Divorce Lawyers in New York City

If you’re searching for a divorce lawyer in New York City, it usually means something reached a point where it couldn’t be ignored anymore. Most people don’t plan for this. They get here because they need to make decisions and aren’t sure what comes next.

Divorce in New York City doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some cases are relatively straightforward and mostly about getting paperwork handled correctly. Others involve custody disputes, shared property, or financial issues that don’t untangle easily. Whether you need a lawyer depends on what’s actually happening in your situation, not on what you think you’re supposed to do.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in New York City?

New York does not require you to hire a divorce lawyer. Some people do. Others don’t.

If there’s disagreement about custody, parenting time, child support, or dividing assets, having a lawyer can matter. The same is true if one spouse controls most of the finances or has more access to information. That’s when legal help can prevent mistakes that are hard to undo later.

Other divorces are simpler. When both spouses agree and just want the process finished correctly, hiring a full-service attorney isn’t always necessary. The challenge is knowing which situation you’re actually in before costs start adding up.

Divorce Court in New York City

Divorce cases in New York City are handled through the Supreme Court system.

Most filings happen at the county level:

• New York County (Manhattan) – 60 Centre Street

• Kings County (Brooklyn) – 360 Adams Street

• Queens County – 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard

• Bronx County – 851 Grand Concourse

• Richmond County (Staten Island) – 18 Richmond Terrace

Filings are electronic in most cases, but court appearances and conferences are often required.

New York Divorce Basics (What Slows Things Down)

New York is a no-fault divorce state.

Most divorces are filed based on an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. There’s still a process. Financial disclosures matter. Parenting plans matter when children are involved. New York courts also require detailed financial statements, which can slow things down if documents are incomplete or missing. That’s often when people start looking for help.

What Divorce Lawyers Cost in New York City

Most divorce lawyers charge by the hour.

Rates in New York City are often higher than in many other parts of the country. It’s common to see hourly rates between $350 and $750 or more, depending on the attorney and the complexity of the case. Once a divorce becomes contested, costs rise quickly. Custody disputes, discovery, motion practice, and court appearances add up fast.

For uncontested divorces, the cost of full legal representation can feel out of proportion to what’s actually required.

Divorce Attorneys Serving New York City

New York City has a large number of family law attorneys handling cases ranging from negotiated agreements to complex litigation.

Here are examples of attorneys who serve New York City:

Berkman Bottger Newman & Rodd
521 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10175

The Law Office of Bryan L. Salamone & Associates
225 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

Goldberg & Goldberg
15 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018

Tannenbaum Helpern Syracuse & Hirschtritt LLP
900 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Hedayati Law Group, P.C.
305 Broadway
New York, NY 10007

Listings are for reference only. Availability and approach vary.

If You Don’t Want to Hire a Lawyer

Not everyone needs a law firm involved.

When a divorce is uncontested, a traditional attorney can be more than the situation calls for. That’s why some New York City residents choose a guided divorce service instead. It usually costs less. It’s more predictable. And it helps keep things from escalating.

Divorce.com offers flat-fee options in New York for people who already agree on the outcome and just want the process handled correctly.

Picking an Approach That Fits

Lawyers are trained to advocate. That’s useful when there’s conflict. When there isn’t, that same approach can slow things down and increase costs without changing the outcome.

Many couples choose an uncontested path because they want control and privacy. It’s not about cutting corners. It’s about not making things harder than they need to be.

Starting the Divorce Process in New York City

Early on, clarity matters more than speed. Choosing the wrong approach at the beginning is what usually costs people the most later.

Some people need a New York City divorce lawyer. Others don’t. Knowing the difference before committing makes the process easier to manage.

If your divorce is uncontested and you’re looking for a simpler way forward, Divorce.com can help you move through it without turning it into something bigger than it needs to be.