Are Divorce Forms the Same in All NY Counties?

Quick Answer: Yes, the official UD-series divorce forms are the same statewide in NY. However, each county may have additional local forms like cover sheets and specific filing procedures.

Statewide Forms (Same Everywhere)

UD-Series Forms Used in All Counties:

• UD-1 through UD-10
• Created by NY Unified Court System
• Accepted in all 62 counties
• Same in NYC and upstate
• Downloaded from single source

Local Variations That Exist

County-Specific Items:

• Cover sheets
• Filing instructions
• Payment methods accepted
• Copy requirements
• E-filing availability

NYC Borough Differences

While using same UD forms, each borough has:

Manhattan (New York County):

• Requires 2 originals plus copies
• Specific cover sheet
• NYSCEF mandatory for most filings

Brooklyn (Kings County):

• 1 original plus 3 copies
• Local filing guidelines
• E-filing preferred

Queens, Bronx, Staten Island:

• Each has local rules
• Different copy requirements
• Varying e-filing adoption

Where Local Rules Apply

Process differences:

• Hours court clerks office is open
• Whether walk-ins accepted
• Mail filing procedures
• Payment methods (check, money order, credit card)
• Document delivery methods

Filing Fees Are NOT the Same

Fees vary slightly by county:

• NYC Supreme Courts: 35
• Some upstate counties: 10
• Additional fees for certain motions
• Check your specific county

How to Find Local Requirements

Step 1: Start with standard UD forms

Step 2: Check county Supreme Court website

Step 3: Look for local rules and forms

Step 4: Call county clerk if uncertain

County Clerk Contacts:

• Manhattan: (646) 386-5955
• Brooklyn: (347) 404-9772
• Queens: (718) 298-1045
• Bronx: (718) 618-1400
• Staten Island: (718) 390-5387

E-Filing Availability

NYSCEF (NY Courts Electronic Filing):

• Available in all 62 counties
• Mandatory in some NYC courts
• Optional in others
• Check county-specific rules

Moving Between Counties

If you move during divorce:

• Must complete in county where filed
• Cannot transfer to different county
• Original filing county retains jurisdiction

Upstate vs NYC Differences

Generally:

• Same forms throughout state
• NYC tends to require more copies
• Upstate sometimes allows more flexibility
• NYC more likely to require e-filing
• Rural counties may have longer processing times

Important Consistency

What IS the same everywhere:

• Grounds for divorce
• Residency requirements
• Legal standards
• Core UD forms
• Final Judgment of Divorce format

Bottom Line: Use the standard UD forms for any NY county, but check local court website for additional requirements specific to where you are filing.

Filing in NYC? We know all local requirements for every borough.