Jonathan D. Katz Home
What Happens to my Assets?
Backlog of Cases in NYC Divorce Courts Means That Filing for Divorce Can Take Time
The NYC divorce court system has a considerable backlog of cases, causing delays for many estranged couples who are looking to officially end their marriages and move on with the next part of their lives.
Getting a divorce in the New York City family courts has been described as “glacially slow,” with many couples being forced, at least in a legal sense, to remain married long past the point at which they would rather be divorced.
According to data compiled by the New York Office of Court Administration (OCA), there were almost 4,500 contested divorces still pending in New York City at the end of 2015. This is a substantial increase over previous years – and more than 10 percent higher than the number of pending divorces in NYC at the end of 2011. The NY areas with the most contested divorces that remain unresolved are Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn. All of this suggests that not enough has been done anywhere in New York to alleviate the backlog of contested divorces.
Making matters worse is the fact that even uncontested divorces are creating a backlog in NY courts. Despite the fact that uncontested divorces are fairly easy to resolve and typically require only a judge’s signature, there are still far too many of these cases languishing in the New York City court system and awaiting resolution. The reality is that contested divorces are given priority by matrimonial judges, so the total number of uncontested divorces clogging up the courts could swell in the coming years.
In some cases, a divorce in New York can take between three months and a year to process. That’s why it is absolutely imperative that anyone seeking a divorce retain the services of a knowledgeable family law attorney who understands the nuances of the NYC legal system and who can take steps to ensure that their case is resolved efficiently.
For further information, read the NY Post article, “Massive Backlog of Divorce Cases Makes It Hard for New Yorkers to Split.”
If you are considering filing for divorce in New York, you need to talk to a qualified divorce attorney who understands the complex NY divorce laws. Jonathan D. Katz is a skilled NY family law lawyer who can assist you throughout the divorce process. Contact Mr. Katz anytime to schedule a free initial consultation.
