When a marriage comes to an end, it can be a hard time for both people. Many couples want to move on with their lives without a long fight in court. That is why some choose an uncontested divorce. This is when both people agree on everything like money, property, and children. If there is no argument between them, the divorce process can be easier, quicker, and much less expensive. Still, even an uncontested divorce in New York has costs that people should know about before starting.
Understanding What Uncontested Divorce Means
In New York, an uncontested divorce means both sides agree to end the marriage and also agree on the main parts of the divorce. This includes child custody, child support, spousal support, and how to divide things like property and debts. When both people work together, the court does not need to step in to settle fights. That makes the process smoother and keeps costs lower. But even if both people agree, the divorce must still follow the law and be approved by a judge.
The Court Filing Fees You Need to Pay
In New York, the first cost you will face is the court filing fee. This is the amount you pay to the court when you begin the divorce process. As of now, it costs about $210 to file a divorce case. There are also other fees that can come up during the process. For example, if you need to file more papers or ask the court to do something special, those steps may cost more. In total, court-related fees usually add up to around $335. These fees are for everyone, no matter who they are or how simple the divorce is.
The staff is extremely friendly and knowledgeable. They truly care about their clients and walk you through the process every step of the way. I highly recommend Jean and here team for any legal needs.– Joseph B.
Was a real advocate for me while going through my divorce. Responded to emails and calls promptly and guided me through the entire process. Fair, responsive and frankly a light during a tough time.– Melissa W.
What About Lawyer Fees
Even though an uncontested divorce is simpler than other divorces, many people still choose to have a lawyer help them. A lawyer makes sure everything is done right. If papers are not filled out the correct way, the court may not accept them. That means delays or even having to start over. Lawyers who handle uncontested divorces in New York often charge a flat fee. This means one price for the whole job, instead of charging by the hour. Most flat fees for uncontested divorces range from $750 to $2,500. The final cost depends on how complex your case is. If there are no kids, no shared property, and no debts, it may cost closer to $750. If the divorce includes a home, retirement accounts, or a parenting plan, it may cost more.
Is It Possible To Do It Without a Lawyer
Some people choose to do the divorce paperwork on their own. This is called going pro se. New York has a website with free divorce forms and instructions. This may seem like a way to save money. But it is not always a good idea. Mistakes on the forms can slow things down or make the court reject your case. If you do not know your rights, you might agree to something that hurts you later. So even though doing it yourself might save money up front, it could cost more in the end if things go wrong.
How long does a Divorce take? What is a no Fault Divorce in NY?Related Videos
Other Costs to Think About
Besides filing fees and lawyer fees, there may be a few other costs. If you need to have your spouse served with divorce papers, there may be a small fee for that. You might also need to pay for notary services or copies of court papers. Some people also pay a small fee to take a parenting class if kids are involved. These extra costs are usually not too high. But they can still add up to $100 to $300 depending on your case.
What If You Can’t Afford the Fees
New York courts know that not everyone has the money to pay for a divorce. If you do not have much income or are getting government help, you may be able to ask for a fee waiver. This means you do not have to pay the court filing fees. You will need to fill out a form and show proof of your income. The judge will decide if you qualify. If you do, it can lower the cost of your divorce a lot.
How Long Will It Take
Most uncontested divorces in New York take about three to six months. The time depends on how fast you and your spouse fill out the paperwork, how busy the court is, and if anything needs to be corrected. While this is not a cost in money, it is a cost in time. The faster both sides work together, the less time and money the divorce will take.
Why Some Uncontested Divorces Cost More
Even when both sides agree, there are things that can make the divorce cost more. If your divorce has a lot of property or debt to divide, it can take more time to write a fair agreement. If you and your spouse agree but need help putting everything into legal words, that may cost extra. If children are involved, it may also take more time to plan out custody, visits, and support. All of these things can raise the cost, even if there is no argument.
How to Keep Costs Down
To keep your costs low, it helps to be organized and honest. Try to talk things through with your spouse before starting the divorce. Make a list of all property, debts, and income. Be clear about what each person wants. The more you agree on ahead of time, the less time a lawyer or court has to spend sorting it out. Also, having your documents ready and complete when you meet with a lawyer can cut down on the work they need to do.
Uncontested Divorce Is Not One Size Fits All
Every marriage is different, and so is every divorce. Some couples have no children and little property. Others have a house, retirement plans, and kids. That is why the cost of an uncontested divorce in New York can change so much. Some divorces may only cost a few hundred dollars. Others may cost a few thousand. What matters is that you and your spouse work together to make it fair and fast.
Going through a divorce is never easy. But if both sides are willing to work together, it does not have to be painful or too costly. Uncontested divorces give couples a chance to move on with their lives in a peaceful and affordable way. Still, it is important to understand the real costs, both in money and in time. Whether you choose to do it yourself or get help, the most important thing is making sure everything is done right.
If you are thinking about an uncontested divorce in New York and want to make sure your rights are protected, the team at Mahserjian & Mahserjian-Ortiz, PLLC is here to help. We can guide you through every step so you know what to expect and what to do. Reach out today to find out how we can make the process smoother and less stressful for you.
