How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce In New York | SRIS, P.C.
How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce In New York County (Manhattan)?
The timeline for how quickly you can get a divorce in New York depends heavily on whether it is contested or uncontested. In New York County (Manhattan), an uncontested divorce based on irretrievable breakdown can finalize in 3 to 6 months from filing.
New York Divorce Law and Timelines
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 provides the grounds for divorce, with the most common being the no-fault ground of an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. The statutory process for property division, maintenance (alimony), and child support is governed by DRL § 236. The timeline for how quickly you can get a divorce in New York is not set by statute but by court procedure and the specifics of your case. Founded in 1997, our firm’s experience with New York family courts is anchored by Mr. Sris’s strategic oversight of complex multi-state and financial cases.
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s divorce laws, refer to the New York State Senate website. For forms and local procedures, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
The Divorce Process in New York County Supreme Court
Understanding the local procedural field is key to predicting how quickly you can get a divorce in New York. The New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. A key local procedural fact is the mandatory use of a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI), which formally places the case before a judge and triggers scheduling orders. The court’s high volume can lead to longer wait times for motion hearings and trial dates compared to less busy counties.
- File the Summons and Complaint or Joint Petition: The divorce action begins by purchasing an index number ($335 fee) and filing the initiating papers with the County Clerk.
- Serve the Papers and File Proof of Service: In a contested case, the defendant must be formally served. An uncontested joint petition is filed together.
- File the Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): This $95 filing assigns the case to a specific judge and part, starting the court’s active management.
- Complete Disclosure and Discovery: Both parties exchange financial affidavits and documents. In contested cases, formal discovery (interrogatories, depositions) may extend timelines.
- Attend Conferences and Settlement Efforts: The court will schedule preliminary, compliance, and settlement conferences to narrow issues and encourage agreement.
- Finalize by Agreement or Trial: If settlement is reached, stipulations are signed and a judgment is submitted. If not, the case proceeds to trial, which significantly extends the timeline.
Factors Influencing Your Divorce Timeline
In New York County, the speed of your divorce hinges on case complexity, asset disclosure, child-related disputes, and court scheduling.
| Case Type | Typical Timeline | Key Influencing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontested (No Children/Minimal Assets) | 3 – 6 months | Prompt filing, complete paperwork, no court appearances beyond submission. |
| Uncontested (With Children/Assets) | 6 – 9 months | Time to draft settlement agreement, create parenting plan, court review. |
| Contested (Issues Resolved Early) | 9 – 15 months | Length of discovery, number of court conferences, judge’s calendar. |
| Contested (Trial Required) | 18 – 24+ months | Trial scheduling backlog, experienced valuations (business/real estate), custody evaluations. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience in New York Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 and brings a combined 120+ years of legal experience to family law matters. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New York’s equitable distribution laws and the procedural nuances of courts like the New York County Supreme Court. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, maintains a selective caseload to provide focused, strategic counsel on complex divorces involving business valuations, high-net-worth assets, and interstate issues.
Case Results and Client Focus
While specific results in New York County are part of ongoing practice, firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our goal in every divorce is to seek an efficient resolution that protects our client’s financial and parental rights, whether through skilled negotiation or assertive litigation when necessary.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our New York County Family Law Attorney
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients with matters at the New York County Supreme Court. We are accessible via major transit lines and highways. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747, with meetings scheduled by appointment. We serve clients throughout Manhattan, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, the Upper East and West Sides, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, and the Financial District.
FAQs: How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce In New York
What is the fastest way to get a divorce in New York?
The fastest way is an uncontested divorce where both spouses agree on all terms. With a properly prepared joint petition and no court appearances required, a New York County uncontested divorce can be finalized in as little as 3 to 4 months from filing.
Can I get a divorce in New York in 6 months?
Yes, an uncontested divorce often finalizes within 6 months. The no-fault ground itself requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown, so the timeline begins only after that period is met and all paperwork is correctly filed and processed by the court.
What causes the longest delays in a New York divorce?
It depends. The most significant delays come from contested issues (custody, property division), extensive discovery, court backlogs for trial dates, and the need for experienced valuations of businesses or complex assets. Failure to fully disclose financial information can also cause lengthy procedural delays.
Does having children make a divorce take longer?
Often, yes. Creating a detailed, court-approved parenting plan takes time. If custody is disputed, the court may order a forensic custody evaluation, which can add 2 to 6 months to the timeline before a trial can even be scheduled.
How can a How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce In New York Attorney help speed up the process?
A knowledgeable attorney ensures all forms are complete and compliant, advises on efficient settlement strategies, manages discovery to avoid delays, and navigates local court rules and judge preferences to keep the case moving forward as swiftly as possible.
Should I hire a How Quickly Can You Get A Divorce In New York Law Firm for an uncontested divorce?
Yes. Even in an uncontested divorce, legal guidance ensures your settlement agreement is legally sound, addresses all required issues, and is properly submitted to the court to avoid rejections or delays that can add months to the process.
Related Information: For more on New York family law, see our New York Family Law hub page. For help in neighboring areas, consult our Kings County (Brooklyn) family lawyer page. If you are also facing related legal issues, our New York County criminal defense attorneys can assist.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance on your situation.