New York Divorce Cost
How much does divorce cost in New York? Detailed breakdown of filing fees, attorney costs, mediation, and hidden expenses — plus how to save up to 90%. Updated for 2026.
New York Divorce Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Divorce.ai | $299 + $335 filing fee |
| DIY (Pro Se) | $335 filing fee only |
| Mediation | $3,000-$8,000(~$400/session) |
| Uncontested + Attorney | $1,500-$5,000 |
| Contested + Attorney | $15,000-$50,000+ |
New York Divorce Fee Breakdown
| Court Filing Fee | $335 |
| Process Server | $75 |
| Certified Copy | $8 |
| Parenting Course | $50 |
| Minimum Total (DIY) | $418 |
County Fee Variations
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Attorney Costs in New York
Divorce attorneys in New York typically charge between $250 and $700 per hour. Total costs depend on how many hours your case requires.
Simple Uncontested
$1,500-$3,000
5-15 hours
Moderate Complexity
$5,000-$15,000
20-60 hours
Highly Contested
$15,000+
60+ hours
Hidden Costs to Watch For
QDRO (Retirement Division)
If dividing retirement accounts, a Qualified Domestic Relations Order costs $500-$1,500 to prepare.
Real Estate Appraisals
Professional home appraisals run $300-$600 each and may be needed for property division.
Business Valuations
If either spouse owns a business, a formal valuation can cost $5,000-$25,000.
Custody Evaluations
Court-ordered custody evaluations cost $3,000-$10,000 in contested custody cases.
Fee Waiver Information
New York offers filing fee waivers for individuals who cannot afford to pay.
File an 'Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as a Poor Person' under CPLR Sections 1101-1103. Must set forth the amount and sources of income and assets, list any real property with its value, state that you lack sufficient means to pay costs, fees, and expenses, describe the nature of the action with sufficient facts to show merit, and disclose whether any other person is beneficially interested in any recovery. The application is submitted to a judge. If approved, all filing and service fees are waived by written order. Recipients of public benefits (such as SSI or public assistance) or persons whose income falls below the federal poverty level generally qualify. If you later win a judgment or settlement, the court may require repayment of waived fees.
Income threshold: No fixed dollar threshold; qualitative standard of inability to pay court costs, fees, and expenses under CPLR 1101. Recipients of public benefits (SSI, TANF, public assistance) or persons with income below the federal poverty level generally qualify.
Required form: Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed as a Poor Person (CPLR 1101)
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