How Long Does It Take to Get Divorced in New York?
Divorce is never an easy process. It can be emotionally taxing and tedious. When you feel overwhelmed, the only thing on your mind may be, “When will this process end?”
There may be light at the end of the tunnel, but that tunnel can seem long and daunting. At The Mandel Law Firm, we understand how anxious a divorce can make you feel. One of the most common questions we get as New York family law attorneys is, “How long does it take to get a divorce?”
Unfortunately, answering this question can be challenging. Following is information that may help you get a better idea of how long it may take to finalize a divorce in New York.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Uncontested Divorce In New York?
New York couples have the option of filing for an uncontested divorce. An uncontested divorce is one in which both parties agree on the terms for ending their marriage and all subsequent divorce-related issues. To proceed with an uncontested divorce, a couple must agree on the grounds for divorce. New York allows couples to file a no-fault divorce, so you do not necessarily need to claim fault-based grounds for your dissolution of marriage.
Other details that couples must agree on for an uncontested divorce include the division of property, alimony, child custody, and child support. Many uncontested divorces are reasonably amicable, meaning both spouses are on the same page about all these issues.
With an uncontested divorce, spouses might be able to resolve their case in as little as a month. If each spouse has sticking points they are working through, the process can take six months or longer.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Contested Divorce In New York?
Couples also have the option of filing for what is sometimes called a contested divorce. A contested divorce means that the parties don’t fully agree on the terms for ending the relationship. There may be issues surrounding how property and assets are divided between spouses, alimony payments, child custody arrangements, and child support payments, to name a few. Couples going through a contested divorce are generally unable to negotiate the terms of their separation on their own. They will need the help of a mediator or judge to resolve their underlying issues.
A contested divorce is much more complicated than an uncontested divorce. That means the process can take longer to resolve. A contested divorce can take months, but some divorces can potentially take years if there are numerous or high-dollar assets at stake and the divorce is contentious.
The Divorce Court Timetable
New York does not have a waiting period for divorce cases. However, that doesn’t mean your case will always be heard immediately. Roughly, couples filing for an uncontested divorce can reasonably expect it to take close to three months for their paperwork to be filed with the court and finalized. In cases of a contested divorce, that timetable is generally extended.
Contact an Experienced New York Family Law Attorney Today
The bottom line is that the timetable for finalizing a divorce can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. If you have questions about how long your divorce may take, reach out to one of our skilled New York family law attorneys at The Mandel Law Firm today.
At The Mandel Law Firm, we offer legal services tailored to your unique situation. We take the time to answer your questions and help you feel empowered by the legal process. To confidentially discuss your divorce case, contact or call our New York office today. You can reach us at (646) 770-3868.
