Ending a marriage brings heavy emotions and tough decisions, but you don’t need to face a long, draining court battle. If you and your spouse can talk openly and find agreement, an uncontested divorce offers a gentler path forward.
With the proper guidance and support, you can work together to close this chapter of your life and move forward.
What exactly is an uncontested divorce?
An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all important matters without needing a judge to decide for you. These include:
- Division of property and assets
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Alimony or spousal support payments
- Division of debts and financial obligations
If you and your spouse don’t agree on everything, don’t dismiss uncontested divorce as an option just yet.
A family law attorney can help guide you through mediation. They can make it easier to reach fair agreements that work for both of you—allowing you to still get an uncontested divorce.
Filing for an uncontested divorce in New York
The County Clerk’s office handles filings for uncontested divorce in New York. But before you can file, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Both spouses agree to all divorce terms in writing
- At least one of you lived in New York for two years before filing
- Your marriage broke down for at least six months
- Both spouses are over 18 years old
- You have no children under 21 years old
Thankfully, you don’t need a specific reason to file for an uncontested divorce and instead simply cite “irretrievable breakdown” as your reason.
Simplify the divorce journey for a less stressful fresh start
An uncontested divorce helps you avoid the stress, cost and emotional drain of fighting in court. Consider working with a family law attorney who offers mediation services. They can help you have productive conversations and create fair agreements while protecting your interests.
With legal guidance and support, you can work through this challenging time smoothly and start your new chapter sooner.