One spouse must fulfill residency criteria in order to file for divorce in New York City. Serve your spouse after submitting a Summons and Complaint to the court. Provide a settlement agreement if it is not contested. Court hearings are necessary for contested divorces. Property partition, child custody, and support are important concerns. Disputes can be settled through mediation. The divorce decree is signed by the judge after it is finalized. Speaking with a divorce lawyer guarantees appropriate legal advice all along the way.