While the New York State Unified Court System offers instructions and forms to pursue an uncontested divorce, they recommend that you not do-it-yourself and seek the assistance of an attorney.
Please keep in mind that while the do-it-yourself documents can help you do your divorce without a lawyer, there can be a lot more to think about than just ending the marriage between you and your spouse and filling out court papers. For example:
*Do you need an order of protection to help keep you safe from your spouse after the divorce?
*Do you need continued financial support (maintenance) from your spouse after the divorce?
*Do you need health insurance?
*If you and your spouse owned things together and/or owe money together, how should the property and debts be divided in the divorce?
*Does your spouse have a pension or other financial retirement plan? Can you share in it if you divorce?
A lawyer can help you think through these and other important issues and take the legal steps to get you what you want. The New York State Unified Court System strongly suggests that you give serious thought to using a lawyer for your divorce.
The above information is an excerpt from an article entitled Uncontested Divorce Booklet for Uncontested Divorces Without Children Under 21: Instructions and Practice Forms by the New York State Unified Courts System. The full article can be found here.