The New York State Unified Court System has announced the statewide rollout of the court system’s Uncontested Joint Divorce program, which will ease the divorce process for many New Yorkers.
In an uncontested joint divorce, both parties agree to end the marriage and on what will happen to their finances and property—and for those with children, on child custody (parenting time) and support. With the statewide launch of the Uncontested Joint Divorce program, New Yorkers across the State’s 62 counties who agree to an
uncontested divorce on the grounds of “irretrievable breakdown in relationship for at least six months (no-fault)” can now petition the court together, instead of one spouse filing for a divorce against the other, reducing the amount of paperwork required by combining the many forms and pleadings and simplifying the divorce process overall.
“The Uncontested Joint Divorce program, which allows for eligible spouses to file and sign their divorce papers jointly—without having to prove reasons for the divorce—will save divorcing couples time and money, expediting the finalization of the divorce and averting unnecessary strain as they navigate this life period of major transition,” said Chief Administrative Judge Zayas. “I am thankful to Statewide Coordinating Judge for Matrimonial Matters Hon. Jeffrey Sunshine for his integral role in developing, piloting, and expanding this crucial initiative, which will benefit countless New Yorkers across the State.”
“The physical and emotional stress divorce places on couples and their families is well documented. This new program aims to provide welcome relief to New Yorkers initiating an uncontested, no-fault divorce. The Uncontested Joint Divorce program streamlines the paperwork required to obtain an uncontested divorce, will speed up the divorce process, further cooperation between the parties, and ease their path ahead as they and their families adjust to their new life circumstances,” said First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge St. George.
“This type of divorce is significantly easier and quicker to obtain as the parties don’t have to prove the grounds for the divorce and, because they file their papers together, can jointly ask the Court to approve what they agree will happen after the divorce,” said Justice Sunshine.
The Uncontested Joint Divorce packet, along with an informational guide, is available online at Uncontested Joint Divorce – Divorce Resources
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