Manhattan Divorce Attorney Richard Roman Shum Explains the Cost of Divorce in New York

NEW YORK, NY - Couples ending a marriage in Manhattan often face uncertainty about the financial impact of the process, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars in court fees to tens of thousands of dollars for contested cases that proceed to trial. Manhattan divorce attorney Richard Roman Shum of the Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. (https://www.romanshum.com/blog/how-much-does-divorce-cost-manhattan/) explains how filing fees, attorney costs, and the issues involved influence the total expense of dissolving a marriage in New York.

According to Manhattan divorce attorney Richard Roman Shum, the standard court filing fees for a New York divorce begin at $335, which includes a $210 index number fee and a $125 uncontested matrimonial calendar fee. Contested cases may also require a $95 Request for Judicial Intervention and a $30 Note of Issue. "Court filing fees are only the starting point," Shum explains. "The total cost of a divorce depends almost entirely on whether spouses can reach an agreement on the major issues without extended litigation."

Manhattan divorce attorney Richard Roman Shum notes that an uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree on property division, custody, child support, and spousal maintenance, generally costs significantly less than a contested case. Manhattan attorneys typically handle uncontested matters on a flat-fee basis ranging from $1,500 to $5,500, while contested divorces in the New York Supreme Court generally range from $15,000 to $50,000 and can exceed $100,000 when significant assets, business interests, or custody disputes are involved.

Shum points out that several factors drive divorce costs higher. Custody disputes are among the most expensive components of any case because they may require forensic evaluators or court-appointed attorneys for the child. Under New York Domestic Relations Law 240, courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as each parent's ability to provide a stable home and the child's relationship with each parent. Child support calculations follow the Child Support Standards Act, which applies a statutory formula to combined parental income up to $193,000 as of March 2026.

The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. handles divorce matters in the New York Supreme Court system, which is the only court authorized to hear divorce cases in the state. Manhattan filings are processed through the New York County Clerk's Office. Property division in New York follows the equitable distribution model under DRL 236(B), which directs courts to divide marital property fairly based on 15 statutory factors, including the length of the marriage and each spouse's economic circumstances.

"Property division in New York City frequently involves co-op apartments, investment portfolios, and business interests that require expert appraisal," Shum adds. "Valuation work alone can add several thousand dollars to a case, but it is often necessary to ensure a fair division of marital assets."

Spousal maintenance is calculated under DRL 236(B)(6), with the statutory formula applied to the payor's income up to a cap of $241,000 as of March 2026. Income above the cap is subject to judicial discretion based on 15 statutory factors. Shum observes that maintenance disputes often increase costs because they may require forensic accounting when one spouse owns a business or has income from multiple sources.

Mediation provides an alternative to litigation that can substantially reduce expenses for couples able to negotiate in good faith. Private mediators in Manhattan generally charge from $300 per hour, but the total cost is typically far lower than contested litigation because cases tend to resolve in fewer sessions. The firm also notes that DRL 237 allows the court to direct a higher-earning spouse to contribute toward the other spouse's legal fees, and fee waivers are available under New York court rules for individuals who cannot afford filing costs.

For New York residents weighing the financial impact of ending a marriage, understanding the available options early in the process can help control costs and inform strategic decisions. The Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. assists Manhattan families with contested and uncontested divorces, property division, custody, and spousal maintenance matters. Those considering a divorce may benefit from consulting with a family law attorney to evaluate the projected costs and procedural pathway for their specific situation.

About Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq.:

Law Office of Richard Roman Shum, Esq. is a Manhattan-based family law firm focused on divorce, child custody, spousal maintenance, and property division. Led by attorney Richard Roman Shum, who has over 15 years of experience in New York family and matrimonial matters, the firm represents clients throughout New York City. The office is located at 20 Clinton St FRNT 5D, New York, NY 10002. For consultations, call (646) 259-3416.

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