So, you want to be divorced. Your spouse is clueless about your feelings, in denial, or just won't agree to a divorce. Are you out of luck and stuck in your marriage, or can you extricate yourself and obtain a divorce in New York?
Since the advent of no-fault divorce in New York, your spouse cannot unilaterally prevent you from being granted a divorce. New York courts take the allegation in the complaint that "the marriage has irretrievably broken down with no chance of reconciliation" as presumptively true. Provided that economic issues and child custody are resolved, a divorce will be granted.
When a spouse actively contests a divorce, most cases are resolved and few require a trial of all issues. Absent a legal issue or expert opinion regarding asset values, most equitable distribution issues can be resolved through negotiation. However, child custody and access schedules present thornier issues that may require court intervention.
If a spouse does not appear in a case, a divorce can be granted on default. When the other spouse is deliberately disengaged from the process, i.e. repeatedly appears in court without an attorney—claiming to want one, but refusing to retain one—this presents a more frustrating problem. Strict adherence to the procedural rules and consistently pushing the case along will ultimately result in a judgment of divorce. But, be warned that it may be slow going.
***
This question was originally posted at clementlaw.com/divorce/so_you_want_to_be. The writer retains all copyrights.