A simpler, faster way to get divorced in New York.
When you and your spouse agree, getting divorced shouldn’t be complicated.
Express Divorce makes the uncontested divorce process easier — with straightforward steps, clear pricing, and the experience of a New York matrimonial law firm behind you.
See if you qualify in just a few minutes.
Online divorce is not a different type of divorce.
It is simply a more convenient way to prepare, organize, and in some cases file the documents required for a divorce.
For New York couples who have already reached agreement on the major issues, an online service can make the uncontested divorce process easier to manage by allowing much of the work to be completed remotely.
Instead of starting with repeated office appointments, the process typically begins with an online questionnaire covering the marriage, finances, children, property, support, and the terms the spouses have agreed upon.
That information is then used to prepare the documents required for the particular case.
Depending on the level of service selected, the process may also include:
The important distinction is this:
An online divorce service helps you complete the legal process. The divorce itself is still granted by the New York Supreme Court.
There is no special “online divorce court,” and using an online service does not change the legal requirements that apply to the case.
WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR ONLINE DIVORCE?
Online Divorce Works Best for Uncontested Cases
The strongest candidates are spouses who have already reached agreement on the issues that need to be resolved before judgment.
Depending on the marriage, those issues may include:
An online divorce can still involve children.
What matters is not whether the parties have children, but whether the parenting and financial issues involving those children have been resolved sufficiently for the divorce to proceed uncontested.
NEW YORK RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
Before filing for divorce in New York, the case must satisfy one of the residency requirements under New York law.
Depending on the circumstances, New York jurisdiction may be based on one-year or two-year residency pathways.
Relevant facts can include:
Residency should be confirmed before preparing the case because filing in the wrong jurisdiction can create significant problems later.
WHEN ONLINE DIVORCE MAY NOT BE THE RIGHT FIT
An online uncontested process is generally not designed to resolve serious disputes between spouses.
You may need attorney involvement if:
The issue is not whether the divorce is “simple” in the abstract.
The real question is whether the necessary terms have already been resolved and can be accurately documented.
HOW ONLINE DIVORCE WORKS IN NEW YORK
A Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1 — Confirm That Your Case Qualifies
Before beginning, determine whether:
If meaningful disputes remain, those issues may need to be resolved before the uncontested process can move forward.
Step 2 — Complete the Online Questionnaire
You provide the information necessary to prepare the divorce documents.
This can include:
Accuracy matters.
The documents prepared from the questionnaire are only as reliable as the information entered.
Step 3 — Prepare the New York Divorce Documents
The information provided is used to prepare the documents required for the particular uncontested case.
Depending on the circumstances, those documents may include:
Not every case uses exactly the same documents.
Step 4 — Review the Information Carefully
Before anything is filed, names, dates, financial terms, parenting provisions, and other material information should be checked carefully.
Common problems in uncontested cases often come from inconsistencies between documents rather than from complicated legal arguments.
Pay particular attention to:
Step 5 — File the Initial Papers
A New York divorce is filed in Supreme Court.
The case begins by purchasing an index number and filing the initiating documents with the appropriate county clerk.
The index number currently carries a $210 filing fee, subject to any applicable fee-waiver procedure.
Depending on the service selected, you may handle this yourself or receive filing assistance.
Step 6 — Address Service and Your Spouse’s Participation
The next step depends on whether the Defendant is cooperating.
In many uncontested cases, the Defendant signs the appropriate acknowledgment or Affidavit of Defendant.
If formal service is required, New York procedural rules governing service must be followed.
The Plaintiff generally has 120 days after filing the initiating papers to complete service when formal service is required.
Step 7 — Complete the Remaining Uncontested Package
Once the procedural requirements have been satisfied, the remaining papers are prepared and submitted.
The final uncontested package may include financial worksheets, parenting and child-support documents, affidavits, the Note of Issue, Request for Judicial Intervention, proposed findings, and the proposed Judgment of Divorce.
Additional filing fees apply during this stage.
For a standard uncontested matrimonial action, total basic court filing fees are generally at least $335, consisting of the $210 index-number fee and the later uncontested filing fees.
Step 8 — Court Review
The court reviews the submission.
If something is incomplete or inconsistent, corrections may be requested.
Using an online service does not guarantee that the court will accept every submission without revision.
The court retains authority over the case and ultimately decides whether the requirements for judgment have been satisfied.
Step 9 — Judgment of Divorce
The divorce is final only when the court grants the divorce and the Judgment of Divorce is properly entered.
Until that occurs, submitting documents online or filing an uncontested package does not itself terminate the marriage.
CAN YOU FILE FOR DIVORCE ONLINE WITHOUT A LAWYER?
Yes.
New York permits individuals to represent themselves in an uncontested divorce.
But “without a lawyer” and “without help” are not necessarily the same thing.
Couples can choose different levels of assistance depending on what they are comfortable handling themselves.
Paperwork Only
You provide the information, the divorce documents are prepared, and you handle the filing process.
Filing Support
You receive assistance with document preparation, signatures, and the court filing process.
Attorney Review
A lawyer reviews the agreement or documents and advises on identified legal issues.
Attorney-Assisted Divorce
An attorney provides broader guidance and oversight throughout the uncontested matter.
The right choice depends on the complexity of the case and how much responsibility you want to manage yourself.
WHAT ONLINE DIVORCE DOES — AND DOES NOT — DO
Online Divorce Can Help With:
Online Divorce Does Not:
THE BOTTOM LINE
Online divorce can make the administrative side of an uncontested New York divorce significantly more manageable.
But the technology is not what makes the divorce simple.
Agreement makes the divorce uncontested. The online process simply makes the paperwork and filing easier to complete.
For couples who have already resolved the necessary issues, Express Divorce offers different levels of support — from document preparation to filing assistance and attorney-assisted uncontested divorce.
START YOUR NEW YORK DIVORCE
PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE DIVORCE
Gather the Information Before You Begin
A smoother uncontested divorce usually starts with good organization.
Before completing an online questionnaire or preparing court papers, gather the information you will need about the marriage, finances, property, and children.
Depending on your case, that may include:
Personal and Marriage Information
Income and Financial Information
Property Information
Information About Children
If the marriage involves children, you may also need information concerning:
The exact documents required will depend on your circumstances.
The goal is not to upload every document you have. It is to make sure the information being used to prepare the divorce papers is complete and accurate.
ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION BEFORE ENTERING IT
Small inconsistencies can create unnecessary problems later.
Before starting, confirm that important information is consistent across your records, particularly:
Keeping organized digital copies can also make it easier to answer questions and verify information as the documents are prepared.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ONLINE DIVORCE SERVICE
Not Every Online Divorce Service Provides the Same Level of Help
Some services provide forms only.
Others prepare customized documents, assist with filing, coordinate signatures, or offer access to attorneys.
Before choosing a service, understand exactly what you are paying for.
Look for clear answers to questions such as:
LOOK FOR CLEAR PRICING
The advertised service price should not be confused with the total cost of obtaining a divorce.
Possible additional expenses can include:
For a standard New York uncontested matrimonial action, basic court filing fees are generally at least $335.
A reputable service should clearly distinguish its own fee from court and third-party charges.
UNDERSTAND THE LEVEL OF SERVICE
The least expensive option is not always the best fit.
Consider how much of the process you want to handle yourself.
Document Preparation
Best for someone who wants the divorce papers prepared but is comfortable managing filing and procedure independently.
Filing Support
Adds help with the court filing process, signatures, and procedural coordination.
Attorney Review
Useful when you want a lawyer to review an agreement or particular legal issues before the case is submitted.
Attorney-Assisted Uncontested Divorce
Provides broader legal involvement while keeping the matter within an uncontested framework.
The right service should match the actual needs of the case rather than forcing every divorce into the same package.
FILING YOUR NEW YORK DIVORCE PAPERS
Where Is a New York Divorce Filed?
A divorce in New York is filed in the Supreme Court.
Although some counties use electronic filing extensively, the precise filing procedure can depend on the county and the documents involved.
An online divorce service should therefore provide instructions appropriate to the New York court handling the case.
STEP 1 — FILE THE INITIAL DOCUMENTS
The Plaintiff begins the divorce action by filing the appropriate initiating papers and purchasing an index number.
The index-number fee is currently $210.
Once filed, the case receives an index number that identifies the matrimonial action.
STEP 2 — COMPLETE SERVICE OR OBTAIN THE DEFENDANT’S COOPERATION
Filing the case does not automatically notify the other spouse.
The next step depends on how the Defendant participates.
In a cooperative uncontested divorce, the Defendant may sign the appropriate documents acknowledging the action.
If formal service is necessary, New York service requirements must be followed.
When formal service is required, the Plaintiff generally has 120 days from commencement of the action to complete service.
STEP 3 — PREPARE THE FINAL UNCONTESTED PACKAGE
After the Defendant’s participation or default has been properly addressed, the remaining papers can be completed.
Depending on the case, the package may include:
The exact package depends on the circumstances of the marriage.
STEP 4 — SUBMIT THE CASE FOR COURT REVIEW
Once the required documents are completed, they are submitted to the court.
At that point, the judge or court staff reviews the papers to determine whether the statutory and procedural requirements have been satisfied.
If something is incomplete, inconsistent, or improperly prepared, corrections may be requested before the divorce can be granted.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE PAPERS ARE SUBMITTED?
Court Review Begins
After submission, the case is no longer controlled solely by the spouses or the online service.
It is in the court’s hands.
The court may:
There is no guaranteed number of days in which a New York uncontested divorce will be completed.
Processing time depends on the county, court workload, the completeness of the submission, and the circumstances of the particular case.
NEW YORK DOES NOT HAVE A GENERAL 30- OR 90-DAY DIVORCE WAITING PERIOD
Unlike some jurisdictions, New York does not impose a universal post-filing waiting period requiring every divorcing couple to wait a fixed number of days before judgment.
There are, however, procedural time periods that can matter.
For example, when a Defendant has been formally served and does not appear, particular timing requirements apply before the remaining uncontested papers can be submitted.
That is different from a statewide mandatory “cooling-off period.”
WHAT IF THE COURT FINDS AN ERROR?
An uncontested divorce is not automatically rejected because a document needs correction.
The court may require the submission to be amended or supplemented.
Common issues can include:
Correcting the issue may delay the case, which is why careful preparation before submission matters.
WHEN IS THE DIVORCE ACTUALLY FINAL?
Submitting the final papers does not end the marriage.
The divorce becomes legally effective only after the court grants the divorce and the Judgment of Divorce is entered.
Afterward, additional practical steps may still remain, such as:
HOW EXPRESS DIVORCE FITS INTO THE PROCESS
Express Divorce offers different levels of assistance depending on how much of the process you want to manage yourself.
Express Divorce — Paperwork Only
Your New York uncontested divorce documents are prepared, and you receive instructions for handling the filing yourself.
Express Divorce Plus — Filing Support
Adds filing assistance, signature coordination, case support, and status tracking.
Attorney-Assisted Options
For qualifying cases where you want an attorney to review the agreement, identify legal issues, or provide broader oversight.
The goal is not simply to put forms online. It is to make the uncontested New York divorce process easier to understand and easier to complete.
START YOUR NEW YORK DIVORCE
COST CONSIDERATIONS
Understand the Full Cost Before You Begin
The cost of an online divorce is not limited to the service fee.
For a New York uncontested divorce, couples should also account for court filing fees and any additional expenses required by the particular case.
Basic court filing fees are generally at least $335, consisting of the index-number fee and later uncontested matrimonial filing fees.
Other potential costs may include:
The total cost therefore depends on both the service selected and the needs of the case.
HOW TO AVOID UNNECESSARY EXPENSES
The lowest advertised price is not always the least expensive path overall.
Errors, incomplete agreements, or choosing too little support for a complicated case can create additional work later.
A more useful approach is to choose the level of assistance that matches the case.
Paperwork Only
Appropriate when you are comfortable handling the filing process yourself.
Filing Support
Useful when you want help with signatures, filing, and procedural coordination.
Attorney Review
Helpful when you want legal review before signing or filing.
Attorney-Assisted Uncontested Divorce
Better suited to matters that remain uncontested but involve issues requiring more legal oversight.
The goal should be to avoid paying for unnecessary attorney involvement while also avoiding mistakes that may be difficult or expensive to correct later.
THINK BEYOND THE FILING FEE
A divorce agreement can affect finances long after the case is completed.
Before finalizing terms, consider whether the agreement adequately addresses:
Saving money on document preparation is only beneficial if the underlying agreement is workable and accurately reflects what both spouses intend.
WHEN ONLINE DIVORCE IS A GOOD FIT
Scenario 1 — Both Spouses Have Already Reached Agreement
This is the clearest example.
The spouses have resolved the issues that apply to their marriage and primarily need help completing the New York paperwork and court process.
That may include agreement concerning:
The marriage does not have to be extremely short or financially minimal.
The key is that the necessary issues are genuinely resolved.
Scenario 2 — Straightforward Financial Circumstances
Online divorce can work particularly well where the financial picture is clear and both spouses understand what they own and owe.
For example:
This reduces the likelihood that extensive legal analysis or discovery will be necessary.
Scenario 3 — A Divorce With Children but Full Agreement
Having minor children does not automatically make an online divorce inappropriate.
A case involving children may still be uncontested if the parents have agreed on:
The parenting and support provisions still need to satisfy New York requirements, but the presence of children alone does not require contested litigation.
Scenario 4 — You Want Convenience Without Giving Up All Professional Support
Some couples are comfortable completing much of the process online but still want help with filing or attorney review.
A hybrid approach can provide convenience while adding professional support where it matters.
WHEN ONLINE DIVORCE MAY NOT BE ENOUGH
Online divorce services are designed primarily for uncontested matters.
They may not be appropriate when:
In these situations, traditional legal representation or another dispute-resolution process may be necessary.
TECHNOLOGY DOES NOT REPLACE LEGAL JUDGMENT
Online tools can make document preparation and filing more efficient.
They do not eliminate the need to understand the agreement being signed.
A platform cannot turn an unresolved legal dispute into an uncontested divorce simply by generating forms.
The technology is most useful when the legal and factual issues are already sufficiently settled.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ONLINE DIVORCE
How Long Does an Online Divorce Take in New York?
There is no standard completion time.
New York does not impose a universal 30-, 60-, or 90-day waiting period for every divorce.
Timing depends on factors such as:
An online service can make preparation and filing more efficient, but it cannot control the court’s review timeline.
Is an Online Divorce Legally Valid?
Yes, provided the case is properly prepared, filed, and ultimately granted by the court.
The divorce is not legally different because documents were prepared through an online service.
The New York Supreme Court still reviews the case and enters the Judgment of Divorce.
What if My Spouse Will Not Cooperate?
An uncontested online process depends on agreement.
If your spouse refuses to participate or disputes important issues, the case may no longer be appropriate for a streamlined uncontested service.
You may need:
The appropriate next step depends on what is actually disputed.
Can We Use Online Divorce if We Have Children?
Yes, potentially.
The important issue is whether the parents have reached agreement on the required custody, parenting, and child-support matters.
If those issues remain genuinely contested, an online uncontested process may not be sufficient.
Can We Change the Agreement Later?
It depends on the provision involved.
Some terms, particularly certain child-support or custody provisions, may later be subject to modification under the applicable legal standard.
Other terms, especially property provisions, may be much more difficult to change once incorporated into a final agreement and judgment.
That is why significant provisions should be understood before they are signed.
Do I Need an Attorney for an Online Divorce?
Not necessarily.
New York allows self-represented parties to complete an uncontested divorce.
But attorney involvement may be useful when:
Attorney review can be added without converting every case into full traditional representation.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Online divorce can be a practical option for New York couples who have already resolved the issues necessary to proceed uncontested.
The advantages are primarily:
But online divorce is not appropriate simply because someone wants a cheaper divorce.
It works best when:
Online divorce makes the process easier to manage. Agreement is what makes the divorce uncontested.
For qualifying New York cases, Express Divorce offers a range of options — from document preparation to filing support and attorney-assisted uncontested divorce.
START YOUR NEW YORK DIVORCE
When spouses disagree, attorney time, negotiations, discovery, motions, and court appearances can make legal costs difficult to predict.
When spouses have already reached agreement, the work can be more clearly defined.
$25k-$30k
EXPRESS DIVORCE
$799 – $7,999
Express Divorce was created to make New York uncontested divorce easier to understand and easier to complete.
From preparing your paperwork to helping with filing and signatures, our team provides the level of support you choose — with attorney review and attorney-led options available when you want more guidance.
We prepare your New York uncontested-divorce paperwork and provide clear filing instructions. You handle the filing with the court.
Get help with your New York divorce paperwork, court filing, spouse signatures, and the steps needed to move your uncontested divorce forward.
We handle your entire uncontested divorce process from start to finish, including paperwork preparation, filing, and court coordination so you don’t have to manage any steps on your own.
Express Divorce helps New Yorkers move through an uncontested divorce with clear steps, professional document preparation, and the level of support that fits their needs.
From filing assistance to attorney-reviewed and attorney-led options, the goal is simple: make the legal process easier when you and your spouse have already reached agreement.
