New York Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce

Seeking a divorce in New York can be stressful. Divorce is a complex legal and emotional process, and understanding your options is crucial for making the best decision. There's no one-size-fits-all approach — your individual path can significantly impact the outcome, the costs, and your overall experience. It’s important not to go in blind.

In this post, the experienced divorce attorneys at Levoritz Law Firm will guide you through the fundamental differences between uncontested and contested divorce, empowering you to make informed choices for your future.

What’s the Difference Between Uncontested and Contested Divorce?

The core difference between contested and uncontested divorce lies in the level of agreement between the spouses.

In an uncontested divorce, the couple can agree on all essential issues, such as property division and child custody. This signifies a willingness to cooperate and find solutions together. Conversely, a contested divorce arises when there's a disagreement on one or more major issues, making it necessary for a judge to intervene and make decisions.

Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between contested and uncontested divorce in New York:

Court Involvement and Process

A contested divorce involves court appearances, formal legal documents, and a judge's final decision based on evidence and legal arguments. It can be a lengthy and stressful process.

Uncontested divorces, on the other hand, often proceed outside of court, with a focus on reaching agreements amicably between the spouses. The court may only need to review the agreement and issue a final judgment, making the process much quicker and potentially less stressful.

Control and Flexibility

In a contested divorce, a judge holds ultimate authority and makes decisions based on the evidence presented. This can limit the control both spouses have over the outcome. By contrast, uncontested divorce affords greater control and flexibility as couples actively shape the terms of their settlement. This can be beneficial when both parties want to prioritize reaching a solution that meets their specific needs.

Emotional Impact

A contested divorce can be emotionally draining for both parties due to the adversarial nature of the process. The legal battles and potential for conflict can exacerbate feelings of animosity and stress.

Uncontested divorce, with its focus on collaboration and compromise, often fosters a less contentious environment, contributing to a more amicable and less stressful experience for both spouses.

What Is the Cost of Divorce in New York State?

Whether contested or uncontested, divorce comes with financial commitments. Understanding the cost differences between these two paths is critical for making informed decisions.

In New York, a contested divorce can be significantly more expensive than an uncontested divorce. The costs stem from several factors:

• Attorney fees: Both parties typically need to hire lawyers to represent them. Experienced family law attorneys often charge between $350 and $800 per hour.
• Court fees: There are fees associated with filing the divorce paperwork, court hearings, and any additional motions or requests. These can range from $200 to $500 or more.
• Additional expenses: Contested divorces often involve extraneous expenses, such as travel costs for court appearances, document preparation, and other legal services.

The cost of a contested divorce in New York can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the case, the level of cooperation between the parties, and the need for additional legal services, potentially ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.

Uncontested divorce, where both parties are in agreement, generally involves lower costs due to the streamlined process and minimal court involvement. The expenses are usually limited to the following:

• Filing fees: The initial filing fee in New York is around $350.
• Attorney fees: While hiring a lawyer is still recommended to ensure that the agreement is properly drafted and executed, the costs are often lower than in contested divorces.

The total costs of an uncontested divorce can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars, depending on the character of the case and whether legal representation is sought.

It's important to understand that the specific cost and timeline of your divorce will hinge on your circumstances and the choices you make. With that in mind, it’s highly recommended that you schedule a consultation with an experienced family law attorney at Levoritz Law Firm.

To help you better understand what to expect from the divorce process, we’ve created this illustrative table comparing the defining features of each option:

Uncontested Divorce: A Collaborative Path Forward

While an uncontested divorce can be an ideal solution in many situations and has several advantages, including cost-effectiveness and a more expedient process, it's not always the right choice for every couple. Here are some potential challenges:

Contested Divorce: Navigating Disputes

Because of the disputes involved, contested divorces often require a judge's intervention and can become more challenging and time-consuming. Despite this, they can offer certain benefits, including the following:

Legal Protection

A contested divorce can offer a neutral decision-making process and ensure a fair outcome when one spouse feels disadvantaged or unheard.

Resolution of Complex Issues

When spouses can’t agree, a judge's decision can provide a structured and authoritative solution to difficult issues, such as asset division or child custody when spouses.

Professional Guidance

A qualified divorce attorney can offer valuable guidance and protect your rights and interests throughout the process of legal separation, promoting a fairer and more advantageous outcome.

It’s worth reiterating, however, that contested divorce can present considerable challenges. They include:

Emotional Strain

Contested divorces can be stressful and emotionally draining due to the extended process and the heightened potential for conflict.

Increased Costs

Contested divorces are typically more expensive than uncontested ones due to the additional legal fees, court proceedings, and grounds for protracted battles.

Adversarial Proceedings

The combative nature of contested divorces can escalate conflict and animosity between the spouses, potentially impacting their post-divorce relationship.

Choose the Right Path of Divorce with Levoritz Law Firm

Divorce is a painful and deeply personal journey. Understanding the differences between uncontested and contested divorce allows couples to choose the approach that best suits their circumstances and emotional needs.

Contact Levoritz Law Firm today to arrange a free consultation with a compassionate family law attorney. We can help you navigate the complexities of divorce in New York and decide which option is preferable in your unique situation.