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Uncontested Divorce
New York Uncontested Divorce Service
Divorce is never easy—but at Shim Law Group, we believe the process doesn’t have to be long, expensive, or emotionally exhausting. If you and your spouse are on the same page about key issues like division of property, spousal support, child custody, and other legal matters, you may qualify for a quick and straightforward uncontested divorce in New York. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to helping couples transition smoothly by avoiding unnecessary court battles and keeping costs and delays to a minimum.
With our compassionate guidance and efficient legal strategies, we take the stress out of divorce—so you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. Let Shim Law Group handle the paperwork and legal details while you focus on starting the next chapter of your life.
Understanding Uncontested Divorce in New York
Years of Experience Helping Clients Start Fresh.
If you and your spouse are ready to move forward with an uncontested divorce in New York, trust Shim Law Group to guide you through the process quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to get the experienced, compassionate legal support you deserve.
Filing the Case
We start by filing a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint with the County Clerk. This officially begins your divorce case. You’ll need to provide basic details like your marriage date, grounds for divorce, and a proposed division of assets. When you come to retain us, please bring your marriage certificate, recent tax return, and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and any children.
Serving the Papers
After filing, the divorce papers must be legally served to your spouse. This is usually done by a process server, but service by mail or publication is sometimes available. Often, the process moves faster if the defendant signs an affidavit and waiver, agreeing to accept the papers and allowing the divorce to be placed on the uncontested calendar. The waiver also acknowledges important notices about asset transfers, health insurance, and spousal maintenance.
Negotiating a Settlement
Even in an uncontested divorce, there may be property, custody, or support issues to resolve. If you and your spouse can reach an agreement, we’ll prepare a Settlement Agreement to submit to the court for approval. Having everything worked out ahead of time saves you time, stress, and legal fees. However, we strongly advise against giving up important rights, like fair child support, just to speed up the process. Protecting your future is always the priority.
Finalizing the Divorce
In most cases, an uncontested divorce in New York takes about 3 to 9 months, depending on the county and the complexity of the case. Some cases may qualify for expedited service—ask us if yours does. Once the court approves all paperwork, the judge will sign the Judgment of Divorce, officially ending your marriage. Shim Law Group is here to guide you through every step until your divorce is finalized.
Divorce can be emotionally and financially challenging, even when uncontested. Consulting with Shim Law Group ensures you protect your rights and plan for the future. We also offer personalized estate planning to help secure your assets and peace of mind after divorce.
How to Qualify for an Uncontested Divorce in New York
There are three basic requirements to file for an uncontested divorce in New York: agreement on the no-fault reason for your divorce, a residency requirement, and agreement on the issues in your case.
No Major Disputes
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all key issues, including the division of assets and debts, spousal maintenance, child custody, visitation, and child support. If there are disagreements on any of these points, a contested divorce will be necessary.
Residency Requirement
At least one spouse must have lived continuously in New York for a minimum of one year before filing for divorce. Some counties may have additional local residency rules to consider.
Legal Grounds for Divorce
In New York, the grounds for an uncontested divorce are an "irretrievable breakdown" of the marriage lasting at least six months. This means the relationship has broken down beyond repair, and there is no chance of reconciliation.
Full Financial Disclosure
Even in an uncontested divorce, both parties must fully disclose their income, expenses, assets, and debts. Full financial transparency is necessary for the court to approve fair agreements on spousal support, property division, and child support. Incomplete or inaccurate disclosure can cause legal problems later.
What does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?
No Children, No Property
Simple Divorce – Both Parties Cooperate, Regular Service
- Consultation with an experienced team member
- Preparation of all necessary legal documents
- Complete filing handled by our team
- Final Judgment of Divorce (Divorce Decree) included
- Waiver of service required
Children, No Property
Child Support and Custody Agreement Required – Both Parties Cooperate, Regular Service
- Consultation with an experienced team member
- Preparation of all necessary legal documents
- Complete filing handled by our team
- Final Judgment of Divorce (Divorce Decree) included
- Waiver and stipulation required
- Child support calculations included; spousal support calculations (if applicable) included
No Children, Property Division
Property Settlement Agreement Required – Both Parties Cooperate, Regular Service
- Consultation with an experienced team member
- Preparation of all necessary legal documents
- Complete filing handled by our team
- Final Judgment of Divorce (Divorce Decree) included
- Waiver and stipulation required
- Settlement agreement drafted based on the terms negotiated between you and your spouse
Children and Property
Property Settlement, Child Support, and Custody Agreement Required – Both Parties Cooperate, Regular Service
- Consultation with an experienced team member
- Preparation of all necessary legal documents
- Complete filing handled by our team
- Final Judgment of Divorce (Divorce Decree) included
- Waiver and stipulation required
- Child support and spousal support calculations included
- Comprehensive settlement agreement included
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is when both spouses agree on all major issues—such as the division of assets, debts, child custody, visitation, child support, and spousal maintenance. There are no disputes, and both parties are willing to sign legal documents to finalize the divorce.
How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take?
While New York doesn’t have a mandatory waiting period, the time to finalize an uncontested divorce typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks after filing.
The timeframe largely depends on how quickly you submit the required paperwork and how busy the court is in your county.
Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce?
To qualify for an uncontested divorce in New York, you must meet these conditions:
Both spouses agree on all key issues.
At least one spouse has lived continuously in New York for at least one year before filing.
The grounds for divorce must be the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months.
Both parties must fully disclose their finances to ensure a fair settlement.
What Are the Costs of an Uncontested Divorce?
An uncontested divorce is generally much more affordable than a contested one. Basic court filing fees in New York start at approximately $335 (as of 2025).
Additional costs may include:
Online form preparation services: $150–$500
Divorce mediation (if needed): $3,000–$8,000 (typically split between spouses)
Special court orders (e.g., QDROs for retirement accounts): a few hundred dollars
Attorney review of your settlement agreement (recommended for protection).
At Shim Law Group, we offer transparent flat-fee packages based on your individual situation.
What Is the Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce?
Uncontested Divorce: Both parties agree on all terms and are willing to cooperate throughout the process.
Contested Divorce: The parties cannot agree on one or more major issues, and the case must go before a judge for resolution.
Choosing an uncontested divorce can save you significant time, stress, and legal expenses.
How Can Shim Law Group Help With My Uncontested Divorce?
At Shim Law Group, we guide you through every step of your uncontested divorce, from preparing and filing the documents to obtaining the final Judgment of Divorce.
We ensure your rights are protected, agreements are fair, and the process runs as smoothly as possible. We also offer estate planning services to help you secure your financial future post-divorce.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.
How Can Shim Law Group Help With My Uncontested Divorce?
At Shim Law Group, we guide you through every step of your uncontested divorce, from preparing and filing the documents to obtaining the final Judgment of Divorce.
We ensure your rights are protected, agreements are fair, and the process runs as smoothly as possible. We also offer estate planning services to help you secure your financial future post-divorce.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out how we can help you move forward with confidence.
