Divorce Lawyer in New York, NY — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Hiring the right divorce lawyer in New York, New York is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during a difficult and emotionally complex time. Whether you’re dealing with child custody, high-value assets, or want an efficient uncontested divorce, this guide explains everything you need to know about filing for divorce in NYC.

We’ll cover divorce costs, the NYC court process, residency requirements, local attorneys, and more affordable alternatives for simple cases.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in New York City?

A divorce lawyer in NYC can help with:

• Child custody, visitation, and decision-making disputes

• High-conflict communication

• Division of complex assets (co-ops, condos, stock options, businesses)

• Spousal maintenance (alimony)

• Drafting or litigating parenting agreements

• Domestic violence or orders of protection

However, you may NOT need a lawyer if your divorce is uncontested — meaning you and your spouse agree on:

• Property and debt division

• Custody and parenting time

• Child support

• Spousal support

• Asset and retirement distribution

In this situation, Divorce.com can prepare or file your NYC divorce forms for a fraction of the cost of hiring a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in New York, NY

Divorces in NYC are filed in the Supreme Court of the State of New York — not Family Court (Family Court handles custody/support only).

Primary NYC Divorce Court

New York County Supreme Court — Civil Branch
60 Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
(646) 386-3600

If you live in another NYC borough, your divorce will be filed in your borough’s Supreme Court:

• Kings County (Brooklyn) — 360 Adams St

• Queens County — 88-11 Sutphin Blvd

• Bronx County — 851 Grand Concourse

• Richmond County (Staten Island) — 130 Stuyvesant Pl

Each borough has different filing offices, schedules, and procedures.

New York Residency Requirements for Divorce

You must meet one of New York’s residency rules, such as:

• You or your spouse lived in New York for the last 2 years, OR

• You both live in New York and the marriage took place here, OR

• You lived in New York for 1 year, and:

  • You were married in the state, OR

  • You lived here as a married couple, OR

  • The grounds for divorce occurred in New York

If you have children, custody filings may require additional residency time under UCCJEA.

How Divorce Works in New York City

New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning you can divorce based on “irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.”

NYC Divorce Process Overview:

1. File the Summons With Notice or Summons and Complaint

Filed at your borough’s Supreme Court.

2. Serve Your Spouse

NY requires personal service by someone over 18 who is not a party to the action.

3. Exchange Financial Affidavits

A complete Statement of Net Worth is required for both spouses.

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Judges may require mediation, parenting classes, or parenting plans.

5. Negotiation or Litigation

Uncontested cases move quickly; contested divorces may involve conferences, motions, and hearings.

6. Final Judgment of Divorce

Once approved and signed by the judge, your divorce is finalized.

NY Waiting Period

New York has no mandatory waiting period, but processing time varies by borough.

How Much Does a Divorce Lawyer Cost in New York City?

NYC is one of the most expensive legal markets in the country.

Typical costs:

• Hourly rate: $400–$750+

• Uncontested divorce with an attorney: $5,000–$10,000

• Contested divorce: $15,000–$40,000+

• High-asset cases: $75,000–$250,000+

Costs depend heavily on conflict level and whether litigation is required.

Local Divorce Lawyers in New York, NY

Here are reputable NYC divorce attorneys from your directory list:

1. Coffinas & Lusthaus, P.C.

https://www.coffinasandlusthaus.com

2. Berkman Bottger Newman & Schein LLP

https://www.berkbot.com

3. The Mandel Law Firm

https://www.mandellawfirm.com

These firms handle high-asset divorce, child custody litigation, complex financial cases, and mediation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, Divorce.com offers three affordable options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all NYC divorce documents based on your situation.

We File for You — $999

We prepare and file everything with the appropriate NYC Supreme Court.

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A 1:1 specialist supports your entire divorce from start to finish.

These options help NYC couples avoid the extremely high cost of traditional legal services.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

A NYC divorce lawyer is recommended if:

• Your spouse refuses to negotiate

• You expect contested custody arrangements

• You or your spouse own businesses or have complex portfolios

• There is domestic violence or intimidation

• You believe assets are being concealed

• Your case may go to trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for NYC Couples

• Flat-fee pricing with no hourly billing surprises

• NYC-specific divorce forms

• Filing services for all five boroughs

• 1:1 specialist support

• Ideal for uncontested or low-conflict divorces

Divorce.com helps New Yorkers save time, money, and stress.

Start Your New York City Divorce Today

Whether you hire a lawyer or choose an online option, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com helps NYC residents complete their divorce quickly, confidently, and affordably.