Quick Divorce in New York State: How to Get a Fast and Hassle-Free Divorce

Divorce can be a stressful and time-consuming process, but in New York State, there are ways to speed up the process and obtain a Quick Divorce in New York State. If both spouses agree on major issues like property division, child custody, and spousal support, a divorce can be finalized in as little as a few months.

If you're looking for the fastest way to get a divorce in New York, this guide will help you understand the options, requirements, and steps involved.

Can You Get a Quick Divorce in New York?

Yes! While some divorces take years to resolve, an uncontested divorce in New York can be completed in as little as three to six months, depending on the court’s schedule and the accuracy of paperwork.

The key to a quick divorce is mutual agreement. If both spouses agree on all key terms, the process moves much faster than a contested divorce that requires court intervention.

The Fastest Way to Get Divorced in New York: Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce is the simplest and fastest way to dissolve a marriage in New York State. In this type of divorce, both spouses agree on all major issues, eliminating the need for a court trial.

Requirements for an Uncontested Divorce

To qualify for a quick uncontested divorce, you must:

• Meet New York residency requirements (at least one spouse must have lived in NY for a minimum of one year).
• Agree that the marriage has experienced an irretrievable breakdown for at least six months (New York’s no-fault divorce ground).
• Settle all major issues in advance, including:
  • Division of assets and debts
  • Child custody and support (if applicable)
  • Spousal support (alimony)
  • Health insurance and other financial matters

Once these conditions are met, you can file for an uncontested divorce, which significantly reduces the time and cost of the process.

How Long Does a Quick Divorce Take in New York?

The timeline for a quick divorce in New York depends on the court’s workload, but in general:

• Fastest Cases: 3–6 months if paperwork is properly completed and both spouses cooperate.
• Moderate Timeline: 6–12 months if minor delays occur (e.g., missing documents, court backlog).
• Contested Cases: 12+ months if disputes require court intervention.

Filing for an uncontested divorce is the best way to ensure a fast resolution.

Steps to Get a Quick Divorce in New York

Step 1: Prepare and File Divorce Papers

The process begins when one spouse (the plaintiff) files a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Verified Complaint in the Supreme Court of the county where either spouse resides.

Court filing fees in New York typically total $335.

Step 2: Serve the Divorce Papers

The defendant (other spouse) must be served with the divorce papers within 120 days of filing. If the defendant agrees and signs an Affidavit of Defendant, the case moves forward without delays.

Step 3: Submit a Settlement Agreement

For a truly quick divorce, both spouses should draft and sign a Settlement Agreement, outlining how they will divide assets, handle child custody, and resolve financial matters.

Step 4: File Final Divorce Forms

Once the Settlement Agreement is signed, additional documents—including the Judgment of Divorce—are submitted to the court for approval.

Step 5: Judge Signs the Divorce Judgment

If everything is in order, the judge will sign the final divorce judgment, and the marriage will officially be dissolved.

Alternatives to Speed Up the Divorce Process

1. DIY Divorce (Do-It-Yourself Divorce)

For couples with no assets, no children, and no disputes, a DIY divorce can be the fastest and cheapest option. Some online services even provide divorce forms for as little as $200.

However, if any legal issues arise, hiring a divorce attorney can prevent costly mistakes.

2. Divorce Mediation

If spouses cannot agree on some issues but still want a quick divorce, mediation can help resolve disputes without going to court.

A neutral mediator helps both spouses reach an agreement, saving time and legal fees compared to a contested divorce.

3. Hiring an Experienced Divorce Attorney

Working with a New York divorce attorney can streamline the process, ensuring that paperwork is filed correctly, deadlines are met, and settlements are fair.

A lawyer can also negotiate better terms, reducing future conflicts and delays.

How to Avoid Delays in a New York Divorce

To ensure your divorce moves quickly, follow these tips:

• Agree on all major issues before filing to avoid delays.
• Ensure all forms are accurately completed to prevent court rejections.
• File in the correct county Supreme Court to avoid transfer delays.
• Use mediation if minor disputes arise to prevent a contested divorce.
• Hire an attorney if paperwork is confusing or negotiations become difficult.

By following these steps, you can avoid common pitfalls and finalize your divorce as quickly as possible.

Final Thoughts

A Quick Divorce in New York State is possible if both spouses cooperate and settle issues outside of court. The fastest way to get divorced is through an uncontested divorce, which can take as little as three months if paperwork is filed correctly and approved by the court.