How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Rochester, NY (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Divorcing without a lawyer in Rochester is absolutely possible — and for many Monroe County couples, it’s the simplest and most affordable path to ending a marriage. New York allows individuals to represent themselves (“pro se”) in divorce cases, and Monroe County Supreme Court provides a clear framework for completing an uncontested divorce without hiring an attorney.

This guide walks you through every step of filing for divorce without a lawyer in Rochester, including required forms, timelines, filing fees, and New York’s statewide rules for uncontested cases.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Rochester, NY?

Yes. Many Rochester residents complete their divorce without an attorney — particularly when the case is uncontested and both spouses agree on all major issues.

A DIY divorce works best if:

• You and your spouse agree on property, custody, and support

• Your financial situation is straightforward

• You want to avoid attorney fees (often $10,000–$25,000+)

• You are comfortable completing structured forms

• Neither spouse contests the divorce

If you anticipate conflicts over assets, custody, or support, a lawyer may still be useful — but it’s not required for a simple, uncontested case.

New York’s Requirements for Filing Without a Lawyer

Before filing in Rochester, you must meet New York’s basic rules:

1. Residency Requirement

You must satisfy one of the following:

• You or your spouse have lived in NY for 2 continuous years, OR

• You or your spouse have lived in NY for 1 continuous year and:

  • You were married in NY, OR

  • You lived in NY as a married couple, OR

  • The grounds for divorce occurred in NY

• Both spouses live in NY at the time of filing

2. Grounds for Divorce

New York recognizes no-fault divorce, based on:

• Irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least 6 months

This is the ground used in almost all uncontested cases.

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Rochester — Step by Step

1. Gather Required New York Divorce Forms

For an uncontested divorce, the standard forms generally include:

• Summons With Notice or Summons and Verified Complaint

• Notice of Automatic Orders

• Notice Concerning Continuation of Health Care Coverage

• Affidavit of Service

• Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage

• Settlement Agreement (Stipulation of Settlement)

• Note of Issue

• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

• Judgment of Divorce

• USC 111 Form (confidential)

• Child support forms (if applicable)

Monroe County Local Requirements

Monroe County Supreme Court may require:

• Additional notarizations

• Blue-backing of documents

• Certified copies for filing

• Child support enforcement forms

Divorce.com prepares all required NY + county-specific forms.

2. File Your Divorce Papers With the Monroe County Supreme Court

Monroe County Supreme Court – Clerk’s Office
99 Exchange Blvd
Rochester, NY 14614

Filing Fee

• $335 total for an uncontested divorce in New York
  (includes index number + final judgment filing)

Payments may be made:

• Online

• In person

• By mail (with check or money order)

3. Serve Your Spouse Properly

New York requires personal service by a third party — you cannot serve your spouse yourself.

Acceptable service methods:

• Personal delivery by a process server

• Personal delivery by a non-party adult (age 18+)

After service, you must file:

• Affidavit of Service

• Other proof documents depending on your filing type

If your spouse is cooperative, they may sign an Affidavit of Defendant, which speeds up the process.

4. Exchange Financial Information

While New York doesn’t always require a formal exchange of financial affidavits in uncontested cases, you MUST include financial detail in your:

• Settlement Agreement

• Child support documents

• Findings of Fact

Complete transparency prevents court delays.

5. Complete Your Settlement Agreement (Stipulation of Settlement)

Your agreement must resolve:

• Division of marital assets

• Division of marital debts

• Custody schedules

• Child support (mandatory if children are involved)

• Spousal support (if any)

• Health insurance

• Taxes and future obligations

Monroe County judges will not sign a divorce judgment unless your agreement is complete and fair.

Divorce.com helps couples generate a full, court-ready settlement.

6. Submit Your Final Divorce Packet for Review

Your packet typically includes:

• Note of Issue

• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law

• Judgment of Divorce

• Settlement Agreement

• Certificates and notices

• Child support documents (if any)

Monroe County clerks review your paperwork first, then submit it to a judge.

If everything is correct, the judge signs your Judgment of Divorce without a hearing in most uncontested cases.

How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Rochester?

Typical timeline:

• 2–6 months from filing to judgment

• Faster if both spouses cooperate and forms are completed correctly

• Delays happen if service is slow or paperwork has errors

Monroe County is generally efficient with uncontested divorce packets.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Rochester?

Typical DIY costs:

• $335 filing fee

• $40–$100 service of process

• $0 if preparing your own paperwork

• $499–$1999 using Divorce.com for full forms + settlement agreement

Attorney-led divorces in Monroe County typically cost $12,000–$25,000+, making DIY divorce far more affordable.

When You Should Consider Hiring a Lawyer

Legal help may be useful if:

• A spouse hides assets or income

• You own a business or significant property

• There is domestic violence

• Custody issues are high-conflict

• A spouse refuses to cooperate or respond

But for cooperative couples, an uncontested divorce is highly manageable without attorneys.

Why Rochester Couples Choose Divorce.com

Divorce.com helps New York families by:

• Preparing all state + county-required forms

• Building a complete marriage settlement agreement

• Reducing delays caused by paperwork errors

• Explaining service and filing rules clearly

• Providing optional attorney support as needed

It’s the most affordable and efficient way to complete a no-lawyer divorce in Rochester.

Final Thoughts

Divorcing without a lawyer in Rochester, NY is entirely achievable — especially if the case is uncontested and communication is cooperative. With accurate forms, a solid settlement agreement, and clear guidance, you can finalize your divorce confidently and affordably through Monroe County Supreme Court.

Divorce.com provides everything you need to file and complete your Rochester divorce from start to finish.