How Much Does Divorce Cost in New York?

(And How to Avoid the $15,000 Mistake)

How Much Does Divorce Cost in New York? (And How to Avoid the $15,000 Mistake)

Divorce is never easy—but it doesn’t have to be financially devastating. One of the most common questions we hear is:

How much will my divorce cost? The truth is, it depends on the type of divorce you pursue, the level of conflict, and how prepared you are. But you don't have to go at it alone.

Let’s break down the numbers, explain your options, and show you how to avoid turning a tough situation into a five-figure mistake.

The Real Cost of Divorce in New York

In New York, the average cost of divorce ranges from $5,000 to over $20,000. Why such a wide range? Because it all depends on whether your divorce is contested or uncontested.

Contested Divorce

(aka the expensive kind)

Involves disagreement over property, custody, or finances
Requires formal discovery, depositions, and possibly trial
Can drag on for months or even years
Average total cost: $15,000–$25,000+

Uncontested Divorce

(aka the smart kind)

Both parties agree on all key issues upfront
No court battles or drawn-out negotiations
Often completed within 60–90 days
Average total cost: $2,500–$5,500

The choice between these two paths doesn’t just affect your finances—it affects your stress levels, your time, and your ability to move forward peacefully.

DO YOU QUALIFY?

You may be a good candidate if:

-You and your spouse are ready to move on and want to keep it amicable

-You’ve both discussed the division of property and parenting arrangements

-There’s no ongoing domestic violence or hidden financial information

-You’d rather spend money on your future than a long legal battle

Even if things feel a little tense, uncontested divorce may still work—as long as both parties are willing to come to the table and negotiate in good faith.

Not sure if you qualify? A quick consultation can clear it up.

Schedule your FREE Case Review

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Where the Costs Really Add Up

Here’s where most people see divorce costs spiral out of control:

Billable Hour Battles: Some attorneys charge $400+ per hour. Even minor disputes can turn into major invoices.
Hidden Fees: Mediation sessions, filing errors, process server costs, expert witnesses—these can quietly balloon your bill.
Delays: The longer your case drags on, the more you pay in legal fees, and the harder it becomes emotionally and mentally.
Court Appearances: Every motion, hearing, or court date adds more time and cost to your divorce.

But here’s the good news: You can avoid all of this with the right legal strategy.

The Flat-Fee Alternative!

At Beau Taylor Law, we offer a flat $2,500 fee for qualifying uncontested divorces. This isn’t a DIY document download. This is full-service representation from a licensed New York attorney who guides you from start to finish.

Included in Your Flat Fee:

Drafting and filing of all legal documents
Customized settlement agreement creation or review
Guidance on division of assets, parenting time, and support (if applicable)
Communication with your spouse or their attorney (as needed)
Court submission and follow-up through final judgment
Ongoing legal advice so you don’t feel lost in the process

Included in Your Flat Fee:

Surprise hourly fees
Court attendance charges (unless necessary)
Additional drafting fees for revisions

Our goal is to provide a clear, stress-reducing, and cost-effective experience—without sacrificing quality.

Real Talk: Is an Uncontested Divorce Right for You?

If you and your spouse can agree on major issues, like who gets what, how custody is handled, and who (if anyone) pays support, you’re probably a great candidate.

You don’t need to be best friends.

You just need to be honest, respectful, and ready to move forward like adults.

Still unsure? Book a free consultation with us and we’ll let you know quickly if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York??

Typically, it takes about 60–90 days once all paperwork is signed and filed, depending on court processing times.

Do we both need to hire attorneys?

No, only one spouse needs to hire an attorney. However, the other spouse is encouraged to seek independent legal advice if needed.

What if we agree on most things but not everything?

If the disagreements are minor and you’re both open to compromise, an uncontested divorce may still be possible. We can help you work through the details.

Do we have to go to court?

Most uncontested divorces are handled entirely through paperwork. In rare cases, a brief court appearance may be required, but it’s usually not necessary.

What if we have children?

You can still file uncontested as long as you agree on custody, visitation, and child support. These agreements must meet New York’s legal requirements for fairness.

Can I use your $2,500 flat fee even if I live outside NYC?

Yes. Our firm serves clients across New York State, and we can often handle the entire process remotely.

What happens if my spouse changes their mind during the process?

If one party stops cooperating, the case may shift to a contested divorce. We’ll help you evaluate next steps if that happens.

Testimonials

Vanessa

"Beau is an incredible attorney. He helped us get our uncontested divorce taken care of. Super understanding and patient when we had questions! We saved a ton of money compared to a traditional divorce.

Thank you Beau!!"

5 star review, Google

Kimberly

I am writing to express my utmost appreciation for the exceptional services provided by Beau. His professionalism is unparalleled, and he consistently demonstrates a profound commitment to his work.

Beau excels in offering support with grace and kindness, making even the most challenging situations manageable. He shows remarkable patience and compassion, particularly when addressing sensitive subject matters that require a delicate touch.

I cannot recommend his services highly enough for anyone in need of assistance with family matters.

His ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes and provide thoughtful guidance is truly commendable. For anyone seeking an expert to assist with family issues, Beau is undoubtedly the right choice.