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

Last reviewed: March 2026

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.