Legal Clinics Are Available to Help Low-Income New Yorkers with Uncontested Divorce Program
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The Uncontested Divorce Program
New Yorkers who are getting a divorce may consider using the New York State Court’s uncontested divorce program. The program allows individuals to fill out Do-It-Yourself (“DIY”) forms to get a divorce in Supreme Court. Individuals who don’t have a divorce attorney and meet the following requirements may use the DIY forms:
- the married couple agreed to a divorce at least 6 months ago
- the married couple has no children under 21 years of age
- the married couple agree how to divide their property and finances
Please click here for a link to the uncontested divorce DIY forms. New York Courts also have a checklist of items that you need to complete the forms here. The minimum cost of an uncontested divorce is $335. If you are not able to pay these fees, you may request a fee waiver. Ask the court clerk for information on how to apply for a fee waiver.
Free Legal Help Filling Out DIY Forms
If you believe that you qualify for an uncontested divorce, but have questions about how to fill out the forms, there are pro bono legal services that may be able to help you. We have listed several programs below:
New York City
Legal Aid Society Staten Island Office
This office provides assistance with uncontested divorces. Please call (347) 422-5333 on Mondays from 9am to 12pm.
Legal Services NYC South Brooklyn
This organization provides assistance with both uncontested and contested divorces, but only in instances of domestic violence. Please click here or call (718) 237-5563 on Tuesdays between 12pm-1pm.
Legal Aid Society Bronx Neighborhood Office
Please call (718) 991-4600 to put your name on the waiting list for uncontested divorce assistance.
The NYS Courts Access to Justice Program's Uncontested Divorce Program
Volunteer attorneys assist individuals to fill out DIY forms in the Supreme Courts in New York, Queens, Kings, Bronx and Westchester Counties.
If you live or work in Queens, Kings, or Bronx County, please click here for more information. For Westchester County, please click here.
Queens Volunteer Lawyers Project, Inc.
This organizations serves Queens residents and provides assistance with uncontested divorces. Please call (718) 739-4100 or click here.
Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Inc.
This Brooklyn-based organization provides legal services for uncontested divorces. Please call (718) 826-2942.
Outside New York City
Frank H. Hiscock Legal Aid Society
This organization is located in Syracuse and serves Onondaga County. The telephone number is 315-422-8191.
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York
The Legal Aid Society of Mid-New York holds clinics to help individuals fill out forms for an uncontested divorce. The organization has several offices, but accepts calls regarding uncontested divorce help at one number: 1-877-777-6152.
My Sisters’ Place
This organization is based in White Plains and has an uncontested divorce clinic. For more information, please call 914-683-1333.
Albany County Bar Association
The bar association offers assistance with uncontested divorces. You may contact them at (518) 445-7691 or visit the website for more information.
Legal Aid Society of Northeastern NY - Albany
Individuals who already have family court order for children and have no property disputes with their spouse may contact this organization for help with an uncontested divorce. Click here or call (518) 462-6765 or (800) 462-2922.
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. Elmira Office
This organization provides assistance for uncontested divorces in cases where the husband and wife have been separated for at least one year. Click here for more information or call (607) 734-1647.
Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County, Inc.
This organization provides free assistance with uncontested divorce. If you are seeking a divorce and have children with your spouse, you must have a family court order of custody and visitation. Please click here for more information.
Legal Assistance of Western New York, Inc. Bath Office
Please click here or call 607-776-4126 or 877-776-4126.
Additional Help
If you do not see a service listed in your area, you can check with your local Supreme Court, or search for legal services providers on www.lawhelpny.org. Once you go to the LawHelpNY website, you can also chat with someone on LiveHelp and ask them for help by clicking on the green button that says “click here to chat.”