How long does an uncontested divorce take in New York?

An uncontested divorce in New York typically takes 2-4 months to finalize, significantly faster than contested divorces which can take 1-3 years.

What are the requirements for an uncontested divorce in New York?

Requirements include: both spouses agree on all terms (property division, support, custody), at least one spouse has been a NY resident for 6+ months, and you have grounds for divorce (typically no-fault 'irretrievable breakdown').

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in New York?

Uncontested divorce costs typically range from $1,500-$3,000 including attorney fees and court filing fees, compared to $15,000-$50,000+ for contested litigation.

Divorce Mediation vs. Litigation in New York 2026

One of the most consequential decisions in a divorce is how to divorce. The two primary paths in New York are mediation and litigation.

What Is Divorce Mediation?

Both spouses work with a neutral mediator to negotiate the terms of their divorce. The mediator facilitates productive conversation but does not represent either side. Once you reach agreement, an attorney drafts the settlement documents and the case is filed as uncontested.

What Is Divorce Litigation?

Each spouse hires their own attorney. The attorneys negotiate, and if they cannot settle, a judge decides after trial. Most litigated cases settle before trial.

Comparing the Approaches

Factor	Mediation	Litigation
Cost	$3,000–$8,000	$15,000–$100,000+
Timeline	2–4 months	1–3+ years
Control	Full—both spouses decide	Limited—judge decides if no settlement
Privacy	Confidential sessions	Public court filings and hearings
Relationship	Preserves cooperation	Often increases conflict
Best For	Cooperative couples, co-parenting	Power imbalances, hidden assets

When Mediation Works

Mediation is effective when both spouses negotiate honestly, there is no power imbalance or abuse, both make full financial disclosure, and the couple wants to maintain a cooperative relationship for co-parenting.

When Litigation Is Necessary

Litigation provides protections when one spouse hides assets, there is domestic violence, one party refuses to negotiate, or complex valuations are required. The formal discovery process is a critical tool for uncovering the truth.

Understand the Financial Picture

Whether you choose mediation or litigation, knowing the guidelines for child support and spousal maintenance gives you a starting point for any negotiation.

A Hybrid Approach

Many clients use mediation to reach core terms, then hire an attorney to review the agreement before signing. This combines mediation's cost savings with the legal safeguard of experienced counsel. At Neuhaus & Yacoob, we regularly serve as reviewing counsel for mediated agreements.