Summer 2006
New Uncontested Divorce Packet Available
A COMPREHENSIVE UNCONTESTED
divorce packet is now available
to help self-represented litigants
seeking an uncontested divorce where
no children under 21 are involved. For
the many litigants who cannot afford
counsel, the packet will help to simplify
the legal process.
The booklet does suggest that
parties seek the assistance of counsel
and provides a list of resources
where attorney referrals may be
obtained. Realistically, however,
court officials recognize that retaining
a lawyer is simply not an option
for many who seek an uncontested
divorce.
In simple question-and-answer
format, the packet covers preliminary
issues such as whether the litigant
is eligible for a New York divorce
and whether there are grounds for
divorce. The bulk of the packet consists
of a practice set of the necessary
official forms, which litigants can fill
out by following the detailed, step-by-step instructions provided in
plain language.
The booklet also provides instructions
for serving and filing the necessary
court papers.
The new packet was created by
Statewide Administrative Judge for
Matrimonial Matters Jacqueline W.
Silbermann in collaboration with
Deputy Chief Administrative Judge
for Justice Initiatives Juanita Bing
Newton. Rick Ross, Executive Director
of Strategic Planning, and the
Committee on Matrimonial Practice
were instrumental in the development
of the project.
A packet for uncontested divorces
involving children under 21 is being
developed. Approximately 50,000
uncontested divorces are filed annually
in the state.
PDF Version 
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