How to use the settlement distribution calculator
Start with the gross settlement or recovery, then enter the actual dollar amounts for attorney fees, case costs, medical bills or liens, other liens, client advances and any other deductions. Add credits or refunds separately. The result shows total deductions and the estimated net settlement available to the client.
What the settlement distribution result shows
The calculator is designed as a settlement-statement worksheet. It separates the gross recovery from attorney fees, case expenses, lien payoffs and other deductions so the client net can be checked before a disbursement statement is finalized.
Attorney fees, costs and liens affect different parts of the distribution
If you need to calculate an attorney percentage first, use the Contingency Fee Calculator. If a medical, insurer or other lien is being negotiated, use the Lien Reduction Calculator to compare the original balance with a proposed payoff before entering the final lien amount here.
Common uses for a settlement distribution worksheet
Law offices can use this calculator to model a proposed settlement, check a draft client disbursement statement, compare different lien-payoff scenarios, or explain why the amount distributed to the client differs from the headline settlement amount. For interest that must be added to a judgment or award, see the Judgment Interest Calculator.
Related litigation calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a settlement distribution calculator?
It is a mathematical worksheet that starts with the gross settlement or recovery and subtracts entered attorney fees, case costs, liens, advances and other deductions to estimate the amount remaining for the client.
What is the difference between the gross settlement and the client net?
The gross settlement is the total recovery before deductions. The client net is the amount remaining after the entered fees, costs, liens and other deductions are subtracted and any entered credits are added back.
Should attorney fees be entered as a percentage or a dollar amount?
This calculator uses a dollar amount so it can work with different fee agreements. Use the separate Contingency Fee Calculator to calculate a percentage-based fee, then enter that result here.
Can this calculator include medical liens and insurer reimbursement claims?
Yes. Enter medical obligations in the medical bills or medical liens field and other insurer, government or third-party liens in the other liens field. Use verified payoff amounts before an actual disbursement.
Does this calculator determine whether a lien must be paid?
No. It only performs arithmetic on the amounts entered. Lien validity, priority, compromise rights and disbursement duties must be determined from the applicable matter and governing rules.
Can I use this to prepare a final client disbursement statement?
It can be used as a checking worksheet, but the final statement should be reconciled to the fee agreement, actual case costs, verified lien payoffs, trust-account records and any required client authorization.