Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in New York?

Jennifer Paulino

New York managing attorney at Marble Law

Published September 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Key Takeaways

You aren’t legally required to hire a lawyer if you file for divorce in New York.
Lawyers can help make your case run faster and more smoothly.
It’s helpful to find a lawyer you connect with. There are a number of questions you can ask them on a consultation call to ensure you’re aligned.

You don’t need a lawyer for a divorce in New York. All of the paperwork is available online, and the state court also offers links to free and low-cost mediation sources that may be helpful.

However, a New York divorce entails many forms and processes, some of which are complicated. Consulting with an attorney may help your case move faster and go more smoothly.

If you’re not sure whether you need a lawyer for your divorce, it may be helpful to have a consultation call. Many firms and attorneys offer this service for free. During the call, the attorney can walk you through what the process might look like to set your expectations and reduce overwhelm. You can also ask questions. Below are some suggestions to help you confidently select the right legal representation for you.

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What’s your strategy for my case?

Be as open and honest as possible so the attorney can give you the most accurate answers.

Once you’ve shared the topline details of your case, ask what their proposed strategy for your case would be.

This will help you determine whether you feel comfortable with the direction they’re planning on going in and if you believe they’re a good advisor for you.

A view of the Empire State Building , New York City , NY

How much do you think it will cost to accomplish my goals?

Nobody wants a surprisingly high bill. Understanding what your divorce may cost can help prepare you for what’s to come.

How long do you think this process will take?

Many factors affecting the timeline of a divorce are outside of your and your attorney’s control. However, they may have insight into your local court processing times and have likely handled a number of divorce cases before and have an idea of average timing.

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