How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in New York?

When couples are ready to move forward with an uncontested divorce, one of the first questions is always: “How long will it take?”

The answer depends on two very different phases of the process: (1) preparing the divorce packet before filing, and (2) the court’s review and approval after filing. Understanding these stages can help you set realistic expectations—and see how using an online service like Divorce88 can save you months of waiting.

Stage One: Preparing the Divorce Packet

Before you can file for divorce in New York, the complete set of documents (the “divorce packet”) must be drafted, signed, and notarized. This includes the summons, verified complaint, affidavits, settlement agreement, child support documents (if applicable), and other required forms.

• Traditional divorce approach:
  With an hourly attorney, preparing the packet often takes several weeks to several months. Documents may be revised multiple times, and in-person meetings must be scheduled for signatures and notarizations. If one spouse delays, the process slows even further.

• Divorce88 approach:
  With our online platform, this stage is dramatically faster. If both spouses cooperate and provide information promptly, we can complete the full, ready-to-file packet in as little as 2 weeks. Divorce88 also provides a guided process for remote online notarization—each spouse is responsible for completing their own notarization, but we walk you through the steps to ensure it’s smooth and error-free.

This is where Divorce88 makes the biggest difference: instead of waiting months just to get to the filing stage, we help you move forward almost immediately.

Stage Two: Court Processing After Filing

Once your divorce packet is filed with the county clerk, the timeline is no longer in your hands. It now depends on the court’s review schedule, case volume, and staffing levels.

• Best-case scenario (less crowded counties): Final judgment in as little as 6 weeks to 3 months. This is possible but rare.

• Typical timeline across New York: 3 to 6 months for the court to review the paperwork and issue a signed Judgment of Divorce, assuming filings are complete and error-free.

• High-volume areas (like NYC): More realistically, 6 to 12 months or longer, as courts there face heavy backlogs and administrative delays.

While the court’s review time is largely outside anyone’s control, in exceptional circumstances an attorney may ask for expedited handling—for example, if a spouse is gravely ill, facing urgent immigration or insurance issues, or if there is another compelling need. In practice, however, judges rarely grant these requests, and most uncontested cases must wait in line. The most effective way to avoid extra delays is not by trying to “jump the line,” but by ensuring that the divorce packet is accurate, complete, and filed correctly the first time—which is exactly where Divorce88’s guided process adds value.

Factors That Influence Timing

What Can Cause Delays

• Incomplete or incorrect paperwork rejected by the clerk.

• One spouse delaying signatures or responses.

• Court backlogs, especially in New York City.

• Additional documents required in cases with children.

What Speeds Things Up

• Both spouses promptly signing the settlement agreement.

• Professional, attorney-prepared documents with no errors.

• Clear guidance on notarization and filing procedures.

Why Divorce88 Saves Time

At Divorce88.com, we focus on the stage you can control: getting your documents ready for filing.

✅ Attorney-prepared divorce packets in as little as 2 weeks.
✅ Guided remote notarization process—you handle your own signatures, but with our support.
✅ Flat-fee pricing—no drawn-out billing delays.
✅ Error-free filing support—so your case isn’t rejected or pushed to the back of the line.

While the court’s timeline is fixed, Divorce88 ensures you don’t lose extra months before your case is even submitted.

Final Thoughts

An uncontested divorce in New York involves two very different clocks: your clock (preparing the paperwork) and the court’s clock (processing the case). Traditional attorneys may take months before filing; Divorce88 gets you there in two weeks. After filing, the court generally takes 3 to 6 months in most counties, and 6 to 12 months or more in NYC, to sign the final judgment.

By choosing Divorce88, you control what’s controllable—moving your divorce forward quickly, accurately, and at a fraction of traditional costs.

👉 Ready to start? Book your FREE consultation today!