How to Fill Out New York Form FL-180 (w/Examples) + FAQs

Straight Answer: Form FL-180 is not a New York State divorce form. It’s actually a California Judgment of Divorce form. New York has its own set of forms for divorce judgments. In other words, if you’re filing for divorce in New York, you won’t be using FL-180 at all – you’ll be using New York’s Judgment of Divorce form (among others) instead.

📊 Did you know? New York has one of the lowest divorce rates in the U.S. (around 2.2 divorces per 1,000 people). Yet tens of thousands of NY couples still navigate divorce paperwork every year. If you’re among them and searching for “FL-180 New York,” this guide will set things straight and help you use the right forms for a NY divorce.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn:

• 🎯 Why FL-180 doesn’t apply in New York – and what New York’s equivalent divorce judgment form is instead
• 🗽 What forms New York does require to finalize a divorce (like the Judgment of Divorce UD-11 and others)
• 🔎 Step-by-step instructions to fill out New York’s Judgment of Divorce form with examples of key fields
• ⚖️ Differences between uncontested vs. contested divorces in NY and how the paperwork varies in each scenario
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Extra steps if you have minor children – what additional forms (child support, custody) you’ll need to complete
• 🤝 Pro se (DIY) divorce vs. hiring an attorney – a comparison of the process, plus a quick pros & cons rundown
• 🚫 Common mistakes to avoid when completing NY divorce forms (so you don’t get your papers rejected or delayed)
• ❓ FAQs from real people about New York divorce judgments, answered clearly in under 35 words each

Let’s dive in and clear up the FL-180 confusion first!

FL-180 vs New York Divorce Forms: Clearing Up the Confusion

If you’ve been frantically searching for “Form FL-180 for New York divorce,” you’re likely running into confusing information. Here’s the deal: Form FL-180 is a California form, not used in New York. It’s easy to see why people get mixed up:

• California’s Influence: California uses standardized family law forms for divorces. “FL-180” is the form number for California’s Judgment in a divorce, legal separation, or annulment case. Because California has many self-help resources online, people in other states sometimes stumble across FL-180 and assume it’s universal.
• Misleading Search Results: You might have seen blog posts, videos, or forum answers referencing “FL-180” when discussing divorce paperwork. Some generic divorce websites mention FL-180 as the final Divorce Decree form, without clearly saying it’s California-specific. This creates confusion for New Yorkers.
• Similar End Goal, Different Form: Both California and New York require a formal Judgment of Divorce to officially dissolve a marriage. However, New York’s judgment form is not labeled FL-180. New York courts have their own forms and numbering system (often coded as “UD-__” for Uncontested Divorce forms).

Bottom line: If you’re getting divorced in New York, you do not need California’s FL-180 form. Instead, you need to prepare New York’s Judgment of Divorce and related NY divorce forms. Using the wrong state’s form will only waste your time – a New York Supreme Court clerk will reject a California form in a heartbeat.

What Is Form FL-180, Exactly? (And Why New Yorkers Don’t Use It)

To further clarify, let’s briefly explain what FL-180 is and why it’s not applicable in New York:

• FL-180 = California Judgment Form: In California, Form FL-180 (Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage) is the official document that a judge signs to finalize a divorce, legal separation, or nullity. It’s a two-page form issued by the California Judicial Council. The FL-180 includes details like the parties’ names, the fact that marital status is terminated, and it references attached settlement agreements or custody orders. Essentially, it’s California’s template for a divorce decree.
• Used Only in CA Courts: FL-180 is used in California Superior Courts (each California county’s trial court). The form has sections to check off if the divorce was default, uncontested, or contested, and whether there are attachments for issues like child support (e.g., FL-192 Notice of Rights) or a marital settlement agreement. No court in New York will have or accept an “FL” form – those are unique to California’s system.
• Why It’s Famous: If you see FL-180 mentioned online, it’s often in the context of DIY divorces in California. California has a reputation for a paperwork-heavy divorce process (FL-100, FL-170, FL-180, FL-190, etc.). FL-180 is the final puzzle piece there, so it’s talked about frequently on legal forums and Q&As. A New Yorker reading those might mistakenly think they need an FL-180 too.
• Different States, Different Forms: Divorce law is state-specific. New York uses forms created by the New York State Unified Court System, not the California Judicial Council. Even though both states require a Judgment to finalize a divorce, the format and numbering are different. New York’s judgment form contains language and legal references specific to NY law (e.g. New York’s Domestic Relations Law sections), which wouldn’t be on a California form.

Key takeaway: FL-180 is only relevant in California. New York has its own judgment form (and many supporting forms) to finalize a divorce. So let’s focus on what New York requires for a divorce judgment and how to fill it out.

New York’s Equivalent to FL-180: The Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11)

In New York, the final divorce decree is typically called the Judgment of Divorce. Instead of “FL-180,” you’ll often hear New York attorneys or clerks refer to “Form UD-11.” That is the official form number for the Judgment of Divorce in New York’s Uncontested Divorce Packet. Here’s what you need to know:

• UD-11 – Judgment of Divorce: This is the New York form that serves the same purpose as California’s FL-180. It is a document that the Supreme Court of the State of New York (the trial-level court that handles divorces in NY) issues to legally end the marriage. It contains the court’s final orders about the divorce: dissolving the marriage, addressing any name change, incorporating any settlement terms, and dealing with issues like custody, support, or property if applicable.
• Not Just a Number: “UD” stands for Uncontested Divorce. Form UD-11 is specifically one of the forms in the NY Uncontested Divorce Forms Packet. (Don’t let “uncontested” confuse you – even if your divorce is contested, a Judgment of Divorce is still needed, though in a contested case it may not be on a pre-printed form.) The UD-11 is basically a fill-in-the-blanks judgment intended for people doing their own uncontested divorces without an attorney.
• Judgment = Divorce Decree: Once signed by a Judge and entered by the court clerk, the Judgment of Divorce (UD-11) is your official divorce decree. This is the document that legally changes your marital status from married to divorced. It’s the paper you’d show as proof of divorce for changing your name, updating records, etc. Some people informally call it the “divorce decree” or “final decree.” In New York, the proper term is Judgment of Divorce, but it’s the same idea.
• New York Forms Are Different: The UD-11 form doesn’t look anything like the FL-180. It is a longer document (several pages) with numbered paragraphs and blanks to fill in details specific to your case. It references New York laws (like sections of the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) for grounds of divorce). Importantly, New York’s judgment form must be accompanied by other NY forms, like the Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law (UD-10), to be accepted. It’s not a standalone form – it’s part of a judgment package.

What Forms Do You Need to Finalize a Divorce in New York?

If FL-180 isn’t used, what do you use? In New York, to finalize an uncontested divorce, you generally need to submit a whole set of forms to the court. Here are the key pieces of the New York divorce judgment package:

• Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10): This document outlines the facts of the case and the legal conclusions that entitle you to a divorce. Think of it as the court’s reasoning. You fill it out with details like the date of marriage, grounds for divorce, children info, etc., and the judge will sign it if they agree everything is in order.
• Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11): This is the actual judgment (decree) that dissolves the marriage. It references the findings of fact and includes the orders of the court (e.g., the marriage is ended, any name change is granted, etc.). You will fill in sections of this form and the judge signs it to make it official. We’ll break down how to fill this form out shortly (with examples!).
• Note of Issue (Form UD-9): This form is filed to place the case on the court’s calendar for review/signature. In an uncontested divorce, once you have all your paperwork ready, you file a Note of Issue to essentially say “this case is ready for the judge.”
• Part 130 Certification (Form UD-12): A short form where you (or your attorney) certify that you haven’t made any frivolous motions or wasted the court’s time (required by court rules in matrimonial cases). It’s basically a statement that the papers are accurate and submitted in good faith.
• Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) (Form UD-13): In some counties, to get a judge assigned to sign your uncontested divorce, you file an RJI along with the Note of Issue. The RJI is a form that officially asks the court to intervene and finalize the case (and requires a $95 fee, unless waived). Some uncontested divorces may not need an RJI if one was filed earlier, but often it’s part of the final submission.
• Certificate of Dissolution of Marriage: This is not a court order but an administrative form (often a Department of Health form) that the court sends to the NY Department of Health to record the divorce. In the uncontested packet, there’s a sample or requirement to include this. The clerk often requires a completed certificate when you submit the judgment, so they can process state records.
• Notice of Entry (Form UD-14) and Service: After the judge signs the Judgment of Divorce, one spouse (typically the plaintiff’s side) must serve a copy of the signed judgment (with the court’s entry stamp) on the other party along with a Notice of Entry. The Notice of Entry is a simple form stating the date the judgment was entered (officially filed). This service is important because it starts the clock on the other party’s appeal rights and makes the judgment final. Proof of service (often an Affidavit of Service of the Notice of Entry, UD-15) is then filed to show the court that the other side was notified.

Those are the core judgment-related documents. However, keep in mind they come after you’ve done all the initial divorce forms (like the Summons, Complaint, etc.) and properly served your spouse. If you’re at the stage of worrying about the Judgment of Divorce, you likely have completed or are aware of the earlier steps. Just to paint the full picture, here’s a quick recap of earlier forms in a New York divorce case:

• Summons with Notice or Summons & Verified Complaint (UD-1 or UD-1a & UD-2): These start the divorce. The summons notifies your spouse of the action, and the complaint lays out what you’re asking for (grounds, relief like property division, custody, support, etc.).
• Affidavit of Service (UD-3): Proof that the summons was delivered to your spouse properly.
• Sworn Statement of Removal of Barriers to Remarriage (UD-4): Required if the marriage was a religious ceremony and you want to ensure each party has removed religious barriers to remarriage (for example, obtaining a “Get” in a Jewish divorce) – otherwise, you check it’s not applicable.
• Affidavit of Plaintiff (UD-6): The plaintiff’s sworn statement with details supporting the divorce (residency, military status, how the divorce was initiated, etc.).
• Affidavit of Defendant (UD-7): If your spouse is cooperating and not contesting, they can sign this form to waive further notice and formal answer. It basically says “I’ve received the papers, I’m not contesting, and I don’t need additional notice of the proceedings.” This is one way an uncontested divorce can proceed (by consent). If your spouse doesn’t sign UD-7, then the case might proceed by default after a waiting period, which we’ll explain below.
• Income Affidavits and Worksheets (UD-8 series): If you have minor children or spousal support issues, you need to fill out the child support worksheet (UD-8(3)), possibly a maintenance (spousal support) guideline worksheet (UD-8(2)), and an Income Withholding Order form for child support (LDSS-5037/5038) to ensure support payments can be processed. There’s also a Support Collection Unit information sheet (UD-8a) and Qualified Medical Child Support Order (UD-8b) if child support is involved, to handle health insurance for the kids.
• Affidavit of Regularity (UD-5): Despite the name, this isn’t about being “regular” – it’s typically prepared by the plaintiff or their attorney to confirm the case is in order procedurally (e.g., the defendant was properly served, defaulted or consented, etc.). It sets the stage to ask the court to review and sign the judgment.

Don’t be overwhelmed by this list. The key point is: New York’s divorce process uses many forms, and none of them are labeled FL-180. The Judgment of Divorce (UD-11) is the one that corresponds to what people think of as “the divorce form to finalize everything.” But it only works as part of the full set of paperwork.

Next, we’ll discuss how the type of divorce case (uncontested vs. contested, children or not, etc.) affects which forms you use and how you fill them out. After that, we’ll give a detailed walk-through on completing the Judgment of Divorce form itself, with examples.

Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in NY: Different Paths, Different Paperwork

Every divorce case in New York will ultimately need a Judgment of Divorce, but how you get there varies greatly between an uncontested and contested divorce. Here’s a breakdown of the differences and the forms or steps involved in each scenario:

Divorce Scenario	Forms & Steps Involved
Uncontested Divorce (no opposition) – e.g. spouse agrees or defaults	– Standard Forms: Use the Uncontested Divorce Packet (UD forms). Includes Summons, Verified Complaint, affidavits, etc. – Spouse’s Response: Either spouse signs Affidavit of Defendant (UD-7) to consent, or spouse fails to respond (default). – No Court Hearing: Usually decided on papers; no appearance needed if all paperwork is correct. – Judgment Packet: File Findings of Fact (UD-10), Judgment of Divorce (UD-11), and related forms for judge’s review. – Timeline: Can be as quick as ~3–6 months in some counties (if papers are flawless), but often takes longer if backlog (some NYC uncontested divorces take 8-12+ months to get signed).
Contested Divorce (spouse opposes or complex issues)	– Initial Filings: Same Summons and Complaint to start, but spouse will file an Answer or Notice of Appearance indicating contest. – Court Proceedings: Case goes into the Supreme Court’s contested track – possibly preliminary conference, discovery, motions, and maybe a trial. – Forms: Instead of UD pre-printed forms, many documents (like net worth statements, discovery demands, etc.) are prepared by attorneys. The final Judgment of Divorce is typically drafted by the attorneys or the court after a settlement or trial. (It may not use the fill-in UD-11 form, but rather a tailored document, especially if the case is complex.) – Settlement or Trial: Most contested cases end in a settlement agreement (stipulation) before trial. That agreement will be incorporated into the Judgment. If it goes to trial, the judge issues a decision and the lawyers draft a judgment reflecting it. – Judgment Entry: A judge signs the Judgment of Divorce (with attached settlement or court decision). The judgment still must be entered and served with Notice of Entry. – Timeline: Contested divorces vary widely – anywhere from several months (if quickly settled) to years if litigation is drawn out. It’s costlier and more procedurally intensive than uncontested.

As you can see, uncontested divorces rely on prescribed forms and a largely paperwork-driven process. Contested divorces involve more custom documents and active court management. However, no matter which path, a Judgment of Divorce signed by a judge is the end result.

Where FL-180 confusion might sneak in: If you’re reading generic advice: in California even contested cases often use the FL-180 as a coversheet for the judgment (with attachments for details). In New York contested cases, there isn’t a mandatory coversheet form – the judgment may be a lengthy typed document. But if you’re doing it pro se uncontested, you’ll use the UD-11 form.

Important: In New York, divorces are handled in the Supreme Court (of your county), not Family Court. Family Court can handle related issues like child support, custody, and orders of protection separately, but only Supreme Court can grant a divorce. If you had any Family Court orders (e.g. a child support order) and you want those continued or integrated into the divorce, you must mention them in your Supreme Court papers so the final judgment can incorporate or continue them. (The Judgment of Divorce form has a section for noting existing orders from other courts.)

What If My Spouse Doesn’t Respond? – Default Divorces in NY

A common question: “What happens if I filed for divorce and my spouse never responded or signed anything?” This is known as a default divorce scenario. Here’s how that fits in:

• If you served your spouse with the Summons and Complaint and they did not file an Answer or appearance within the deadline (20 days if served in New York, 30 days if served out of state or by other means), you can proceed as an uncontested divorce by default.
• New York actually requires you to wait a bit after service to ensure they truly defaulted. If no response, you must wait at least 40 days from the date of service before submitting your final papers to the court (this accounts for any last-minute mailing of response, etc.). After 40 days with no answer, the defendant is officially in default.
• You will then submit the same uncontested divorce packet (UD-5 Affidavit of Regularity will note that defendant defaulted, and no UD-7 Affidavit of Defendant will be included since they didn’t sign). You may need to show proof of service of the Summons (and that a default has occurred).
• In some cases, even in a default, a judge might schedule a brief “inquest” – a short hearing where the plaintiff appears in court and testifies to the basic facts to ensure the divorce is warranted (especially if there are significant issues like kids or property). However, often for a simple default divorce, if your papers are extremely thorough (your Affidavit of Plaintiff covers everything) and the relief you seek is straightforward, the judge can sign the papers without an inquest.
• The Judgment of Divorce in a default case will still be prepared (by you) and submitted. It will include that the defendant did not appear and that the divorce is granted on default. Once signed and entered, you must still serve the Notice of Entry on your spouse (even if they didn’t participate) to notify them the divorce was granted.

In summary, a default divorce in NY is basically an uncontested divorce where your spouse’s “agreement” is shown by their silence rather than their signature. The paperwork is almost the same, just with a waiting period and slightly different filling (no consent form from spouse).

Divorce With Children vs. Without Children: Extra Forms and Steps

If you have minor children (under 21) as part of your divorce, New York requires a few additional steps and forms to ensure custody and support are handled. Divorces without kids are a bit simpler paperwork-wise. Here’s a comparison:

Situation	Additional Forms/Steps Required
Divorce Without Minor Children (No kids under 21)	– No Child Support Papers: You won’t need to fill out child support worksheets (UD-8(3)), because there are no support obligations to calculate. – Simpler Judgment Form: On the Judgment of Divorce (UD-11), you’ll check the boxes indicating “No unemancipated children of the marriage”. Fields related to custody, visitation, and child support will be marked “Not Applicable.” – No Parenting Plans or QMCSO: You don’t need a parenting plan or a Qualified Medical Child Support Order (UD-8b). Those are only for cases with kids. – Overall: Fewer documents to prepare. Once economic issues are settled, it’s mostly just the standard divorce forms.
Divorce With Minor Children (One or more kids under 21)	– Custody & Visitation Terms: Your divorce judgment must address who gets legal and physical custody of the children. If you and your spouse reached an agreement (often in a Stipulation of Settlement), those terms will be reflected. If uncontested, the Plaintiff’s Affidavit (UD-6) should outline the agreed custody arrangement. The Judgment form has fields to fill in the custodial parent’s name and the child(ren)’s details. – Child Support Calculations: New York’s Child Support Standards Act applies. You’ll complete a Child Support Worksheet (UD-8(3)) to show the calculation of basic child support based on incomes, or explain any deviation from the guideline. You also need to include either an Income Withholding Order (LDSS-5037/5038) or indicate why it’s not needed. – Add-On Expenses: The forms UD-11 have sections for child care, healthcare, and educational expenses. Parents often agree how to split things like day care costs, unreimbursed medical bills, or college tuition. Those must be specified (or marked not applicable) in the judgment. – Support Collection Unit (SCU): In New York, child support can be paid through the Support Collection Unit. On the Judgment form, there’s a checkbox to indicate if payments will go through the SCU (if the recipient wants the state to handle collection) or directly between the parents. You need to check “Applicable” or “Not Applicable.” – QMCSO (UD-8b): If health insurance for the child is ordered, a Qualified Medical Child Support Order form may be required to ensure the child’s coverage. If not applicable (e.g., maybe the child is already covered and no order is needed), that’s noted. – Findings of Fact: The Findings of Fact (UD-10) will include statements about the children, such as their names, dates of birth, that custody arrangements are in the children’s best interest, and that the child support provision meets the guidelines (or reasons why it doesn’t, if both parties agreed to a different amount). – Parent Education (if required): Some counties or judges might require divorcing parents to take a parenting class or acknowledge certain information. This isn’t a form but a step to be aware of. – Family Court Orders: If there were any existing Family Court orders (for temporary support or custody), the divorce judgment should explicitly state whether those are superseded or continued. You’d list any existing order’s docket number on the judgment form’s section for “other orders to be continued.”

One more note: New York law requires that any order for child support include language about the parents’ rights and responsibilities (there’s a separate form FL-192 in CA; in NY, this info is often included in the divorce papers or provided in a guidance document). When you submit your packet, make sure you’ve complied with all requirements like attaching the “Notice of Rights and Responsibilities” for child support, if needed. It’s usually embedded in the UD instructions, but just be mindful.

Filing Divorce Papers: Pro Se (DIY) vs Attorney Representation

Some people choose to handle their divorce paperwork on their own (“pro se” meaning without a lawyer), while others hire an attorney to prepare and file everything. This choice greatly affects your experience with the forms. Here’s how the process and responsibilities differ:

Handling the Divorce Yourself (Pro Se)	Using an Attorney for the Divorce
Process & Paperwork: You are responsible for obtaining, filling out, and filing all required forms. You’ll use resources like the NY Court’s Uncontested Divorce Packet instructions or the DIY online program. It’s critical to follow directions closely, as any mistake can lead to your papers being rejected by the clerk or judge (delaying your divorce). You’ll also need to serve papers on your spouse yourself (often via a process server or friend, since you as a party can’t personally serve the initial papers).	Process & Paperwork: Your attorney will handle the preparation and filing of all documents. Good matrimonial attorneys know the forms inside-out (and any local county quirks). They’ll draft any necessary extra documents (like tailored clauses for the Judgment or a custom settlement agreement). They also track deadlines and ensure proper service. Essentially, the lawyer navigates the system for you.
Legal Knowledge: You must learn as you go – understanding terms like “plaintiff,” “residency requirement,” “DRL 170(7) grounds,” etc. The court provides instructions, but nuances can be tricky. For example, figuring out how to calculate child support or how to properly notarize a settlement agreement (New York requires a special acknowledgment form for agreements) can be challenging. Many pro se filers spend a lot of time researching or asking questions on forums.	Legal Knowledge: Your lawyer will explain the law and advise you. They’ll ensure you’re choosing the correct options on forms (e.g., selecting the right ground for divorce) and that you’re not inadvertently giving up rights. If something is unclear (like how to handle a pension division or a house sale in the judgment), the attorney drafts the needed language and documents to cover it.
Cost: DIY is cheaper upfront. You’ll pay filing fees (approximately $335 total in NY: $210 index fee to start the case and $125 for Note of Issue/RJI at judgment time) and maybe small costs for notaries, process servers, etc. You save on attorney fees, which can be significant. However, if you make errors that cause rejections or require multiple resubmissions, it might cost you time off work or even additional fees if things expire or have to be redone.	Cost: Hiring an attorney is more expensive, no doubt. Lawyers may charge a flat fee for an uncontested divorce (anywhere from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars, depending on complexity) or hourly for contested cases (which can run into the tens of thousands if heavily litigated). The upside is you’re paying for expertise and to avoid mistakes. In a contested matter, an attorney’s representation can be critical to protect your rights (and might save money in the long run by negotiating a fair settlement).
Court Interaction: As a pro se filer, you typically won’t have to appear in court for an uncontested divorce – you just submit papers. But if there’s an issue (like a missing document or a judge requiring an inquest), you’ll have to handle it yourself. You’ll also be the one contacting the clerk’s office to check on your case status. It requires patience and persistence.	Court Interaction: With an attorney, most communication with the court goes through them. For an uncontested case, you might never personally speak with the court at all – your lawyer will file everything and just tell you when the divorce is finalized. In a contested case, if there are court conferences, your attorney will attend with you or sometimes even on your behalf for procedural matters. The lawyer knows the protocols to get your judgment approved by the judge.

Both approaches end at the same point: a signed Judgment of Divorce. Many people successfully do uncontested divorces on their own using the official forms – especially when the case is simple (no kids, no property, full agreement). The New York courts even provide a DIY online tool for uncontested divorce to help populate the forms. But it’s crucial to double-check everything.

If you hire an attorney for an uncontested case, you’re mostly paying for convenience and peace of mind that the forms are correct. For contested cases, legal representation is often worth it given the complexity and stakes (child custody, significant assets, etc.).

Tip: If you start pro se and get stuck, you can always consult a lawyer mid-way. For example, some people fill out everything, then pay a lawyer for an hour or two to review the papers for mistakes (sort of a DIY-hybrid approach). This can catch issues before you file.

Pros and Cons of DIY Divorce vs. Hiring a Lawyer

To summarize the above and help with your decision-making, here’s a quick pros and cons comparison:

Do-It-Yourself Divorce (Pro Se)	Hiring an Attorney
Pros: Save money on legal fees; full control over your case and timeline; privacy (only you handle your documents). Cons: Steep learning curve for legal procedures; risk of errors on forms causing delays or denials; can be time-consuming and stressful to manage alone.	Pros: Expertise on your side (forms done correctly, legal advice given); lawyer can negotiate and protect your rights; less personal stress dealing with paperwork and court. Cons: Can be expensive (attorney fees); you may feel less “in control” as the lawyer handles details; scheduling and communication must go through the lawyer (an extra step for decisions).

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out New York’s Judgment of Divorce (UD-11) Form (with Examples)

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: filling out the Judgment of Divorce form (UD-11) for New York. This is the form that will be signed by the judge to finalize your divorce, so it must be completed accurately. We’ll walk through the key sections of the form and provide examples where helpful. Keep your case details handy (names, index number, etc.) as you go through these steps.

Note: These steps assume you have an uncontested divorce scenario and you’re using the UD-11 from the NY Uncontested Divorce Packet. If your case is contested, your attorney might draft a judgment instead – but even then, it will contain similar information. Also, make sure you have filled out or gathered all the other forms (UD-10 Findings, etc.) because the Judgment references them.

1. Caption (Top of the Form): At the very top, you’ll see the standard court caption. This includes the court name, venue, party names, and index number.
   • Court Name: Fill in “Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of [Your County]”. Example: Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Albany. (Remember, divorces go through Supreme Court in the county of filing.)
   • Names of Parties: On the left, it usually says “_________________, Plaintiff, against ________________, Defendant.” Insert the exact names of the plaintiff and defendant as they appear on your other forms. Use full legal names (and be consistent – the name should match exactly what was on your Summons/Complaint). For example: “John A. Doe, Plaintiff, against Jane B. Doe, Defendant.”
   • Index Number: On the right side or in the caption, fill in your Index No. (the case number given when you filed your divorce). It might look like “Index No. 12345/2025.” Make sure this matches the number on your Summons filing receipt. (Leave any blank for “Calendar No.” empty unless instructed otherwise – uncontested divorces often don’t use a calendar number.)
   • For Court Use Fields: Some versions of UD-11 have spaces at the very top for things like judgment date or document numbers. Do not fill in any fields labeled for court use, or any blank that you’re not instructed to. Typically, fields 1–4 of UD-11 (if numbered on the form) are left for the judge or clerk (these might include the date of judgment, signature, etc.).
2. Plaintiff & Defendant Information: Early in the form, you will likely encounter lines to fill the names of the Plaintiff and Defendant again in the body of the judgment.
   • For instance, the judgment might start with a phrase like “THIS ACTION, having been duly brought before this Court by __ (Plaintiff’s name)__ against __ (Defendant’s name)__…”. Make sure you print or type the names exactly as before.
   • Consistency is key: if the plaintiff’s name is John A. Doe in one place, don’t switch to John Doe without the middle initial elsewhere. The courts often check that names match throughout all documents.
3. Recitals – Appearance and Default Info: The judgment form will recite what happened in the case procedurally. You will check boxes or fill blanks indicating whether the defendant appeared, defaulted, or the parties reached an agreement.
   • Look for a section that might say: “The Defendant was served on [date] and (☐ defaulted / ☐ submitted to the jurisdiction by appearance / ☐ consented by affidavit).” The exact wording varies, but essentially:
     • If your spouse signed the Affidavit of Defendant (UD-7), you would indicate that the defendant appeared (meaning they responded by consenting in writing) but did not contest.
     • If your spouse did nothing, you’ll indicate that they defaulted. Often there’s a checkbox for “Defendant defaulted in appearance.” Check that if true.
     • If your spouse actually filed an answer and you settled anyway, then it wouldn’t be “uncontested” in the pure sense – but assuming we’re doing the uncontested scenario, stick with either consent or default.
   • Example: “Defendant was duly served on March 1, 2025, and has defaulted in appearance herein.” (This would be typed if the spouse never answered.) Or, if spouse signed UD-7: “Defendant has duly acknowledged service and consented to divorce by Affidavit of Defendant sworn on March 15, 2025.”
4. Grounds for Divorce: New York requires you to state the legal ground for the divorce in the judgment.
   • On the UD-11, there will be a section to fill in the applicable subdivision of DRL §170 that your divorce is based on. Commonly, people use the “no-fault” ground, DRL §170(7), which is the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least 6 months. Alternatively, you might have grounds like DRL §170(1) (cruel and inhuman treatment), etc., if you pleaded those.
   • The form might have a line like: “and the Court finds that the Plaintiff is entitled to a divorce on the grounds of _______________.” Here you’d write something like: “DRL §170(7) – the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for a period of at least six months.” (That’s the exact phrasing of no-fault grounds in NY since 2010.)
   • If you used a different ground (adultery, abandonment, etc.), fill in the appropriate one. Make sure it matches what was in your Verified Complaint or Affidavit of Plaintiff – you can’t switch grounds at the judgment stage without having pleaded it.
   • Pro tip: Most uncontested divorces now use no-fault because it doesn’t require proving wrongdoing and the spouse doesn’t need to agree on a story of fault. If your papers have a separation agreement and you’re divorcing after living apart one year per that agreement, the ground would be DRL §170(6) (separation agreement). Just be consistent.
5. Children and Custody Details: The next important section deals with children of the marriage and custody.
   • If you have no minor children, the form will have an option like: “☐ There are no minor or unemancipated children of the marriage.” Make sure to check that box if it applies. The judgment will then typically omit any custody/support orders.
   • If you do have children under 21, you’ll fill in their information:
     • Custody: There will be a statement awarding custody. For example: “ORDERED AND ADJUDGED that ☐ Plaintiff / ☐ Defendant shall have custody of the minor child(ren) of the marriage.” You’d check the appropriate box and possibly write the custodial parent’s name. Example: If Jane (defendant) will have primary physical custody, check “Defendant” and perhaps add “(Jane B. Doe)”.
     • Children’s Names & DOB: There’s usually a paragraph or attachment to list each child’s name, date of birth, and social security number (SSN may be requested for child support enforcement purposes). Fill those in carefully. Example: “Child: Emily Doe, born 07/15/2010, SSN: *–-1234.” Do this for each child. If any child is 21 or older (thus not “child of the marriage” legally), they wouldn’t be listed as requiring support/custody.
     • If one parent’s address is needed for custody records, include addresses as requested (some forms have you list both parents’ current addresses for the court record).
     • Visitation: If the non-custodial parent is to have visitation, the judgment might need to specify the schedule. Sometimes in an uncontested divorce, the specifics are in a separation agreement and the judgment will just say “visitation as per agreement” or something. But if the court wants it, you might see a field: “Visitation: _______________________.” You can write “as agreed in the Stipulation of Settlement dated X” or a brief schedule (e.g., “alternating weekends from Friday 6PM to Sunday 6PM” etc.), or simply check “☐ Not applicable” if the situation doesn’t require a court-ordered schedule (maybe if one parent isn’t seeking visitation, but usually something must be stated). If you have a detailed agreement, often you attach it and the judgment incorporates it by reference.
   • If you have children and forget to fill in something like their birth dates or who gets custody, expect a rejection – the judge will not sign a judgment that doesn’t clearly state these things.
6. Child Support Provisions: For divorces with kids, this is a critical part.
   • The judgment will order child support to be paid by the non-custodial parent (unless you’ve agreed to something like true shared custody with no support, but even then the court must acknowledge the calculation).
   • There may be language like: “☐ Child support shall be paid by (Plaintiff/Defendant) to (Plaintiff/Defendant) in the amount of $____ per ___, for the support of the minor child(ren).” You would fill in the payer (usually the non-custodial parent), the payee, the amount, and frequency (weekly, biweekly, monthly). The amount comes from your Child Support Worksheet (UD-8(3)) calculation or your agreed amount.
   • New York’s formulas depend on the number of children and income – for one child, 17% of combined parental income (up to a cap) is the baseline, for two children 25%, etc. Ensure your number is correct or justified. If you deviated (agreed to a different amount), you must have included a reason in your paperwork (and both parties must have been aware of the guideline amount).
   • Duration: Child support is paid until each child turns 21 (unless emancipated earlier). The judgment might not list this explicitly (sometimes they do, sometimes it’s assumed by law), but some include “until the child reaches the age of 21 or is sooner emancipated.”
   • Support Collection Unit (SCU): The form has checkboxes to route payments through the SCU. If the payee wants the SCU to handle collections and enforcement (a good idea for many, as they keep records and automatically handle wage garnishment), check the “Applicable” box indicating payments go to the SCU. If both parties prefer direct payments (and the court allows it), you’d check “Not Applicable” for SCU.
   • Child Support Add-ons: The judgment should also mention the add-on expenses:
     • Child care expenses: If one parent incurs child care (so the other can work or go to school), the typical rule is sharing that cost proportionally to income. If you agreed differently, state it. Otherwise, something like “Plaintiff shall pay 60% and Defendant 40% of work-related child care expenses” would be included. If none, the form has a “Not applicable” box.
     • Unreimbursed medical expenses: Similarly, parents typically share the child’s health expenses not covered by insurance (again often proportional to income). The judgment should list that percentage or arrangement. For example, “Parties shall equally share all health care expenses for the child not covered by insurance.” Or if no such provision, mark N/A.
     • Educational expenses: If you have specific agreement on private school or college, it could be stated. If not relevant, N/A. (Many basic divorces without significant assets just mark N/A for education, unless the child is near college age and parents agreed on a split.)
   • QMCSO: If child support is ordered, usually the court will issue a Qualified Medical Child Support Order ensuring the child’s health insurance coverage. The UD-8b form handles this. In the judgment, you might see a line: “☐ A Qualified Medical Child Support Order is attached hereto” or a checkbox to indicate if applicable. If you submitted the UD-8b, check that it’s attached; if you have a simpler situation (say the custodial parent will just continue covering the child on their insurance without a formal separate order), it might be N/A. Follow the packet instructions.
7. Spousal Maintenance (Alimony): The judgment will address whether maintenance is to be paid by one spouse to the other.
   • If none is to be paid (common in many cases, especially shorter marriages or where both parties waive it), you will check the “No maintenance” option. Often phrased as “☐ Neither party shall pay maintenance to the other” or “No spousal support is awarded to either party,” etc. If you both waived maintenance in any agreements or affidavits, ensure the judgment reflects that.
   • If there is maintenance (either agreed or ordered), fill in the details: who pays whom, how much, and for how long. Example: “Husband shall pay to Wife maintenance of $500 per month for 3 years commencing April 1, 2025 and terminating March 31, 2028.” If it’s a case where guideline maintenance applies, the amount should align with those calculations (or the deviation explained in the agreement).
   • The UD-11 has specific sections (Field 23 in the instructions) to complete for maintenance or to check “not applicable.” So do that accordingly.
8. Distribution of Property/Debts: While the Judgment of Divorce form UD-11 might not list out every asset or debt (especially if you have a separate settlement agreement), it typically should mention that equitable distribution has been resolved.
   • In an uncontested divorce, usually the parties either have no joint property to divide or they have a separate written agreement dividing assets and debts. The judgment might have a clause like: “Ordered, that all property has been equitably distributed pursuant to the parties’ Stipulation of Settlement dated X, which is hereby incorporated by reference and survives (or merges) with this judgment.”
   • If you have no assets or debts to split, you might simply indicate that none are subject to distribution or that each party keeps what they have. This might have been covered in the findings or plaintiff’s affidavit. Some UD forms don’t go deep into property in the judgment itself beyond a generic statement, but if you want a clear record: e.g., “The court finds that the parties have divided all marital property by agreement and no further court order is needed.”
   • The key is, if you do have a written marital settlement agreement (also called a stipulation of settlement in NY), the judgment must address it – usually by stating it’s incorporated. See the next step.
9. Stipulation of Settlement / Separation Agreement (if any): If you and your spouse signed a settlement agreement resolving all issues (property division, spousal support, child matters, etc.), that agreement is typically attached to and incorporated into the judgment.
   • The judgment form UD-11 has a section (Field 29 in the instructions) about this. It might say: “The parties entered into a written agreement on [date], which is attached hereto. It is hereby ☐ incorporated ☐ incorporated and not merged (or ☐ survives) ☐ merged into this Judgment of Divorce.”
   • Incorporated vs. Merged: This legal jargon means:
     • Incorporated = the agreement’s terms are included as part of the judgment and can be enforced as a court order.
     • Merged means the agreement loses its independent existence and only the judgment (court order) stands.
     • Survives means the agreement remains as a separate contract even after the judgment, and can be enforced separately (e.g., via a contract lawsuit) as well as via the judgment.
     • Often, divorce attorneys choose “incorporated but not merged” (survives) so that the agreement is enforceable as an order but also remains a contract between the parties. If you’re doing this pro se and unsure, you might just check incorporated and “not merged” (survives), as that’s a common choice. If you don’t have a separate agreement, check “Not applicable” or leave that section blank (the court will know if nothing is attached).
   • Be sure the date of the agreement is filled in and matches the actual date it was signed and notarized. Attach the agreement to the judgment when submitting (and make sure it was properly notarized with a certificate of acknowledgment, or the court may reject it – NY has specific notarization rules for marital agreements).
   • Example entry: “Ordered and Adjudged that the written Stipulation of Settlement dated June 1, 2025 is incorporated herein by reference and shall survive and not be merged into this Judgment, and the parties are directed to comply with its terms.”
10. Name Change (Restoration of Former Name): New York allows a divorcing spouse (usually the wife, but legally either) to resume a prior surname in the judgment.
    • If you or your spouse wants to revert to a maiden name or former last name, the judgment must explicitly say so. Look for a clause like: “ORDERED, that Plaintiff/Defendant is hereby permitted to resume the use of their prior surname ____________.”
    • You would fill in the name to be restored. For example: “Jane B. Doe is hereby permitted to resume the use of her maiden name Jane B. Smith.”
    • Only include this if it was requested. Typically, the plaintiff indicates in the initial paperwork if they want to resume a former name. Even if the defendant wants to, the plaintiff can include it by noticing it or the defendant can sign something asking for it. It’s a routine part of the judgment if asked – but the court won’t automatically grant it unless it’s in the papers.
    • If no name change is requested, the form might have a “☐ Does not apply” box or you simply leave that section blank. Double-check, because if you leave it blank, the court might think you forgot it. If there’s an option to affirm “no name change,” use it.
11. Miscellaneous Provisions: Towards the end, the Judgment of Divorce form may have some boilerplate language about enforcement or compliance.
    • For instance, a note that each party shall execute any documents necessary to effectuate the terms (like transferring a car title if the agreement says so), or that if either party has a pension to be divided, a separate order (QDRO) will be submitted, etc. Most of this is pre-written on the form. You generally should not alter or strike out any standard provisions unless instructed.
    • Some versions include clauses about barriers to remarriage (confirming that the affidavit was filed if required), or that each party may remarry after the judgment is final.
    • Read through those sections and make sure they align with your case (for example, if there’s a reference to a “Plaintiff’s attorney” and you are self-represented, some forms allow you to check a box that you’re self-represented; or it may say “Plaintiff, self-represented” already).
    • There’s often a clause about health care coverage notification if applicable (a federal law, COBRA, requires that after divorce you may be eligible to continue on an ex’s health plan, and the judgment might mention that the parties have been advised of their rights under NY DRL §255 or similar – usually, you or your attorney will have included a DRL 255 notice in the papers, and the judgment might just acknowledge compliance).
12. Signatures and Approvals: Finally, after all the substantive paragraphs, the Judgment will have signature lines.
    • Judge’s Signature: There will be a line for the Justice of the Supreme Court’s signature (and date). Obviously, you do not sign there. The judge will sign when they approve the divorce.
    • Plaintiff’s Attorney and Defendant’s Attorney Approval: If attorneys are involved, typically they “approve as to form” by signing the judgment before it goes to the judge. In a pro se uncontested case, you might see a line for “Plaintiff Pro Se” and “Defendant Pro Se” to sign or indicate approval. This can be confusing: generally, if the defendant signed the Affidavit of Defendant (agreeing not to contest), you do not need them to also sign the judgment. If both parties were pro se and doing a DIY divorce together (less common, usually one is plaintiff), you might both sign. But for most pro se uncontested cases, only the plaintiff signs the submitted judgment (usually at the end, there’s a line like “Prepared by: ___ (plaintiff’s name), Plaintiff Pro Se” with your address and maybe telephone).
    • Check the instructions (UD-11 Instructions) for whether you as the plaintiff need to sign the judgment form. It might not require a signature on the form itself aside from the certification below.
    • Part 130 Certification: Actually, the UD-11 doesn’t have you sign a certification on itself, but separately you have the UD-12 form where you sign saying the contentions are not frivolous, etc. Ensure you include that form in your packet. Some judgment forms have a line “Pursuant to 22 NYCRR Part 130, I certify that to the best of my knowledge, information and belief, the presentation of this paper or the contentions herein are not frivolous.” This is basically the Part 130 Cert. If your version has it at the end of the judgment, you (or your attorney) must sign and date that certification line on each submission. If it’s a separate form (UD-12), sign that and submit with the judgment.
13. Attachment Checklist: When you’ve filled out the Judgment form, make sure you attach all necessary documents when submitting to the court:
    • Your Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law (UD-10), signed by you (and it will later be signed by the judge too).
    • Any settlement agreement (stipulation) if you indicated one exists, with proper notarization.
    • Child Support Worksheet and Maintenance Worksheet if applicable (some counties require you to attach these to the findings or judgment to show how you got the numbers).
    • Affidavit of Plaintiff (UD-6) and Affidavit of Defendant (UD-7) or Affidavit of Service if default – the judge will review these in tandem with the judgment.
    • Any prior orders being continued (like a Family Court order) – attach a copy of that order for the judge’s reference if you said there was one.
    • Certificate of Dissolution – completed for the clerk.
    • Part 130 Certification (UD-12) – signed.
    • Basically, the judge gets a stack called the “Judgment Roll” containing all these pieces. The UD-11 is the final piece they sign.
14. Final Steps: After you believe the Judgment (UD-11) is perfectly filled out, you will submit it (with the packet) to the County Clerk or Supreme Court Clerk’s office as directed (some counties have you file at the county clerk, others directly to a matrimonial clerk or a referee for review first – check local procedure).
    • Filing Fees: Remember, if you didn’t already pay the $125 Note of Issue/RJI fee, you’ll need to pay that now (unless you have an approved fee waiver – which itself is another couple of forms if you applied for poor person relief).
    • Once submitted, the papers are reviewed. If something is wrong, you might get a memo or your papers returned with instructions to correct the mistake.
    • If all is in order, a judge will sign the Findings and Judgment. Then you’ll be notified (some counties mail you, others you have to call or check e-courts) that your Judgment was signed and entered.
    • When you get the signed Judgment back, file the Notice of Entry and serve a copy of the signed Judgment with Notice of Entry on your spouse. This officially ends the case and starts the clock on any appeals (in an uncontested, appeals are rare, but it’s a required step).
    • And with that, you’re divorced! 🎉 (In New York, you’re legally divorced on the date the Judgment of Divorce is signed and entered by the court – not when you filed the initial papers, unlike some states that have waiting periods.)

Throughout this process, double-check each form against the Uncontested Divorce Packet Instructions provided by the New York State Unified Court System. Those instructions are very detailed (they walk through each field of each form). It’s normal to feel a bit overwhelmed – the UD forms total over a dozen documents – but take it step by step.

Example Illustration: Let’s say John Doe (Plaintiff) is divorcing Jane Doe (Defendant) in New York, they have one child, and they reached a settlement:

• On John’s Judgment of Divorce form, he fills:
  • Field for Plaintiff’s name: John Q. Doe.
  • Field for Defendant’s name: Jane R. Doe.
  • Index Number: 4501/2025.
  • He checks the box that Jane “defaulted” (if she didn’t sign anything) or notes her affidavit if she did sign UD-7.
  • He fills in grounds: DRL 170(7) (irretrievable breakdown).
  • He checks the box that there is one child; writes “Plaintiff (John Q. Doe) shall have sole custody of the minor child” (if that’s their agreement, or joint custody as agreed) and lists the child’s name “Emily Doe, born 1/2/2015”.
  • For child support, suppose John is the custodial parent and they agreed Jane will pay support. He might write: “Defendant Jane R. Doe shall pay child support of $300 per month to Plaintiff via the Support Collection Unit” (assuming $300 is per guidelines or agreed). He checks the SCU box as applicable. He specifies that they will split health expenses 50/50, etc., as per their agreement.
  • He notes that they have a Stipulation of Settlement dated June 1, 2025, attached, and checks “incorporated, not merged” to make it part of the judgment.
  • He includes a line for name change if Jane wanted her maiden name back: “Jane R. Doe is permitted to resume the use of her maiden name Jane Smith” (for example).
  • John signs the Part 130 Cert that the submission is not frivolous. He files everything, and a judge signs off a couple months later. John then serves Jane with the Notice of Entry, completing the process.

This example shows how each piece comes together on the form.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Completing NY Divorce Forms

Filling out divorce forms can be tedious, and mistakes are easy to make – but even a small error can cause the court to reject your papers, meaning you have to re-do things and wait longer. Here are some common mistakes people make on New York divorce forms (and how to avoid them):

• ❌ Inconsistent Names or Dates: One of the most common errors is not using the exact same names or details across all forms. For instance, if you listed your name as “Mary J. Smith” on the Summons, don’t suddenly use “Mary Jane Smith” on the Judgment. Likewise, make sure dates of marriage, birthdates of children, etc., match everywhere. Double-check the spelling of names and that any middle names/initials are used consistently. If the information doesn’t line up, the court may doubt the accuracy of your papers and put your case on hold until fixed.
• ❌ Missing or Incorrect Index Number: Always include your Index Number on the top of forms like the Judgment and Findings. An Index Number is assigned when you file the case – if you put the wrong number or leave it blank, your papers might not be filed in the right case. This is a simple thing to get right: copy it exactly from your filing receipt.
• ❌ Not Following Form Instructions (Check Boxes, Blanks, Strikeouts): The Uncontested Divorce Packet instructions often tell you to strike out certain words if they don’t apply, or check certain boxes. For example, in the Affidavit of Plaintiff (UD-6), there’s a sentence about maintenance: if there’s no prior written agreement, you’re supposed to cross out “other than what was already agreed to in a written agreement/stipulation” in that sentence. Many people miss that, leaving the form saying an agreement exists when it doesn’t – which makes the judge think you forgot to include an agreement! Result: your judgment is not signed. Read each form’s directions carefully. If it says “if no agreement, cross out _____,” then do that. If a section says “check one: yes ☐ / no ☐,” don’t leave both unchecked or check both.
• ❌ Submitting Un-notarized or Improperly Notarized Documents: Many divorce forms need to be notarized (signed in front of a notary public). This includes affidavits like UD-6, UD-7, and often the settlement agreement. Common errors:
  • Forgetting to sign in front of a notary (you signed it at home, but notary wasn’t present – invalid).
  • The notary missing something (like expiration date or notary stamp).
  • For a marital settlement agreement, New York requires a specific acknowledgment form (with language like “On the __ day of __, 2025, before me came … to me known and known to me to be the individual described in and who executed the foregoing…”). A simple jurat notarization isn’t enough for an agreement that affects property. If you’re doing an agreement, best to use the proper acknowledgment form, or else the court may reject it as not properly executed.
• ❌ Wrong Court or Venue Listed: Make sure all forms say Supreme Court of New York and the correct county. Sometimes people accidentally put “Family Court” or the wrong county on a form if they reused a template. That’s a no-go; divorces must say Supreme Court and the county of filing. Also, ensure the county is the same everywhere (don’t have one form saying Bronx County and another saying Kings County, for example).
• ❌ Using Outdated Forms: The court occasionally updates forms (for example, to adjust for new laws like maintenance guidelines, or to update addresses). Always use the latest version of the forms from the official NY Courts website or the DIY program. If you submit an outdated form, the clerk might reject it. For instance, the Net Worth Statement form for contested cases was updated effective 2024 – using an old one might not be accepted. For uncontested, just download the packet fresh to be safe.
• ❌ Forgetting Required Forms: The judgment won’t be entered if something is missing. Common omissions include:
  • Part 130 Certification (UD-12) – if you don’t include this, the clerk will definitely bounce your judgment.
  • Certificate of Dissolution – often people don’t realize they need to submit this separate vital records form. It’s required; the divorce won’t be complete until you do.
  • Notice of Entry (after signing) – this is later, but some people forget to do it, which can cause issues if the other party later claims they weren’t notified. Always prepare and serve/file your Notice of Entry once you get the signed judgment.
  • Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) – If you didn’t already file an RJI and one is needed to assign a judge, not including it with the final packet (plus fee) will halt your case. Check if your county requires it at judgment stage for uncontested cases.
• ❌ Service Errors: For default cases, ensure you have an Affidavit of Service (UD-3) proving the summons was served correctly and an Affidavit of Service for mailing the summons (if required by CPLR 3215 for defaults – basically if the defendant defaulted, you often must mail an additional copy of the summons to them and affirm you did so). If the court doesn’t see proof the defendant was served and notified, they won’t grant a default divorce. Also, if the defendant signed the UD-7, double-check that the UD-7 was signed after the index number was purchased and the summons filed. (If they signed it before the case was even filed, it’s invalid. The timeline matters: file the case -> then they sign acknowledgment.)
• ❌ Not Accounting for All Issues: If your divorce involves things like a pension or real estate transfer, you might need additional orders (like a QDRO for the pension or a deed for the house). While the Judgment of Divorce can say “Pension to be divided by QDRO” or “House to go to Plaintiff,” failing to have a plan or mention for those can create problems. The judge might be hesitant to sign if, say, you mention a house but provided no settlement agreement or detail on how it’s handled. Make sure all marital issues are either clearly addressed in the judgment or in an attached agreement.
• ❌ Poor Proofreading: Small typos can cause big confusion. Example: listing the wedding date wrong on one form (e.g., June 12 on one form, June 21 on another). Or children’s names misspelled between forms. Always do a final proofread of every document. It can help to read them side by side to ensure consistency. If possible, have a friend or family member read through the packet too – a fresh pair of eyes might catch something you overlooked.
• ❌ Assuming the Court Will “Figure it Out”: If something is unclear or omitted, the court doesn’t fill in the blanks for you; they typically return the papers for correction. For instance, if you leave the grounds for divorce blank on the judgment, the judge isn’t going to guess you meant no-fault – they will just not sign until you fix it. So don’t leave things for inference – complete every required blank or checkbox.

By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you can save yourself weeks or months of delay. If your papers do get rejected, don’t be discouraged – carefully review the feedback or deficiency notice from the court, fix the issue, and resubmit. Many people have to tweak their papers at least once. The key is to respond to what the court asks and not make new errors in the process.

If you ever get truly stuck understanding what’s wrong, consider reaching out to a court help center or even doing a short consultation with a lawyer. Sometimes a 15-minute review by a professional can pinpoint the problem immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Form FL-180 required for a New York divorce?
A: No. FL-180 is a California divorce judgment form. New York does not use FL-180. Instead, NY divorces use a Judgment of Divorce (UD-11) form to finalize the divorce.

Q: What is New York’s equivalent of Form FL-180?
A: New York’s equivalent is the Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11). This is the document a NY judge signs to officially end the marriage, analogous to California’s FL-180 judgment form.

Q: Which court handles divorce in New York – Family Court or Supreme Court?
A: Supreme Court handles all divorces in NY. Family Court can help with support, custody, etc., but cannot grant a divorce. You must file for divorce in the Supreme Court of your county.

Q: Do I have to appear in court to get my uncontested divorce in NY?
A: Usually not. In an uncontested divorce (including default cases), if all your paperwork is in order, a judge can sign the divorce judgment without a hearing. You typically do everything by mail or e-filing. Rarely, a judge might ask for an “inquest” (a brief hearing) if something needs clarification, but that’s not common for a well-prepared uncontested case.

Q: How long does it take to get a divorce judgment in New York if uncontested?
A: It varies by county. Rough estimate: 3 to 6 months after submitting your judgment papers, if there are no errors. Busy courts (like NYC) can take closer to 8-12 months due to backlogs. Quick cases (upstate or less busy courts) might be done in under 3 months. Errors in paperwork will prolong the timeline.

Q: My spouse won’t sign any papers. Can I still get divorced in NY?
A: Yes. You can proceed with a default divorce. You must serve your spouse properly and, if they don’t answer in 20-30 days, you can file for an uncontested divorce by default. The court will still review the terms (especially for fairness if kids or assets are involved) but will grant the divorce without your spouse’s signature, as long as all legal requirements are met.

Q: What is a “default judgment” in a divorce context?
A: A default judgment means the court grants the divorce because the defendant failed to respond or appear. In other words, your spouse didn’t contest or participate, so the judge approves the divorce on the petitioner’s terms (within legal limits). You still have to submit all required forms and wait the required time, but you don’t need the other side’s agreement.

Q: We have a signed separation agreement – do we still need to fill out the UD forms?
A: Yes, mostly. A separation agreement (or stipulation of settlement) is great for resolving issues, but to get divorced you still must file the Summons, Complaint, and eventually the Judgment, Findings, etc. You will attach your agreement to the divorce judgment so the court can incorporate its terms. The agreement itself can serve as the outline for the terms, but it doesn’t replace the need for the official NY divorce forms.

Q: What’s the difference between a Judgment of Divorce and a Divorce Decree?
A: In New York, they refer to the final divorce paper as a Judgment of Divorce. “Divorce decree” is a more general term used in other states or informally. They mean the same thing: the document that legally finalizes the divorce. If someone asks for your divorce decree, you’d provide the certified Judgment of Divorce.

Q: Can I change my name through the divorce judgment?
A: Yes. If you want to resume a maiden or former last name, the divorce Judgment will include an order allowing that. You must request it in your papers (usually in the Complaint and again in the Judgment). There’s no extra fee to do it as part of the divorce. After the divorce, you can use the Judgment to change your name on documents.

Q: Does New York require a legal separation period before divorce (like some states)?
A: No, not for no-fault divorce. You can file for a no-fault divorce in NY without any prior separation as long as you meet the residency requirement. Some people choose to do a separation agreement and then divorce after a year (that’s one of the grounds for divorce in NY, DRL §170(6)), but it’s optional. Since 2010, you can divorce on irretrievable breakdown (no-fault) right away – typically takes a few months to process but no mandatory waiting period once you file.

Q: What if the judge finds an issue with our agreement or forms?
A: If something is wrong or missing, the court might issue a deficiency notice or an order telling you to correct the issue. Common scenarios: calculation for child support is too low without explanation, a form isn’t notarized, a name is inconsistent, etc. You’ll have to fix the problem and resubmit. In some cases, the judge might schedule a hearing or conference if it’s a substantive issue (like concern about an unfair property division in a default case). But usually, they just ask for corrected paperwork.

Q: Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce in New York?
A: Not necessarily. Many people successfully do an uncontested divorce on their own using the court’s forms. If your case is simple (no kids or property) and you carefully follow instructions, you can do it pro se. However, if you feel unsure or if there are complexities (like real estate, a business, significant assets, or simply a lot of confusion), consulting a lawyer can be wise. Some attorneys offer flat-fee services for uncontested divorces or even just document review. Ultimately, it’s about your comfort level – the forms are free, but your time and peace of mind are factors to consider.