Depending on how contentious the divorce is, there are multiple steps in the New York State Divorce Procedure. An overview of typical proceedings in a New York State divorce is provided below:

Residency Requirement: You or your spouse must fulfil the residency criteria in order to petition for divorce in New York. This typically implies that prior to filing for divorce, you or your spouse must have lived in New York for a predetermined amount of time—typically a year.

Reasons for Divorce: Divorces may occur for fault-based or fault-free reasons in New York. No-fault divorces are the most common kind, where neither party has to assign blame and both can use a "irretrievable breakdown of the marriage" as grounds for the divorce.

How to File a Divorce Petition: The petitioner, or the spouse requesting a divorce, files a "Summons with Notice" or "Summons and Complaint" with the relevant court.

Reaction to Divorce Documents   There is a time limit, usually 20–30 days, under New York State Divorce Rules for responding to the divorce papers. The divorce may proceed as uncontested if they don't reply.

Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce: An uncontested divorce is one in which the parties reach an agreement regarding all aspects of the dissolution, including property division, child custody, and support. It becomes controversial if disagreements cannot be settled.

Temporary Orders: Until the divorce is finalised, temporary orders addressing matters such as child custody, spousal maintenance, and use of marital property may be granted in contested instances.

Discovery: Both parties exchange information, documents, and evidence related to the divorce issues. This process is essential in contested divorces to support their respective positions.

Negotiation and Settlement: Parties may negotiate and reach agreements on property division, alimony, child custody, and child support. In uncontested divorces, this step may not be necessary.

Judgment of Divorce: Once the judge issues a judgment, the marriage is legally dissolved. This judgment may include orders for property distribution, custody, visitation, and support.

Post-Divorce Matters: After the divorce is finalized, both parties must comply with the terms of the judgment. Modifications or enforcement may be necessary for issues like child support or custody.

Legal Representation: It is advisable for both parties to consult with attorneys throughout the process. Attorneys can provide guidance, negotiate on their behalf, and ensure their rights are protected.

It's crucial to remember that Reasons for Divorce in New York State can be complicated, and the process might change based on the particulars of each case. To successfully navigate the process, legal counsel and representation from a family law specialist with experience can be extremely helpful.