How to file for divorce in New York — without a lawyer
New York lets you handle your own divorce, and for uncontested cases it's very doable: file in the Supreme Court, use the state's no-fault ground — irretrievable breakdown (6+ months) — follow the steps below, and use the official New York forms. This page gives you the real requirements, with links to the official sources to verify each one.
New York divorce: the key facts
Residency note: Complex/conditional: 0 if both spouses reside in NY and grounds arose here; otherwise 1 or 2 years (DRL 230).
Verify with the official source: New York court self-help ↗Official forms ↗Find your court ↗
The 6 steps, start to finish
- 1
Confirm you can file in New York
At least one spouse generally must have lived in New York for 365 days (about 12 months) before filing. If you qualify, you'll file in the Supreme Court — usually in the county where you or your spouse lives.
- 2
Get the official forms
New York's own forms are free. You'll typically need the petition (Summons with Notice (UD-2) + Verified Complaint (UD-6)), a financial disclosure (Statement of Net Worth), and with children, the support worksheet (Child Support Worksheet (UD-8)). CaseForward's guided interview fills in the decisions those forms ask you to make.
- 3
Complete your paperwork carefully
Incomplete or inconsistent paperwork is the #1 reason self-filed divorces get bounced. Work through each form slowly; if you and your spouse agree on everything, prepare a settlement agreement and a in settlement / custody petition to attach.
- 4
File with the court (~~$335)
The typical court filing fee is about ~$335 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Many New York courts accept electronic filing through NYSCEF.
- 5
Serve your spouse
Your spouse must formally receive the papers — usually by sheriff, private process server, or (in agreed cases) a signed waiver/acceptance of service. Keep the proof of service; the court needs it.
- 6
Wait, then finalize
New York has no mandatory waiting period — an uncontested case can be finalized as soon as the court processes it. In an uncontested case the judge reviews your paperwork (sometimes with a short hearing) and signs the final decree.
Do the paperwork with a guide, not from scratch
CaseForward walks you through every decision, generates your court-ready New York documents, and shows you full previews free. One price — $99 for the complete DIY packet, or $29 for a single document. No subscription.
Child support in New York: Income Shares
Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41).
New York divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in New York?
No. Every state, including New York, lets you represent yourself in a divorce (called appearing "pro se"). Self-representation works best for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms. If your case involves abuse, hidden assets, or a real dispute over the children, talk to a licensed New York attorney — many offer free consultations, and you may qualify for legal aid.
How long do I have to live in New York before I can file for divorce?
At least one spouse generally must have lived in New York for 365 days (about 12 months) before filing. Always verify the current rule with the court's own self-help resources before filing.
How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York?
New York has no mandatory waiting period — an uncontested case can be finalized as soon as the court processes it. Uncontested cases with complete, correctly-filled paperwork are consistently the fastest.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in New York?
The typical court filing fee is about ~$335 (it varies by county). If you can't afford it, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. Beyond the court fee, doing the paperwork yourself is the biggest saver: preparing your own documents (free preview, $99 for the complete court-ready packet on CaseForward) instead of paying a few thousand dollars in attorney fees.
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
New York accepts a no-fault ground — irretrievable breakdown (6+ months). Fault-based grounds also exist, but most self-represented filers use the no-fault ground because it's simpler and doesn't require proving misconduct.
How is child support calculated in New York?
New York uses the Income Shares model. Combines both parents' incomes and divides the estimated cost of raising the child in proportion to each parent's share of the combined income. Used by the majority of states (41). You can run your numbers with CaseForward's free New York child-support estimator, then confirm with the state's official worksheet.
Helpful New York links & guides
Court self-help center ↗Official forms ↗E-filing (NYSCEF) ↗Find your court ↗
Free: The Uncontested Divorce Filing Checklist
The whole path on two printable pages — what to gather, decide, prepare, and file. We'll email it to you, plus a short series of practical tips (unsubscribe anytime).
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