In New York, to file for divorce, you must meet residency requirements, having lived in the state for at least one year. You must also establish legal grounds for divorce, such as irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months, adultery, cruelty, or abandonment. new york divorce requirements The process involves filing a summons and complaint, serving the spouse with divorce papers, and completing a financial disclosure. New York is an equitable distributed state, meaning assets and debts are divided fairly, although not necessarily equally. Finalizing the divorce may involve negotiations, mediation, or court proceedings if agreements aren't reached. new york divorce requirements