Index phase fee & RJI phase fee
When filing for an uncontested divorce in New York, the court process is divided into two distinct stages: the Index Phase and the RJI Phase. Each of these phases requires a separate court filing fee. Understanding what each phase includes—and when the corresponding fee must be paid—can help you plan your divorce process smoothly.
What is the Index phase?
The Index Phase is the official start of your divorce case in the New York court system. This step involves filing the initial divorce documents with the Supreme Court in the appropriate county.Once the Index Number is assigned, your case is officially opened with the court. From this point forward, all legal filings and proceedings are recorded under this case number.Fee for Index Phase: $230 (non-refundable)
This fee is required at the beginning of the case and is paid directly to the court. It covers the filing of the Summons and Complaint and generates the official Index Number used throughout your divorce case.
What is the RJI phase?
RJI stands for “Request for Judicial Intervention.” This is the second major step in the court process and occurs after all documents have been signed, notarized, and prepared for judicial review. By filing the RJI, you are formally asking the court to assign a judge to your case.Once a judge is assigned, they will review all final divorce paperwork, including any settlement agreements, parenting plans, and child support worksheets if applicable. If the judge finds the paperwork in order, they will issue the Judgment of Divorce—the official court order that ends your marriage.Fee for RJI Phase: $475 (non-refundable)
This fee is submitted with your RJI packet, which includes the final divorce paperwork required for court approval. The RJI fee must be paid before the court will assign a judge or process your judgment.Why are these fees necessary?
These court fees are mandated by the New York Unified Court System. They are not included in our service fee and are paid either directly by you or forwarded by us on your behalf, depending on your case setup.
Please note: The court does not issue refunds for filing fees under any circumstance.
Summary of fees
| Phase | Description | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Index Phase | Initial case filing & Index Number | $230 |
| RJI Phase | Request for Judicial Intervention | $475 |
| Total Court Fees | Required by NY Supreme Court | $705 |
These fees are required for every uncontested divorce filed in New York, even if no court hearing is necessary.If you have any questions about the payment process or whether you qualify for a fee waiver, feel free to reach out to our support team. We're here to ensure your case moves forward without delays.
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