New York County (Manhattan) Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New York County (Manhattan), New York
Divorce in New York County (Manhattan) is governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236. A family lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can guide you through the Supreme Court process, where filing an index number costs $335. The firm has extensive experience handling complex family law matters in Manhattan, including equitable distribution and child support cases.
New York Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in New York, particularly in Manhattan, is primarily codified in the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). Key statutes include DRL § 170, which outlines the grounds for divorce, and DRL § 236, which governs the equitable distribution of marital property and the award of maintenance (alimony). For child custody and support matters, DRL § 240 and the Family Court Act provide the legal framework. The standard for custody determinations is the “best interests of the child,” a varied analysis of numerous factors concerning the child’s welfare.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s family law statutes, refer to the official New York Domestic Relations Law (official New York State Senate). For court-specific forms and procedures in Manhattan, visit the New York County Supreme Court website (official New York Courts .gov domain).
Manhattan Family Court Procedures and Strategic Insights
In New York County (Manhattan), the Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while the Family Court addresses custody, visitation, child support, and family offense petitions. A critical procedural fact is the automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236, which freeze marital assets and prohibit changes to insurance policies upon the filing of a divorce action. This is designed to preserve the status quo. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula based on combined parental income.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Discuss your situation with a family attorney to understand your rights, options, and the likely process timeline.
- Filing the Action: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary summons and complaint (or petition) with the New York County Supreme Court or Family Court, paying the required filing fees.
- Service of Process & Preliminary Orders: The other party is formally served. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect upon filing a divorce action.
- Discovery & Negotiation: Both sides exchange financial and other relevant information. Your attorney will negotiate for a settlement on issues like asset division, support, and custody.
- Court Conferences & Hearings: Attend mandatory settlement conferences. If settlement fails, the court will schedule hearings for temporary orders (pendente lite) and, ultimately, a trial.
- Final Judgment: The court issues a final judgment of divorce or order that resolves all issues, including property division, support, and custody.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Family Law Case
In New York County (Manhattan), family law matters like divorce involve outcomes such as equitable distribution of assets, court-ordered maintenance, and child support based on statutory guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (irretrievable breakdown 6+ months) or Fault-based | Dissolution of marriage | Court fees, attorney fees | Enables property division, support orders |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Court-ordered division of marital property | Division of assets & debts | May involve business valuation, experienced fees |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary or post-divorce support payments | Ongoing financial obligation | Tax implications (for payer/recipient) |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (17% for 1 child, etc.) | Monthly support order | Ongoing financial obligation | Health insurance, childcare add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody arrangement | May affect child support | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Family Law Firm in Manhattan
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to every case. We have a documented record of over 4,739 case results firm-wide. We approach each family law matter with a focus on protecting your rights and achieving a resolution that serves your family’s needs.
Our Approach to Family Law Cases in New York County
Our family law firm handles a wide range of matters in Manhattan. While specific local case counts are proprietary, our firm-wide practice has resulted in over 4,739 documented outcomes. We provide full representation in divorce, child custody, support, and equitable distribution proceedings in the New York County Supreme Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Contact Our Manhattan Family Law Office
Our New York location serves clients with matters at the New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, the West Side Highway, and all subway lines. We are a family attorney for clients in neighborhoods including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, East Village, Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Law in Manhattan
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
Yes, New York has both no-fault and fault-based grounds. The most common is no-fault, which requires an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and imprisonment.
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
It depends. New York is an “equitable distribution” state, meaning marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and future earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. Separate property acquired before the marriage or via gift/inheritance is usually not divided.
How is child support calculated in New York?
New York uses a statutory formula based on the combined parental income of both parents. For one child, it is 17% of combined income up to $163,000; 25% for two children; 29% for three; 31% for four; and 35% for five or more children. The court has discretion for income above the cap.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody?
Legal custody refers to the right to make major decisions about the child’s welfare (education, healthcare, religion). Physical custody refers to where the child lives. Both can be shared (joint) or granted primarily to one parent (sole), depending on the child’s best interests.
Can I get temporary support during my divorce?
Yes. You can file a motion for pendente lite (temporary) relief, which can include temporary maintenance (alimony), child support, and orders for use of the marital home or payment of bills. These orders are intended to maintain the financial status quo while the divorce is pending.
Do I have to go to court for a divorce?
Not necessarily. Many divorces are settled through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law without a trial. However, even uncontested divorces require filing paperwork with the court and obtaining a judge’s signature on the final judgment. A family law attorney can help you handle the required process.
Internal Resources: For more information, see our New York Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in nearby areas like Kings County (Brooklyn). If you are facing other legal issues, consider our Manhattan criminal defense attorneys.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.