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Divorce in New York: forms, cost, and how to file

A plain-English overview of getting an uncontested divorce in New York — the residency rule, the no-fault ground, the filing fee, and the official forms — from LawCat, a free service built by attorneys.

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New York divorce at a glance

Residency requirement
1 year with NY nexus, otherwise 2 years (DRL 230)
No-fault ground
DRL 170(7) irretrievable breakdown for at least 6 months (sworn statement, no separation proof needed). Residency (DRL 230): 2 years, or 1 year if married in NY / lived in NY as spouses / cause arose in NY.
Filing fee
~$335 total: $210 index number, $95 RJI, $30 Note of Issue. Fee waiver: poor person relief (CPLR 1101) application included in DIY flow.
Child support
CSSA (DRL 240(1-b)) — fixed percentages of combined parental income (17/25/29/31/35% for 1-5 children) prorated between parents; classified income-shares-family. Official worksheet = UD-8 (+UD-8a/8b) filed with…
E-filing (self-represented)
NYSCEF — available to unrepresented litigants in authorized counties (statewide list; matrimonial is consent-based e-filing for pro se, optional, never mandatory for SRLs). Dedicated NYSCEF…
County differences
MODERATE — the UD packet is statewide but county clerk/matrimonial-part practices differ (NYC boroughs vs. upstate: RJI handling, self-addressed envelopes, proposed-judgment submission mechanics, some counties want…
Official statewide forms
YES — Uniform Uncontested Divorce Packet, forms UD-1 through UD-14 (Summons with Notice UD-1 / Summons+Verified Complaint UD-1a+UD-2, Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers, Affidavit of Service, Affidavit of Plaintiff…

Official source: New York court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.

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Forms in your New York divorce packet

LawCat prepares each of these New York forms for you, filled in from your answers:

Summons with NoticeCourt filingVerified ComplaintCourt filingAffidavit of DefendantCourt filingAffidavit of PlaintiffCourt filingAffirmation of RegularityCourt filingSworn Statement (Barriers to Remarriage)Court filingFindings of Fact and Conclusions of LawCourt filingJudgment of DivorceCourt filingPart 130 CertificationCourt filingNote of IssueCourt filingVerificationCourt filingStatement of Net WorthFinancial disclosureAffidavit of ServiceProof of serviceCertificate of DissolutionCourt filing

Why LawCat is free

Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat gives document preparation away because it is built by a law firm that helps people who later decide they want an attorney. You keep the free documents either way.

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New York divorce FAQ

Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in New York?

No. New York allows you to file for divorce yourself (pro se). LawCat prepares your New York divorce documents free, and you pay only the court’s filing fee. You can hire an attorney at any point if your case becomes complicated.

How long do I have to live in New York to file for divorce?

1 year with NY nexus, otherwise 2 years (DRL 230)

How much does it cost to file for divorce in New York?

~$335 total: $210 index number, $95 RJI, $30 Note of Issue. Fee waiver: poor person relief (CPLR 1101) application included in DIY flow. With LawCat your documents are free, so the filing fee is typically your only unavoidable cost — and it can often be waived if you can’t afford it.

This page is general information about New York’s court process, not legal advice for your situation, and LawCat is not a law firm. Forms and fees change — verify with the official court source above. Reviewed 2026.