New York Divorce Packet — LSC-Grade Self-Help Guide
Jurisdiction-correct document templates. Not legal advice.
1. Eligibility Checker — Who Can File for Divorce in New York
Residency Requirement (must meet at least ONE)
Grounds for Divorce
File at: New York court finder: https://www.nycourts.gov/courts/
2. All Required Forms
Get forms free at: nycourts.gov/forms/matrimonial.shtml
For Uncontested Divorce (Both Spouses Agree)
| Form Name | Purpose | Where to Get |
|---|---|---|
| Summons with Notice (UD-1) | Starts the divorce case | Court website or County Clerk |
| Summons and Verified Complaint (UD-1a) | Alternative to UD-1 — states grounds and requests | Court website |
| Verified Statement of Grounds (UD-4) | States the reason for divorce | Court website |
| Affidavit of Plaintiff (UD-5) | Your sworn statement about the marriage | Court website |
| Affidavit of Defendant (UD-6) | Spouse's sworn statement (if they agree) | Court website |
| Stipulation of Settlement (UD-7) | Written agreement on all terms | Court website |
| Child Support Worksheet (UD-8(1)) | Required if you have children under 21 | Court website |
| Qualified Medical Child Support Order (UD-8(b)) | Health insurance for children | Court website |
| Part 130 Certification | Confirms no frivilous claims | Court website |
| RJI (Request for Judicial Intervention) | Required in some counties | County Clerk |
For Contested Divorce (Spouses Disagree)
| Form Name | Purpose |
|---|
3. Step-by-Step Filing Instructions
Uncontested Divorce (Recommended Path)
5. Filing Checklist
- [ ] Completed Summons with Notice (UD-1) — original + 2 copies
- [ ] Verified Statement of Grounds (UD-4) — if using no-fault
- [ ] Affidavit of Plaintiff (UD-5) — signed and notarized
- [ ] Affidavit of Defendant (UD-6) — if spouse agrees, signed and notarized
- [ ] Stipulation of Settlement (UD-7) — if you have an agreement
- [ ] Child Support Worksheet (UD-8(1)) — if children under 21
- [ ] Certified copy of marriage certificate
- [ ] Birth certificates of minor children
- [ ] Government-issued photo ID
- [ ] Payment ($210 filing fee) — cash, money order, or certified check
- [ ] Fee Waiver Application (if applicable)
LEGAL AID
- Legal Services of the Hudson Valley: lshv.org · 1-877-574-8529
- Legal Aid Society of NYC: legal-aid.org · (212) 577-3300
- NY Courts Self-Help: nycourts.gov/selfhelp · (212) 428-2104
- Legal Services NYC: legalservicesnyc.org · (212) 431-7200
*Not legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. Templates are jurisdiction-correct.
Verify current law before filing. For legal advice contact a licensed New York attorney or legal aid. jurist-diction.com*