New York DIY Divorce Checklist (2026) — Printable Step-by-Step
New York-Specific Reminders: Download forms from nycourts.gov/courthelp. File index number at COUNTY CLERK (not court clerk). Submit divorce packet to MATRIMONIAL CLERK (Supreme Court). Include UD-4 if married in religious ceremony. Notarize required forms.
Before You File
Confirm Eligibility
- Identified which residency pathway applies (2-year, 1-year, or both-in-NY)
- Residency requirement is met or will be met before Judgment
- Checked which county to file in (either spouse's county)
Gather Documents
- Marriage certificate (needed for forms)
- Mortgage statement (if applicable)
- Vehicle titles and loan statements
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Pay stubs (recent, both spouses)
- Most recent tax returns
- List of all debts with balances
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
Key Decisions
- Agreed on all property and debt division
- Agreed on home (keep/sell/defer)
- Agreed on maintenance (or waiver)
- Agreed on retirement account division
- If children: agreed on custody, parenting time, and support
Filing
Get Forms
- Downloaded UD packet from nycourts.gov/courthelp (correct version — with or without children)
- Checked county-specific requirements at county court website
Complete and File
- Completed UD-1 (Summons With Notice)
- Completed UD-2 (Verified Complaint)
- Filed UD-1 and UD-2 at COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE (not court clerk)
- Paid $210 index number fee
- Received index number (case number)
- Noted filing date: ___________
Service
- Spouse signed UD-7 (Affidavit of Defendant) acknowledging divorce
- OR: Process server served spouse — noted service date: ___________
- Response deadline (20 days after personal service): ___________
- Affidavit of Service (UD-3) completed by server
- UD-3 filed with County Clerk
Statement of Net Worth
- Completed Statement of Net Worth — plaintiff
- Served Statement of Net Worth on spouse
- Spouse completed and served Statement of Net Worth
- OR: Both parties signed written waiver of Statement of Net Worth (included in Stipulation)
Draft Stipulation of Settlement
- Drafted Stipulation covering all property, debt, maintenance
- If children: Parenting Plan included in Stipulation
- If children: Child support calculated per CSSA formula
- Both spouses signed Stipulation
- Both signatures notarized
Complete Remaining Forms
- UD-4 (Religious Barriers) — if married in religious ceremony
- UD-6 (Affidavit of Plaintiff) — notarized
- UD-7 (Affidavit of Defendant) — notarized (if not already done)
- UD-8 (Child Support Summary) — if children
- UD-9 (Note of Issue) — ready to file with Matrimonial Clerk
- UD-10 (Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law)
- UD-11 (Judgment of Divorce)
- UD-12 (Part 130 Certification)
Submit to Matrimonial Clerk
- Assembled complete packet in correct order
- Submitted to MATRIMONIAL CLERK at Supreme Court
- Paid Note of Issue fee ($30–$95)
- Received confirmation of submission
Receive and File Judgment
- Received signed Judgment of Divorce from court
- Served Notice of Entry of Judgment on spouse
- Filed Judgment with County Clerk
- Obtained 3–5 certified copies of Judgment
After the Divorce
- Home: refinancing started (if one spouse keeping)
- Home: Bargain and Sale Deed or Quitclaim Deed signed, notarized, recorded with County Clerk
- Vehicle titles transferred at NY DMV
- Bank accounts separated
- Joint credit cards closed or transferred
- QDRO or Majauskas order filed with retirement plan administrator
- If NYC co-op: board application for transfer initiated
- Social Security card updated (SSA office)
- NY driver's license updated (NY DMV)
- Life insurance and retirement beneficiaries updated
- Will updated
Quick Reference
| Item | Your Info |
|---|---|
| Index number | |
| Filing date | |
| Service date | |
| Response deadline | |
| Submission date | |
| Judgment received | |
| Divorce final date |
Last reviewed: March 2026
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.