Essential Forms Checklist for Uncontested Divorce NYC

Complete Uncontested Divorce Forms Checklist for New York

Filing for an uncontested divorce in New York requires completing a specific set of legal forms accurately and submitting them in the correct order. Even one missing document can cause delays or rejection by the court. This comprehensive checklist explains each required form, why it matters, and how to make sure your filing is complete and court-ready. Whether you are preparing your papers independently or planning to file with attorney assistance, the following guide will help you stay organized throughout the process.

Uncontested divorce cases rely almost entirely on written documentation rather than in-person testimony. Because of this, the courts require every form to be filled out carefully and consistently. Reviewing each requirement before you begin can prevent unnecessary errors and help ensure your divorce is approved without complications.

Primary Required Forms

1. Summons with Notice (Form UD-1) or Summons and Verified Complaint

This document officially begins your divorce action and notifies your spouse that a divorce has been filed. You may choose between two versions depending on how much detail you want to include at the start:

• Summons with Notice – A simpler version that briefly states the type of relief requested but does not require a full complaint.
• Summons and Verified Complaint – A complete filing that includes the grounds for divorce and all relevant details about the marriage, relief sought, and residency.

Either version must be served properly on your spouse after filing. Using the correct form and ensuring proper service is essential for your case to move forward.

Where to get it: Download directly from the official NY Courts website or obtain a copy from the county clerk.

2. Verified Complaint (Form UD-2)

This form is required if you filed your case using Summons with Notice rather than Summons and Verified Complaint. The Verified Complaint provides a detailed explanation of your divorce grounds, your marriage history, residency qualifications, and the specific relief you are requesting from the court. It must be signed and notarized. Because the complaint forms part of your sworn testimony, accuracy is extremely important.

3. Affidavit of Defendant (Form UD-6)

Once your spouse is served, they may sign Form UD-6 to confirm that:

• They received the divorce papers
• They understand the contents
• They agree to proceed without contest
• They waive further notice in many cases

This form is critical in uncontested divorce filings. If the defendant refuses to sign it, you may need to proceed by default, which requires additional service steps and documents. A properly completed Affidavit of Defendant allows your divorce to move through the system more quickly.

Financial Disclosure Documents

5. Statement of Net Worth (Form UD-8)

This is one of the most detailed forms in an uncontested divorce. Both spouses must complete their own Net Worth Statement separately. The form requires you to list:

• All sources of income
• Bank accounts, real estate, and financial assets
• Vehicles, retirement accounts, and investments
• All debts and liabilities
• Monthly living expenses
• Anticipated future needs

Because financial disclosure affects child support, spousal maintenance, and property division, accuracy is essential. Courts often reject submissions with incomplete or inconsistent financial information. Taking the time to gather bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and account summaries will make the process smoother.

6. Settlement Agreement

The Settlement Agreement is the legally binding contract that outlines all final divorce terms. In uncontested cases, the agreement must clearly state how you and your spouse will handle the following:

• Equitable distribution of marital property
• Allocation of marital debts
• Child custody and visitation schedules
• Parenting responsibilities and decision-making authority
• Child support calculations and payment schedules
• Spousal maintenance (if any)

A complete and clearly worded Settlement Agreement is one of the strongest components of a successful uncontested divorce. Judges look for detailed, unambiguous terms that demonstrate both parties understand and accept the agreement. If your agreement is unclear, the court may send it back for revision, causing delays.

Additional Highly Recommended Forms

Although not always required in every case, the following forms may be needed depending on your situation:

Affidavit of Service

This document confirms that your spouse was served with divorce papers correctly. The person who served the papers must complete and notarize this form. Incorrect service is one of the top reasons uncontested divorces are delayed.

Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (UD-4 and UD-5)

Both spouses may be required to complete these forms confirming that there are no religious or cultural barriers preventing remarriage. New York requires these statements even if neither spouse practices a religion with remarriage restrictions.

Affidavit of Plaintiff (Form UD-7)

This form summarizes key details about the marriage, the grounds for divorce, and your settlement terms. The judge relies heavily on this affidavit to verify that all legal requirements have been met.

Child Support Summary Forms

If children are involved, you may also need:

• Child Support Worksheet
• Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) calculations
• Parenting plan or schedule

These documents ensure compliance with New York’s child support laws.

Tips for Staying Organized During Your Divorce Filing

• Create a folder for each major section: service documents, financial forms, and court filings
• Use a checklist to verify each form is completed, signed, and notarized
• Keep copies of all documents you submit
• Update your financial information before completing your Net Worth Statement
• Review each form for consistency in names, dates, and addresses

Preparing your forms carefully will help prevent common filing errors and ensure a smooth divorce process.

Need Help With Your Forms?

Our NYC uncontested divorce attorneys can review your documents, help you complete your checklist, and ensure everything is correctly prepared before submission. Properly completed forms save time, reduce stress, and increase the chances of fast approval. Contact us today for guidance and support with your uncontested divorce paperwork.