Divorce Lawyer in Rochester, NY — Your Complete 2025 Guide

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Rochester, New York can significantly affect your financial future, parenting plan, and long-term well-being. Whether you're preparing for a contested divorce, dividing significant assets, or completing a simple uncontested divorce, this guide covers everything you need to know about divorcing in Rochester — including court procedures, costs, residency rules, and affordable alternatives to hiring an attorney.

Do You Need a Divorce Lawyer in Rochester?

You may need a Rochester divorce lawyer if your situation involves:

• Disputes over child custody or parenting time

• High-conflict communication

• Real estate, retirement accounts, or investments

• Pensions (common for Kodak, Xerox, RIT, University of Rochester employees)

• Business ownership or professional practices

• Disagreements over spousal maintenance

• Domestic violence or need for an Order of Protection

• Suspected hidden income or assets

• A case that requires hearings, mediation, or trial

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

• Parenting schedules

• Support (child + spousal)

• Property & debt division

• Retirement accounts & pensions

• Real estate & marital home decisions

For uncontested cases, Divorce.com can prepare or file your Rochester divorce forms for far less than a law firm.

Where to File for Divorce in Rochester, NY

Divorces in Rochester are handled by the Monroe County Supreme Court.

Primary Filing Location

New York State Supreme Court — Monroe County
Hall of Justice
99 Exchange Blvd
Rochester, NY 14614
(585) 371-3758

This court handles:

• Divorce & separation

• Custody & visitation matters

• Child support & spousal support

• Orders of protection

• Mediation & settlement conferences

• Hearings & trials

New York supports e-filing through the NYSCEF system for most divorce cases.

New York Residency Requirements for Divorce

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

1. One spouse has lived in New York for at least 2 years, OR

2. One spouse has lived in New York for at least 1 year AND

   • The marriage took place in NY, OR

   • You lived as a married couple in NY, OR

   • The cause for divorce occurred in NY

3. Both spouses are NY residents AND the cause occurred in NY

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

How Divorce Works in Rochester, NY

Here’s the typical process in Monroe County:

1. File the Summons With Notice or Summons & Complaint

This starts your divorce case.

2. Serve Your Spouse

Service may be done by:

• Process server

• Sheriff

• In-person service (not by you)

• Acceptance of service

3. Financial Disclosures

New York requires both spouses to exchange:

• Income documentation

• Assets & debts

• Retirement, pension, and investment statements

• Bank & tax records

4. Parenting Requirements (If Children Are Involved)

Monroe County may require:

• Parenting plan

• Mediation

• Parenting classes

• Possible forensic evaluations (in contested custody cases)

5. Negotiation, Mediation, or Court Hearings

Uncontested cases finalize quickly.
Contested cases may require:

• Temporary support hearings

• Discovery

• Depositions

• Custody evaluations

• Settlement conferences

• Trial

6. Final Judgment of Divorce

A judge signs the Judgment, legally ending the marriage.

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

Attorney costs in Rochester vary depending on your case’s complexity.

Typical fees:

• Hourly rate: $300–$500

• Uncontested divorce with attorney: $3,000–$6,000

• Contested divorce: $12,000–$30,000+

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

Custody and financial disputes often raise the total cost.

Local Divorce Lawyers in Rochester, NY

Here are respected Rochester divorce attorneys from your directory:

1. Taddeo & Shahan, LLP

https://www.taddeolaw.com

2. Law Office of Kristina L. Shalabi, Esq.

https://www.shalabilaw.com

3. The Mesh Collective Law Group

https://www.meshcollectivelaw.com

These firms handle contested custody, mediation, high-asset divorce, and litigation.

More Affordable Alternatives to Hiring a Lawyer

If your divorce is uncontested, you don’t need to pay Rochester law-firm prices.

Divorce.com offers three flat-fee options:

Paperwork Only — $499

We prepare all New York divorce documents.

We File for You — $999

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

Fully Guided Divorce — $1999

A divorce specialist supports you through the entire process.

These services are ideal for couples seeking a smooth, low-cost uncontested divorce.

When You Should Choose a Lawyer Instead

Hire a Rochester divorce lawyer if:

• Custody or visitation is contested

• Domestic violence occurred

• One spouse refuses to negotiate

• You own a business or significant assets

• You suspect hidden money or crypto

• The case is likely to require trial

Why Divorce.com Is a Smart Choice for Rochester Couples

• New York–specific divorce forms

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

• Filing services available

• Experienced divorce specialists

• Much cheaper and faster than attorney-led divorce

• Ideal for uncontested cases

Divorce.com gives Rochester couples a simple, confident way to complete the divorce process.

Start Your Rochester Divorce Today

Whether you choose to work with a lawyer or use an online service, the most important step is getting started. Divorce.com offers an affordable, streamlined, and stress-free way for Rochester families to complete their divorce.