{"id":375251,"date":"2018-05-18T05:42:41","date_gmt":"2018-05-18T10:42:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-divorce-process.html"},"modified":"2025-02-26T15:26:48","modified_gmt":"2025-02-26T20:26:48","slug":"new-york-divorce-process","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-york-law\/new-york-divorce-process.html","title":{"rendered":"How To File for a Divorce in New York"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How To File for Divorce in New York<\/h1>\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Anyone who has been through a divorce<\/a> will tell you it’s complicated. It is typically fraught with intense emotions and frayed nerves. Some divorces are amicable, and you can get a divorce without much conflict.<\/p>\r\n

Whatever your situation, it’s essential to understand the New York divorce process before taking action. This is especially true for divorces involving minor children. The following information will help you navigate the New York divorce process. Before filing your divorce action, consider a collaborative divorce<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

How To File for Divorce in New York<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Wading through pages of statutes or court rules is sometimes necessary. But, it helps to have this information in plain English for people who aren’t divorce law<\/a> experts. Here’s what you need to know and the steps you need to take to get a divorce in New York.<\/p>\r\n

Meet the Residency Requirements<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

For the New York courts to accept your divorce case, you must show that you or your spouse have lived in New York<\/a> for at least a year before you file for divorce. You don’t have to show that you and your spouse lived separately before starting divorce proceedings. This is because New York law doesn’t require legal separation to file for divorce.<\/p>\r\n

Know the Grounds for Divorce in New York<\/b><\/h3>\r\n

Besides the residency requirements, you must also state your reasons for getting a divorce. New York recognizes seven grounds for divorce. These are:<\/p>\r\n