How long does a divorce take in New York

A New York divorce does not follow a single fixed timeline—the duration depends heavily on whether the case is uncontested or contested, and on the specific court’s calendar. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., practicing in New York since 1997, helps clients navigate the divorce process efficiently while protecting their interests. Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys appear throughout New York, from the five boroughs to Long Island and upstate. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your divorce timeline. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.

Last reviewed: July 2026

Reviewed by Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder. Admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Practicing since 1997.

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What Family Law Means in New York

In New York, a divorce dissolves the marital relationship and resolves all attendant issues—equitable distribution of property, spousal maintenance, child custody, and child support. The New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) governs these matters, and the New York Supreme Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction that hears all divorce actions. Family Court, a separate entity, handles custody, visitation, support, and family-offense petitions when no divorce is pending. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Appears in both Supreme and Family Courts across the state.

New York is an equitable-distribution state. The court classifies assets as marital or separate, values them, and divides marital property in a manner it deems fair, applying factors in DRL § 236. Maintenance—temporary and post-divorce—is calculated under codified guidelines based on the parties’ incomes. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula tied to combined parental income. Because every divorce is fact-specific, timelines vary. An uncontested divorce that proceeds on the ground of irretrievable breakdown (no‑fault) may be concluded more quickly than a contested case that requires discovery, motion practice, settlement conferences, and trial. The court’s docket volume—particularly in New York City boroughs—also influences how the case moves forward.

How Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys Handle Family Law Cases

Mr. Sris and the firm’s Of Counsel attorneys begin by identifying the client’s objectives and mapping the most efficient path to resolution. When both parties agree on all terms, the firm prepares the necessary documents—summons, complaint, sworn statements, and settlement agreement—so the matter can proceed through the uncontested track. If the case is contested, the firm handles every stage: filing, service of process, motion practice for temporary relief (such as pendente lite support or exclusive occupancy of the residence), discovery, settlement conferences, and, when necessary, trial. Throughout the process, the firm works to resolve issues without protracted litigation while preserving the client’s right to a trial when a fair settlement cannot be reached.

The firm regularly appears in counties across New York, including New York County (Manhattan), Kings County (Brooklyn), Queens County (Queens), Richmond County (Staten Island), Nassau County, Suffolk County, and Westchester County. Counsel understand local procedural nuances—for example, the mandatory preliminary conference in contested Supreme Court matters, the automatic restraining orders that freeze assets upon filing, and the role of the court evaluator in cases involving complex financial holdings. The firm’s approach is to move each matter forward deliberately, addressing procedural requirements early to avoid unnecessary delay.

About Mr. Sris and the Firm’s Of Counsel Attorneys

Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., is a former prosecutor who has practiced family law for decades. Mr. Sris testified before the Virginia House Courts of Justice Committee in support of 2019 HB 635 (chief patron Del. David Bulova). The firm’s Of Counsel attorneys bring extensive combined legal experience. Results may vary.

Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. is a multi-state firm with a New York location serving clients throughout the state. All attorneys appear only in jurisdictions where they are admitted. Mr. Sris is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. Reach the firm at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation. By appointment only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York?

An uncontested divorce in New York can often be finalized in a matter of months once all required papers are submitted. When both spouses agree on every issue—grounds, property division, maintenance, custody, and support—the matter follows a streamlined path. The timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly the parties complete the paperwork. After filing the summons and complaint, the defendant must be served, and then the required waiting periods and submission of the judgment package to the court determine the remaining time. The firm helps clients assemble the complete package to minimize processing delays.

How long does a contested divorce take in New York?

A contested divorce that goes through trial can take significantly longer than an uncontested case—often many months to more than a year. Contested matters involve discovery (financial disclosures, appraisals, depositions), motion practice for temporary orders, mandatory settlement conferences, and possibly a trial. The court’s docket volume, the complexity of the assets, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate all affect the duration. In counties with heavy caseloads, such as New York County or Kings County, the calendar may extend the timeline. Resolving issues through negotiation or mediation can shorten the process, but a fully litigated trial adds considerable time.

What factors affect the timeline of a New York divorce?

Several factors influence how long a New York divorce takes: whether it is uncontested or contested, the complexity of the marital estate, the presence of minor children, the level of cooperation between the spouses, and the court’s calendar. When parties disagree on custody or financial issues, the case will require additional court appearances, discovery, and possibly a forensic evaluation. The mandatory compliance with the preliminary conference order and the court’s part rules also affects pacing. Interim motions for temporary relief can be heard within a timeframe set by the court, but they add steps. The choice of jurisdiction within New York—some counties have heavier dockets than others—also plays a role.

Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in New York?

You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file for divorce in New York, but an experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure the process moves correctly. Divorce involves complex legal and financial issues: equitable distribution under DRL § 236, maintenance guidelines, child support formulas, and parental access. Self-represented litigants face procedural requirements that, if missed, can delay or jeopardize the outcome. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. Guides clients through every step, from initial filing to final judgment. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747 to discuss your situation.

How much does a divorce lawyer cost in New York?

The cost of a divorce lawyer in New York varies based on the complexity of the case, the level of dispute, and the attorney’s fee structure. Some matters resolve on a flat‑fee basis if they are uncontested, while contested cases are typically handled on an hourly or retainer arrangement. There is no single fee schedule—costs depend on the time required for negotiations, court appearances, and document preparation. During an initial consultation, the firm discusses the likely scope of work and the associated costs so that you can make an informed decision. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 to schedule a consultation.

What is the process for filing for divorce in New York?

The divorce process in New York begins with filing a summons and complaint in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resides. The complaint must state the grounds for divorce—under current law, the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months is the no‑fault ground. The defendant must be served, and an affidavit of service must be filed. If the case is contested, a request for judicial intervention (RJI) triggers the assignment of a judge and a preliminary conference. After that, the case proceeds through discovery, motion practice, settlement efforts, and trial if necessary. In an uncontested matter, the parties submit a settlement agreement along with a set of required documents, and the court can grant the judgment without a hearing. Throughout, the firm manages the procedural steps to keep the matter on track.

Additional resources:

Official New York authorities:

New York State Unified Court System — includes Supreme Court and Family Court information.
New York Domestic Relations Law — statutes governing divorce, equitable distribution, and maintenance.

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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.

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