Can I Get a Free Divorce in NY?
Quick Answer: Cannot get completely free divorce, but can waive 35 court fee if you qualify as poor person. Still need to cover service costs and document fees unless using legal aid.
Fee Waiver Process
File: Poor Person Application with financial affidavit. Show: Income below guidelines (125% of poverty level). If approved: Court fees waived, still pay service and copies, reduces cost to - 0 total.
Free Legal Help
Available through: Legal Aid Society, Legal Services NYC, Volunteer Lawyers Project, Pro Bono programs. Must meet: Income requirements, asset limits, case complexity limits.
DIY for Lowest Cost
Minimum costs: ash court fee (if waiver approved), - 0 service, 5- notarization and copies. Total: 5-50 if qualifying for waiver.
What Free Does Not Cover
Cannot waive: Attorney fees if you hire one, property appraisals, mediation costs, business valuations, expert witnesses.
Income Guidelines
For fee waiver in NYC 2026: Individual under ,385, family of 4 under 2,075, varies by household size.