Child Custody Timeline Simulator
Estimate custody case duration + cost — mediation (60-90 days), custody evaluation (90-180 days), contested trial (12-24 months). $500-$100K+ total cost. UCCJEA interstate jurisdiction.
Last reviewed: April 2026
⚖ Custody case duration: 6 months (mediation) → 12-24 months (contested trial). Cost: $500-$5K mediation, $5K-$20K evaluation, $15K-$100K+ trial. UCCJEA home state rule.
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Reviewed by Leonard Goldberg, Editor · Last updated
Child Custody Case — Realistic Timelines + Costs
Child custody disputes range from 30 days (emergency orders) to 24 months (contested multi-issue trials). The path depends on parental cooperation, children's needs, and complexity. Mediation: 60-90 days, cheapest ($500-$5K). Custody Evaluation (GAL/psychologist): 90-180 days, $5K-$20K. Contested Trial: 12-24 months, $15K-$100K+ per parent.
Physical vs Legal Custody: Physical = where child lives (primary residential parent). Legal = decision-making authority (education, healthcare, religion). Joint legal is default in most states; sole legal requires showing other parent unfit. Joint physical increasingly common post-2010 research on child outcomes.
Interstate cases: UCCJEA (Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction & Enforcement Act) governs. Home State Rule: state where child lived with parent for 6 consecutive months BEFORE proceeding. After a move, original state retains jurisdiction for 6 months. Massachusetts is the ONLY state that has NOT adopted UCCJEA as of 2026 — creates complications for cases involving MA.
Custody Timeline FAQs
How long does a custody case take?
Uncontested + mediated: 60-90 days. With custody evaluation: 6-9 months. Contested trial: 12-24 months. High-conflict / interstate / relocation: 18-30 months. Emergency orders: same-day or within 30 days for immediate safety concerns. Your path depends on parental cooperation. Best outcome for child: mediated agreement. Worst outcome: multi-year litigation drains financial + emotional resources.
How much does a custody case cost?
Full range $500-$100K+ per parent. Cooperative mediation: $500-$5K total. Moderate dispute with evaluation: $10K-$30K per parent. Contested trial: $15K-$100K+ per parent. High-conflict multi-issue: $50K-$250K per parent (rare but happens). Custody evaluator: $5K-$20K. Mediator: $100-$500/hr. Attorneys: $200-$500/hr. Court filing fees: $200-$500.
What is a custody evaluation and do I need one?
Court-ordered evaluation by neutral GAL (Guardian ad Litem) or licensed psychologist — interviews parents + child + collaterals (teachers, doctors, family), home visits, psychological testing if indicated, final report recommending custody arrangement. Cost: $5K-$20K. Duration: 90-180 days. Value: highly influential on trial outcome — judges heavily weight recommendations. Worth it for contested cases; not necessary for mediated agreements.
How does UCCJEA work for interstate custody?
Home State Rule: state where child lived with parent(s) for 6 consecutive months BEFORE proceeding has jurisdiction. After a move, original state retains jurisdiction 6 months (to prevent forum-shopping by moving parent). Emergency jurisdiction: any state where child is present can enter emergency temporary orders. Modification: state that issued original order retains exclusive continuing jurisdiction UNLESS neither parent/child resides there. MA is only non-UCCJEA state as of 2026 — cases involving MA require additional Complex Supplemental Jurisdiction analysis.
Can I move out of state with my child after divorce?
Depends on court order + state law. MOST states require court permission OR other parent's consent for moves >100 miles or out of state. Notice period typically 60-90 days before planned move. Relocation hearings consider: (1) reason for move (job, family support, educational opportunity), (2) impact on existing parenting time, (3) child's preference, (4) remote-parenting technology availability, (5) moving parent's good faith. Successful relocation typically requires legitimate purpose + continued relationship with non-moving parent.
At what age can my child choose which parent to live with?
Typically 12-14+, state-specific, judicial discretion. Georgia: 14+ child can elect if otherwise fit parent. Most states: mature child's preference considered but not controlling — judge weighs it based on maturity + reasoning. All 50 states: child's preference alone does NOT override court's 'best interest' analysis. Young children (<10): preference rarely solicited.
What if the other parent won't follow the custody order?
Contempt of court motion — ex faces fines, jail, loss of parenting time. Document every violation (text messages, witness accounts, missed visitations). Enforcement options: contempt motion ($1K-$5K attorney fees), police involvement for pickup/delivery (some states), child support offset (rare). For persistent violations: modification motion seeking change in primary physical custody. Courts increasingly use 'parental alienation' frameworks for interference.
How much does a contested custody trial cost?
$15,000-$100,000+ per parent for contested trial. Components: attorney fees (primary driver), custody evaluator ($5K-$20K shared), expert witnesses if psychological/substance abuse claims ($1K-$5K), court filing fees ($200-$500), transcripts ($1K-$5K). Multi-day trials: add $5K-$15K for prep + trial time. High-conflict cases with recurring motions + appeals: $100K-$250K+ not uncommon.