Real numbers for New York — filing fees, attorney rates, contested vs. uncontested costs, county breakdowns, and what you can do to reduce your total.
✓ Filing fee and waiting period verified against current state statutes · Updated August 2026
However complicated the details get, nearly every New York divorce follows the same underlying sequence:
This outline is meant as general orientation, not a substitute for legal advice — check with a New York family law attorney or your courthouse's self-help center for the forms specific to your case.
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Calculate My New York Divorce Cost →The cost of divorce in New York ranges from roughly $4,200 for a simple uncontested case to $60,800 or more for a contested divorce that goes to trial. The single biggest factor is not the state — it is how much you and your spouse disagree.
New York City has the highest average attorney rates in the US — $350–$600/hour. Attorney fees in upstate NY are significantly lower at $200–$350/hour.
| Divorce Type | Low Estimate | Typical | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested, no children | $335 | $1,330 | $7,000 |
| Uncontested with children | $4,200 | $7,000 | $10,500 |
| Contested, no trial | $20,900 | $38,000 | $60,800 |
| Contested, goes to trial | $60,800 | $72,200 | $50,000+ |
| Savings going uncontested | Up to $31,000 per spouse | ||
The court filing fee in New York is paid when you submit your divorce petition to the court. This is a fixed, unavoidable cost regardless of whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.
Filing fee note: $210 NYC; $335 varies by county
| New York City (all 5 boroughs) | $210 |
| Nassau County | $210 |
| Suffolk | $210 |
| Westchester | $210 |
| Erie (Buffalo) | $210 |
| Albany | $210 |
Divorce attorney hourly rates in New York average $420 per hour.
A Manhattan couple with no children and a cooperative divorce would spend $335 in filing fees and $4,000–$10,000+ in attorney costs for an uncontested case — total $4,500–$10,500. A contested custody case involving a co-op apartment and investment accounts in NYC can easily reach $80,000–$200,000+ per party at premium firm rates.
How much does a divorce cost in New York?
An uncontested divorce in New York typically costs $7,000–$10,500 including the $335 filing fee. A contested divorce averages $38,000–$60,800 per spouse depending on attorney hours and complexity.
How much does a divorce cost in New York City?
NYC divorces are among the most expensive in the US. Uncontested divorces with attorney assistance typically cost $5,000–$15,000. Contested cases involving real estate and custody can reach $50,000–$200,000+ per party.
Is New York a no-fault divorce state?
Yes since 2010. New York allows divorce on the ground that the marriage has 'broken down irretrievably' for at least six months. No separation period is required.
What is equitable distribution in New York?
New York courts divide marital property fairly — considering contributions, length of marriage, each spouse's income, and future needs — but not necessarily 50/50.
How does New York divide retirement accounts in a divorce?
Retirement accounts accrued during the marriage are marital property in New York. Dividing them requires a QDRO (Qualified Domestic Relations Order), a separate legal order that must be prepared and approved by the retirement plan administrator.
How long does a New York divorce take?
An uncontested divorce can be finalized in 3–6 months. Contested divorces in NYC courts often take 2–4+ years due to court backlogs.
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Open New York Calculator →Filing fees based on New York court records as of July 2026. This is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.