Divorce in New York can be emotionally and financially demanding, but knowing what to expect can help you plan ahead and avoid surprises. This 2025 guide breaks down the typical costs of divorce in New York City—including attorney fees, filing fees, mediation expenses, and the differences between contested and uncontested cases. You’ll also see how Divorce.com compares to traditional divorce paths and how much you could save.

Average Divorce Cost in New York

The average cost of a divorce in New York City ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 when handled through traditional attorney-led representation. Highly contested cases involving property disputes, child custody, or alimony negotiations can exceed $50,000 or more.

By contrast, uncontested divorces—where both spouses agree on major issues—can be completed for as little as $500 to $2,000, especially when handled online through a guided service like Divorce.com.

1. Filing Fees in New York

Every divorce in New York begins with a filing at the Supreme Court of the State of New York.
The court filing fee is $335, plus a $210 index number (required to open the case), for a total of around $545 in administrative costs.

Additional expenses may include:

Process server or sheriff fees for serving papers (~$50 – $100)

Notary or document certification fees (~$20)

Motion filing fees if your case becomes contested

Tip: Filing fees are fixed statewide, but other costs—like attorney retainers—vary by borough.

2. Attorney Fees in New York

Attorney rates in New York City are among the highest in the country, typically $350 – $700 per hour depending on experience and case complexity.
Most contested divorces require a retainer of $5,000 – $10,000, which can escalate quickly if litigation is needed.

Cost Drivers

• Disputed assets: real estate, investments, businesses

• Custody or support disagreements

• Discovery and expert witnesses

• Trial time and multiple court appearances

  
  

3. Mediation in New York

Mediation offers a lower-cost, collaborative path.
Professional mediators in New York typically charge $200 – $500 per hour, and most couples complete mediation in 4 – 6 sessions, totaling $2,000 – $5,000.

Mediation is especially effective for couples who want to stay in control of decisions while minimizing conflict and expense.

4. Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

   
   

   Type	Description	Estimated Cost
   Uncontested	Both parties agree on all terms—property, custody, and support	$500 – $2,000 (online)
   Contested	One or more issues are disputed; attorney representation required	$15,000 – $30,000+
   Partially Contested	Agreement on most issues, mediation or limited legal help for remaining points	$3,000 – $10,000

If your divorce is uncontested, you can often complete it 100% online with the guidance of Divorce.com—saving thousands compared with a full-service attorney model.

5. Asset Division and Custody Costs

New York is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally.
Complex assets—like Manhattan real estate, retirement accounts, or business holdings—often require appraisals or financial experts, adding $2,000 – $10,000+ in costs.

When children are involved:

• Custody evaluations: ~$3,000 – $7,000

• Guardian ad litem or expert witness: ~$1,000 – $5,000

• Mediation for parenting plans: ~$2,000 average

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6. Divorce.com vs. Traditional Divorce in New York

   
   

   Feature	Traditional Attorney Divorce	Divorce.com
   Typical Cost	$15,000 – $25,000+	$499 – $1,500 (flat fee)
   Time to Completion	6–18 months	1–3 months
   Meetings	Multiple in-person consultations	100% online
   Control	Attorney-driven	You decide the terms
   Transparency	Hourly billing, open-ended	Upfront pricing
   Support	Legal representation	Step-by-step platform + attorney network if needed

With Divorce.com, New York residents can prepare, review, and file their divorce documents online—saving significant time and expense while maintaining legal confidence.

7. How to Budget for Divorce in New York

   
   

   Category	Low Range	High Range
   Filing Fees	$335 – $545	$545+
   Attorney Fees	$5,000 – $10,000 retainer	$30,000+
   Mediation	$2,000 – $5,000	$10,000
   Asset/Custody Experts	$2,000	$10,000+
   Online Divorce (Divorce.com)	$499 – $1,500	—

Pro tip: Start with Divorce.com’s online questionnaire to see if your case qualifies for an uncontested or hybrid process—often reducing overall costs by 70% or more.

8. FAQs About Divorce Costs in New York

How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York?
Typically 6 to 12 weeks once both parties sign the papers and file with the court.

Is mediation required in New York?
No, but judges often recommend it before trial if the case is contested.

Can I get a fee waiver for court costs?
Yes. Those who qualify for financial hardship may request a waiver through the court clerk.

How can I keep my divorce affordable?
Stay organized, agree on key issues early, and consider Divorce.com’s online tools and mediation support instead of hiring separate attorneys.

Bottom Line

Divorce costs in New York City vary widely depending on complexity and cooperation—but they don’t have to break the bank. By choosing a streamlined, transparent process through Divorce.com, couples can complete their divorce legally and affordably—often for less than one hour of a traditional attorney’s fee.

👉 Start your uncontested divorce in New York today at Divorce.com