Do I Have To Go To Court for an Uncontested Divorce? - Ryan Besinque

From The Law Office of Ryan Besinque - Do I Have to Go to Court for an Uncontested Divorce? explains how most uncontested divorces in Manhattan and across New York City can be finalized without ever stepping into a courtroom, highlighting the role of the New York State Unified Court System and the efficiency of paper-based divorce proceedings. The episode walks through how judges review and sign a Judgment of Divorce when spouses agree on all major issues, and when exceptions—like incomplete paperwork or disputes involving children under 21—may require a court appearance.

Listeners will gain a clear understanding of what qualifies as an uncontested divorce under New York Domestic Relations Law Section 170(7) and the residency requirements under DRL Section 230. The discussion contrasts uncontested and contested divorces, explaining how disagreements can shift a case into litigation involving hearings, discovery, and trial. Key legal documents such as the Summons with Notice, Affirmation of Defendant (Form UD-7), Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law (Form UD-10), and Judgment of Divorce (Form UD-11) are broken down in a practical, easy-to-follow way.

The podcast also explores step-by-step procedures for filing through the New York County Supreme Court at 60 Centre Street, including working with the County Clerk, using NYSCEF (New York State Courts Electronic Filing system), and understanding fees like the index number and Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI). It highlights the 2025 Uncontested Joint Divorce program, which allows couples to file together, streamlining the process and eliminating service requirements. Additional insights cover mediation, collaborative divorce, and how tools like CPLR Section 2106 have simplified documentation.

Featuring insights from Ryan Besinque, Esq., this episode showcases the approach of The Law Office of Ryan Besinque in guiding clients through divorce, custody, and support matters across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Westchester, and Nassau County. With references to institutions like the University of Southern California, University of San Diego School of Law, Phi Delta Honors, CALI Award for Family Law, and the Manhattan Assigned Counsel Panel, the episode emphasizes practical guidance, reducing delays, and helping individuals confidently navigate uncontested divorce from start to finish.

The Law Office of Ryan Besinque

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