Divorce Lawyer in Buffalo, NY — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Buffalo, New York can profoundly impact your financial future, custody arrangements, and overall peace of mind. Whether your case involves significant marital property, a high-conflict custody dispute, or an amicable uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in Buffalo — including court procedures, requirements, costs, and affordable alternatives to hiring a traditional law firm.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Buffalo?

You may need a Buffalo divorce lawyer if your case involves:

• Custody, visitation, or parenting schedule conflicts

• High-conflict communication or uncooperative behavior

• Real estate, pensions, retirement accounts, or investments

• A business or professional practice

• Disagreements over spousal maintenance

• Domestic violence or need for an Order of Protection

• Suspected hidden assets, cryptocurrency, or offshore accounts

• A case requiring mediation, hearings, or trial

However, a lawyer may NOT be necessary if your divorce is uncontested, meaning both spouses agree on:

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support & spousal support

• Division of assets & debts

• Retirement & pension division

• Who stays in the marital home

For uncontested divorces, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Buffalo divorce documents at a fraction of the price of using an attorney.

Where to File for Divorce in Buffalo, NY

Divorces in Buffalo are handled by the Erie County Supreme Court.

Primary Filing Location

New York State Supreme Court — Erie County
Erie County Courthouse
25 Delaware Avenue
Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 845-9301

This court manages:

• Divorce & legal separation

• Custody & parenting time

• Support (child & spousal)

• Orders of protection

• Settlement conferences

• Mediation

• Trials & hearings

Buffalo divorces can be filed electronically through NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing System).

New York Residency Requirements for Divorce

You may file for divorce in Buffalo if one of the following is true:

1. One spouse lived in NY for at least 2 years, OR

2. One spouse lived in NY for 1 year AND

   • You were married in New York, OR

   • You lived as a married couple in New York, OR

   • The cause of divorce occurred in New York

3. Both spouses live in NY and the cause occurred in NY

New York recognizes no-fault divorce, citing an “irretrievable breakdown” of 6+ months.

How Divorce Works in Buffalo, NY

Here’s the typical divorce process in Erie County:

1. File a Summons With Notice or a Summons & Complaint

This officially starts your divorce case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service can be completed by:

• Process server

• Sheriff

• Acceptable in-hand delivery (not by you)

• Acceptance of service

3. Financial Disclosure Requirements

New York requires both spouses to exchange:

• Income documentation

• Bank, retirement, & investment statements

• Real estate deeds & mortgage info

• Lists of all assets & debts

• Tax returns

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Erie County may require:

• A detailed parenting plan

• Mediation

• Forensic or psychological evaluations (if contested)

• GAL (guardian ad litem) involvement

5. Negotiation, Mediation, or Litigation

Uncontested cases settle quickly.
Contested cases may include:

• Temporary support hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the Final Judgment of Divorce, legally ending the marriage.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in Buffalo, NY?

Attorney fees in Buffalo vary based on complexity and conflict level.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $275–$450

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $2,500–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $10,000–$30,000+

• High-asset or complex cases: $40,000–$100,000+

Custody disputes and major property division significantly increase the cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Buffalo, NY

Here are respected Buffalo divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Tiveron Law, PLLC

https://www.tiveronlaw.com

2. The Law Office of Randy S. Margulis, Esq.

https://www.randymargulis.com

3. HoganWillig, PLLC

https://www.hoganwillig.com

These firms specialize in contested custody, mediation, high-asset divorces, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your Buffalo divorce is uncontested, a lawyer may not be necessary.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee services:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all New York divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file all documents with Erie County Supreme Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A dedicated divorce specialist supports your entire case.

These options are ideal for couples seeking a low-stress, simplified divorce process.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Buffalo divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or parenting time is contested

• Domestic violence or safety issues exist

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money or investments

• Litigation is likely

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Buffalo Couples

• New York-specific divorce forms

• Flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Faster and more affordable than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com helps Buffalo couples complete their divorce with clarity and confidence.

Start Your Buffalo Divorce Today

Whether you hire an attorney or use an online platform, the most important step is taking action. Divorce.com offers an affordable, streamlined, and stress-free path for Buffalo couples.