The New York State divorce procedure involves several steps, including initiating the action, serving the divorce papers, filing the complaint, discovery and disclosure, negotiation and settlement, trial, and judgment of divorce. The first step of New York State Divorce Procedure is to file a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint with the court. The other spouse has 20-30 days to respond, and the divorce action proceeds with the filing of a Complaint. During the discovery and disclosure phase, both spouses exchange financial information, and if a settlement is reached, a Stipulation of Settlement is filed with the court.