How Fast Can I Get a Divorce in New York?

There can be a significant range in the time it will take to get a divorce across the country and within the state of New York. Many people are intimidated by stories of divorces that drag on for years. However, those are a rarity, and New York law allows for some of the quickest possible divorces.

For a divorce in New York to be settled and finalized in mere months, it’s critical that spouses can agree and that the contentious nature of the situation is limited. Some of these aspects may be in your control, but you’ll be unable to influence others. One thing you have significant control over is working with an experienced New York divorce lawyer.

How Fast Can I Get a Divorce in New York?

Most people who are ready to divorce would like the process to go quickly. How quickly a divorce will happen is a product of a number of different factors. However, if things align well, New York can be one of the quickest states for a divorce, sometimes taking as little as two or three months to finish.

New York is one of the faster states in which a divorce can be finalized because there is no waiting time to file or for the divorce to be finalized. In some states, you can file a divorce at any time, but the process can’t be finalized for a period of time, such as six months.

In other states, you can’t even file divorce papers until you are physically separated from your spouse for a year, with at least one of you intending to divorce. Then, spouses must still go through the entire divorce process. In New York, you can file for a divorce at any time, so long as you meet certain residency requirements.

Once divorce papers are filed, the biggest element that determines how quickly the process can proceed is how agreeable both parties are regarding negotiation. Going to court is always a lengthy process that could last for years, so spouses who want a quick divorce should attempt to avoid a court battle.

Make Your Divorce Shorter With Negotiation

Negotiating a divorce agreement to submit to the court is an option that can accelerate the process significantly. The court will have to verify that there are no issues with the agreement reached, but typically, this is not an issue when you have a New York divorce lawyer to work with.

Divorce agreements will need to describe what both parties have agreed to regarding the elements of the divorce. This includes things like child custody, spousal maintenance, child support, and property division. Every one of these elements has the potential to be contentious, but avoiding contention is crucial for a fast divorce.

Significant disagreement on these things can lengthen the process and threaten to send the divorce to court. The key to a fast divorce is to be able to reach an agreement on all issues quickly. Unfortunately, both parties will need to be interested in taking that approach, so your spouse’s attitude and perspective will play a critical role in your divorce timeline.

Can a Lawyer Speed Up My Divorce?

One of the most important things you can do to accelerate the process of a divorce is to work with an experienced New York divorce lawyer. Their familiarity with the process can lead to avoiding unnecessary delays and catching issues before they become bigger problems.

A lawyer can also help encourage negotiations by setting expectations and helping parties understand what aspects of an agreement are likely to be approved by the court. If you want a fast divorce, then it’s critical that you work with the right lawyer.

FAQs

Q: Will There Be a Waiting Period Before a Divorce Can Be Filed?

A: New York is one of a few states with no waiting period. Unlike places where you may have to wait between filing papers and a final ruling or where you must be separated before you can file, New York allows those who meet the residency rules to file for a divorce at any time.

Q: What Can Be Done to Make a New York Divorce Happen Quickly?

A: There are a few different things that can be helpful in quickening the divorce process. One of these is preparation ahead of time. There are many financial documents that are a part of the process, and gathering these can be helpful. Working with a New York divorce lawyer who can use their experience to accelerate the process can also help.

However, it’s important to recognize that there may always be some factors outside of your control that could slow the process.

Q: How Can a Divorce Lawyer Help Speed Up the Process of a Divorce?

A: A divorce lawyer can help, in particular, with the negotiation process and ensuring all of the necessary paperwork is filled out correctly. These things could quicken the divorce process. A divorce will take much longer without the help of a skilled lawyer, as it’s difficult for a layperson to navigate the family court system alone.

Q: What Should I Look for in a Divorce Lawyer?

A: When deciding on a divorce lawyer, you want to be sure you are working with someone you trust. They will help with some of the most important aspects of your life, and you need to trust that they will do what’s in your interests. Ideally, they should also be experienced in divorce and family law.

Trotto Law Firm, P.C., Can Find Ways to Help Your Divorce Go Quickly

At Trotto Law Firm, P.C., we understand the desire for a quick divorce. We know that by the time most people have filed for divorce, they are ready to move on and begin the next stage of their lives. The time between filing and the divorce being finalized can feel overwhelming.

We work diligently for our clients to seek a favorable divorce agreement while also ensuring the process moves as quickly as the other party allows. Contact us for help with seeking a quick divorce.