How Much Does Divorce Cost in New York (2025 Guide)
New York has some of the highest divorce costs in the country, especially in New York City. Understanding the fee structure and your options can save you significant money.
New York Divorce Filing Fees
The filing fee for a divorce in New York is $335. This includes the index number fee ($210) and the Request for Judicial Intervention fee ($95), plus a note of issue fee ($30). The responding spouse pays no filing fee.
Low-income filers can request a fee waiver (Poor Person's Application) to eliminate the filing fee entirely.
Attorney Fees in New York
New York attorney costs vary dramatically by location:
Equitable Distribution
New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly — but not necessarily equally. Courts consider 13 factors including:
This process is inherently more subjective than community property states, which often leads to longer negotiations and higher legal fees.
NYC vs Upstate: The Cost Gap
The cost difference between divorcing in New York City versus upstate New York is stark:
The gap comes from higher attorney hourly rates, higher cost of expert witnesses, and more congested court calendars in NYC.
Additional New York Divorce Costs
New York Divorce Timeline
New York does not have a mandatory waiting period for no-fault divorce (only a requirement that the marriage be "irretrievably broken" for 6+ months). Typical timelines:
How to Save Money on a New York Divorce
1. Uncontested divorce — an uncontested divorce in NY can be completed for $2,000–$5,000 total
2. Use online services for simple cases — several services prepare NY-specific forms for $300–$500
3. Try mediation — NYC and many upstate counties offer low-cost mediation programs
4. Unbundled legal services — hire an attorney for specific tasks only (document review, court appearance)
5. Free legal services — organizations like Legal Aid Society and NY Legal Assistance Group help qualifying individuals
Plan Your Divorce Finances
Use our divorce cost calculator to get a personalized New York estimate. Our tax impact calculator shows how your filing status change will affect your taxes, which is especially important in a high-tax state like New York.