Short answer: To get an uncontested divorce in New York without a lawyer, one spouse must meet the residency rule (usually two years in New York), the marriage must have broken down for at least six months, and money and children issues must be settled. You file the UD forms with the County Clerk in your county's Supreme Court and pay at least $335 in court fees. LawCat prepares the forms free.
More New York divorce guides
Where to file, by county
Last checked against official New York court sources on October 1, 2026.
New York divorce at a glance
Official source: New York court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in New York?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for New York
New York child support calculator → An itemized estimate from New York’s official guideline, figures effective 2026-03-01. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official child support tools →
Common reasons New York divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. 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 extra copies or local checklists).
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Generate your New York divorce documents — free
Organize your case information and prepare the New York drafts available in your workspace. Available forms depend on your case path; additional forms, attachments, signatures and court steps may be required. No fee for available document drafts.
Start free →Selected New York form drafts
LawCat prepares each of these New York forms for you, filled in from your answers:
Why LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
New York divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in New York?
No lawyer is required: New York courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat prepares selected New York form drafts free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in New York to file for divorce?
One spouse must generally have lived in NY for at least 1 year with a NY connection (married in NY, lived in NY as spouses, or the grounds arose in NY); otherwise 2 years. (DRL § 230) Confirm the current rule with the official New York court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in New York?
The court filing fee is about $335 total ($210 index number + $95 Request for Judicial Intervention + $30 Note of Issue). Ask the court to waive fees with a "poor person" application (CPLR § 1101); the DIY flow includes it. LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.