What Does Divorce Cost in New York?
Court filing fees, attorney rates, and what changes when both parties agree. Updated for 2026. These are estimates, not quotes.
The cost of a divorce in New York depends almost entirely on one thing: whether both of you are reasonable. When you use SerenityNow to come to an agreement on property, support, and a parenting plan, most of the expense disappears. When you fight it out, attorney hours stack up fast. The two paths below show the difference honestly.
The two paths
SerenityNow
$500
flat
We help both parties come to a reasonable agreement, then prepare your complete New York filing packet. The court filing fee is paid separately to the court. The calmest and lowest cost path.
Contested, high conflict
$18,335+
Retainer plus dozens of billable hours. Costs climb with every disputed issue.
Child support in New York
For a coparenting household with two children and a moderate income difference, the New York guideline produces an estimate around $1,450 per month. Use the calculator below to run your own numbers and switch states if you need to compare.
Your situation
Your estimate
Estimated monthly child support
$1,450/mo
paid by you to the other parent
Based on 25% of the paying parent's net monthly income for 2 children. Health insurance added.
For an exact calculation, use the official New York child support calculator.
Estimate only. Not legal advice. Confirm current guidelines with the official New York child support agency.
Governing rule: NY DRL Section 240(1-b) (Child Support Standards Act). This estimate is illustrative and does not replace the official New York calculation.
Where the money goes
| Court filing fee (New York) | $335 to $395 |
| SerenityNow flat fee | $500 |
| Attorney hourly rate | $300 to $600 |
| Contested attorney time (40 to 100+ hours) | $18,000 to $45,000 |
Filing fee is $335 statewide. Additional index number fee of $210 brings total to about $545 in some counties. A fee waiver may be available if you qualify.
New York cost facts
- Court filing fee in New York typically runs $335 to $395.
- Residency rule: One year in New York, or specific grounds arising in the state.
- Filing fee is $335 statewide. Additional index number fee of $210 brings total to about $545 in some counties.
- When both parties are reasonable and use SerenityNow to come to an agreement, we prepare your complete court ready filing packet for a flat $500. The court filing fee is paid separately to the court.
The cheapest divorce is the one you do not fight
SerenityNow helps coparents reach a court ready agreement together, then prepares the filing paperwork for your state for a flat $500.
See how SerenityNow worksEstimate only. The figures on this page are general estimates drawn from published New York court fee schedules and attorney rate surveys, and the child support estimate is illustrative. They are not legal or financial advice and they are not a quote for any specific case. The $500 SerenityNow fee covers document preparation for an uncontested filing where both parties are reasonable and use SerenityNow to come to an agreement, and does not include the court filing fee or any attorney representation. Actual costs vary by county and by the complexity of your situation. Child support estimates do not replace the official New York calculation or the advice of a licensed attorney. Verify all figures with the New York courts and a qualified professional before relying on them.