What a New York divorce really costs, and how long it takes
Court fees, the costs people forget, and a realistic timeline for an uncontested divorce.
People get scared off by "$5,000 divorce" stories. For a simple, uncontested divorce in New York, the real number is usually much lower. Here's what you'll actually pay, and how long it takes.
Court fees you can't avoid
| What | Cost |
|---|---|
| Index number (to start your case) | $210 |
| Note of Issue (filed with your final papers) | $125 |
| Minimum court fees | $335 |
You pay these to the County Clerk, not to any service or lawyer. Certified copies of your judgment cost extra (a few dollars each).
Can't afford it? You can ask the court to waive the fees ("poor person's relief"). The self-represented office at your county Supreme Court can help with the form.
Costs people forget
- Notary: usually free at your bank.
- Process server: free if a friend or relative 18+ serves your spouse; professional servers often charge roughly $35 to $100 or more.
- Your time: at least two trips to the courthouse if you file on paper, or e-filing where it's available.
- Getting the forms right: this is where people lose months. One wrong form or a missed step can mean the papers come back and you start that part over.
Your three ways to do it
| Option | What you pay | Who files |
|---|---|---|
| Do it yourself with the free court forms | Court fees only | You |
| Document preparation service | Court fees + service fee | You |
| Divorce lawyer | Court fees + attorney fee (often $1,500 and up for uncontested) | The lawyer |
How long does it take?
For an uncontested divorce, a realistic timeline looks like this:
- Prepare and file the first papers: a few days to a few weeks, depending on you.
- Serve your spouse: as soon as you can after filing (you have 120 days).
- Response time: if your spouse signs, you can move on right away. If not, wait 40 days after service (the default path).
- File final papers and wait for the judge: this part varies a lot by county and time of year. It's commonly several weeks to a few months.
Bottom line: most people should plan on roughly 3 to 6 months from start to signed judgment, sometimes faster. Anyone promising a guaranteed date is overselling.
Things that make it take longer
- Your spouse is hard to find or serve.
- Papers are rejected for errors.
- You have children under 21, or property and support issues to work out.
- Your spouse files an Answer and contests.
Fees verified November 2026. Always confirm at nycourts.gov/divorce.