. When a law, threshold or process changes, the guide and the calculators it links to are updated together.
These guides provide general information only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Family law is set by each state and changes over time. Confirm how it applies to your situation with a licensed family law attorney before acting.