How Much Does a Divorce Cost in New York? (2026 Guide)
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in New York?
Divorcing in New York? Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2026, from filing fees to attorney rates to the total bill for contested and uncontested cases.
Quick Answer
| Cost in New York | |
|---|---|
| Court filing fee | $335 |
| Uncontested divorce (total) | $1,500 – $5,000 |
| Contested divorce (total) | $14,000 – $20,000 |
| Mandatory waiting period | No mandatory waiting period |
New York Divorce Law Basics
Property division: Equitable distribution, property divided fairly under Domestic Relations Law.
Waiting period: New York requires no mandatory waiting period before a divorce can be finalized.
What Drives Costs in New York
New York City attorney rates ($350 to $550/hr) are among the nation’s highest. Contested divorces in NYC routinely exceed $25,000. Upstate costs run significantly lower.
Want a personalized number? Try our divorce cost calculator, select New York for state-specific filing fees. Also see our national guide: how much does a divorce cost.
Estimates for planning purposes only, not legal advice. Fees and rates vary by county and change over time.
Real Question About New York Divorce Costs
Why do NYC divorces cost so much more than upstate?
Manhattan attorneys charge $350 to $550 per hour versus $200 to $300 upstate. Contested NYC divorces routinely exceed $25,000 while upstate cases often settle under $12,000. Same state, very different markets.
