How Much Does it Cost to Get a Divorce in NYS?
Divorce is a tricky thing. There’s paperwork, lawyers, and the anxiety of dealing with your future-ex. On top of all that, there’s a financial toll that comes with the process, which begs the question:
How much does a divorce cost in New York?
The index fee for divorce in NY is $210. The minimum filing fee for uncontested divorce in NY is $335, which includes the index fee. For contested divorces, the attorney fees, court fees, and costs of mediation or litigation can add up to much more – even tens of thousands of dollars.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Divorce in NY:
- Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested
- The filing fees for your state
- The complexity of the divorce
- The cost of your attorney
Don't face the stress of divorce alone – contact our attorneys today, either online or by calling (914) 873-4410.
Divorce Filing Fees in New York
In the state of New York, the current minimum cost of filing for divorce is $335.
In order to process a divorce, however, the state must file a variety of paperwork:
- “Summons With Notice” – specific terms of the divorce, and summoning orders to begin the divorcing process
- “Affidavit of Defendant” – document in which the defending party agrees to the terms in the aforementioned summons
- “Judgement of Divorce” – document signed when the Judge has approved the divorce
Each of these must be filed at the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office and comes with its own minimum filing fee, which can fluctuate depending on the written details of the divorce.
How Much Is a Divorce? Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce Costs
In a contested divorce, the two parties do not agree on some manner of the dissolution. This could be the financial terms of the divorce, who was at fault, details regarding the division of assets, or even disagreements over the process itself.
When the parties cannot reach a settlement prior to trial, they will be required to present their case before a judge, who will ultimately determine how the divorce is settled. When dealing with large assets or child custody, this can be particularly devastating if the outcome is not in your favor.
In an uncontested divorce, each party is willing to settle amicably. It is inherently cheaper than its contested counterpart, as it does not involve as many hours with legal professionals. It also does not lead to a trial, which can save both time and money.
Have questions regarding contested or uncontested divorce? Contact our experienced divorce attorneys today!
The Complexity of the Divorce
No matter what type of divorce you file for, there is one thing the process will always cost you: time. Time spent filling out the proper paperwork, time spent preparing a case for trial, time spent reaching a settlement… it all takes time. For this reason, it’s imperative that you retain the services of an experienced divorce attorney who can help you expedite the process as much possible.
How Much Does a Divorce Attorney Cost in Westchester County?
Each divorce attorney has their own cost per hour, and a variety of factors impact this cost, including location, complexity of case, and attorney experience.
When it comes down to it, there are truly only two financial factors that matter for calculating the cost of your divorce: state filing fees and the cost per hour of your legal representation. The rest simply affects the number of hours involved with your case. Minimizing the time spent on your divorce can be a huge cost saver.
However, going the cheapest route in filing for divorce – such as self-representation - is not always the best option, as the outcome will have long-lasting effects on your life. For this reason, we recommend that you align yourself with a legal professional who can guide you through every step of the process.
Work with an award-winning divorce lawyer – call us at (914) 873-4410 for a consultation.