New York divorce timeline (2026)
With no statutory waiting period, a New York uncontested divorce is limited mainly by paperwork accuracy and the clerk's queue. Clean, complete packets are sometimes signed in a couple of months; a single rejection can add weeks each time it bounces.
Residency requirement
Meets one of New York's residency tests (commonly one spouse living here 1–2 years)
Waiting period
NoneNo statutory waiting period; timing is driven by paperwork and the county clerk's processing queue.
- 1
Confirm residency
Meet one of New York's residency tests before filing.
- 2
Buy the index number
Purchase the index number from the county clerk to open the case.
- 3
Serve and get consent
Serve the summons; your spouse signs the affidavit/waiver.
- 4
Assemble the packet
Attach the settlement agreement and complete every required form.
- 5
Submit for signature
File the findings and judgment; a judge reviews and signs.
In short, expect no waiting period in New York, plus your county's scheduling time. Our filing checklist keeps the stages in order.
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