New York Divorce Costs: 2026 Breakdown & Fee Guide
Detailed breakdown of divorce costs in New York including filing fees, attorney costs, and ways to reduce expenses.
New York Divorce Cost Breakdown
Divorce costs in New York vary significantly based on whether your case is contested and whether you hire an attorney. Here's what you need to know:
New York Filing Fees by County
Filing fees in New York vary by county. Here are the fees for major counties:
| County | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| New York County (Manhattan) | $335 |
| Kings County (Brooklyn) | $335 |
| Queens County | $335 |
| Bronx County | $335 |
| Richmond County (Staten Island) | $335 |
| Nassau County | $335 |
| Westchester County | $335 |
| Erie County (Buffalo) | $335 |
Attorney Fees in New York
Hourly Rates
$300 - $700 per hour
Average: $450/hour
Flat Fee (Uncontested)
$3,000 - $6,000
For simple, agreed divorces
Average Retainer
$7,500
Upfront deposit required
Cost Scenarios for New York
DIY Uncontested
Agreed divorce, handle all paperwork yourself.
- Filing fee: $335
- RJI fee: $95
- Service fee: $0-100 (if spouse accepts service)
- Copying: $25-75
Attorney-Assisted Uncontested
Attorney prepares all documents.
- Attorney flat fee: $3,000-6,000
- Filing fee: $335
- RJI fee: $95
- Court costs: $500-1,500
Contested Divorce
Disputed issues requiring court intervention.
- Attorney fees: $12,000-40,000
- Filing and court costs: $2,000-5,000
- Experts and discovery: $2,000-7,000
Additional Costs to Consider
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| RJI filing fee (required) | $95 - $95 |
| Process server (NYC) | $75 - $150 |
| QDRO for retirement | $750 - $3,000 |
10 Ways to Reduce Divorce Costs in New York
Use NY court's free Uncontested Divorce Packet
Have spouse accept service (saves $75-150)
DIY if case is truly uncontested
Mediate disputed issues before hiring attorney
Use court facilitators (free help with forms)
Frequently Asked Questions About New York Divorce Costs
How much does it cost to file for divorce in New York?
Filing fees in New York are $335. You also need to pay a $95 RJI (Request for Judicial Intervention) fee, bringing minimum DIY costs to $430.
Why are New York divorces so expensive?
NYC and surrounding areas have high attorney rates ($300-700/hour), complex procedures, and lengthy court processing times. The average contested divorce costs $32,000 in New York.
Ready to Start Your Divorce?
Whether you choose DIY or hire an attorney, understanding costs helps you budget effectively.