Kings County NY Divorce Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a Brooklyn Divorce?
A Kings County NY divorce lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. understands that divorce in Brooklyn is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236. The firm has extensive experience in Kings County Supreme Court, handling the equitable distribution of marital property, maintenance calculations, and child support under the statutory formula.
Last verified: April 2026 | Kings County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
New York Divorce Law in Kings County
Divorce in Kings County (Brooklyn) is a legal process to formally end a marriage. The grounds are defined in New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170. Since 2010, New York has recognized no-fault divorce based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Fault-based grounds, such as cruel and inhuman treatment or adultery, also remain options. The division of assets and debts, known as equitable distribution, is controlled by DRL § 236. This statute does not mean a 50/50 split but a fair division based on multiple factors, including the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and contributions to the marital estate. Maintenance (alimony) and child support are also determined under this law, with specific formulas guiding the calculations.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the governing statutes, review the New York State Legislature website. For court forms and local procedures, visit the Kings County Supreme Court official site.
Handling a Divorce Case in Kings County Supreme Court
In Kings County, divorce and equitable distribution matters are filed in Supreme Court, while custody, support, and family offense petitions go to Family Court. The court at 360 Adams Street handles a high volume of cases. New York’s automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect upon filing, prohibiting the sale of marital assets or changes to insurance beneficiaries without consent or court order. This is a critical protection mechanism.
- File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint with the County Clerk and purchase an index number.
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse according to New York law.
- Exchange mandatory financial disclosures, including a Statement of Net Worth.
- Attend a preliminary conference and, later, a mandatory settlement conference.
- If settlement fails, proceed to trial before a Supreme Court Justice.
- Obtain a Judgment of Divorce, which formally ends the marriage.
Potential Outcomes in a Kings County Divorce
In Kings County, a divorce can result in the equitable distribution of property, an award of maintenance, and child support orders based on statutory percentages.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts. |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and post-divorce support calculated from income and marriage length. |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) | 17% of combined parental income for one child (up to $163,000 cap). |
| Custody & Visitation | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody arrangements promoting the child’s welfare. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Kings County Divorce
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. The firm’s combined attorney experience exceeds 120 years. With a documented history of over 4,739 case results and a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%, the firm brings substantial resources to each case. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific goals for property, support, and custody.
Case Results in New York Family Law
While specific Kings County results are part of our active practice, firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include cases involving property division, contested custody, and support modifications.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Kings County NY Divorce Law Firm Serving Brooklyn
Our New York location serves clients with matters in Kings County (Brooklyn) courts. We represent clients from neighborhoods including Downtown, Williamsburg, Park Slope, DUMBO, Brooklyn Heights, Bushwick, Crown Heights, Flatbush, Bay Ridge, Bed-Stuy, Bensonhurst, Coney Island, Brownsville, and Sunset Park.
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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Kings County NY Divorce Attorney FAQ
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, as stated in DRL § 170(7). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, and abandonment.
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
It depends. New York is an equitable distribution state under DRL § 236. The court divides marital property (assets and debts acquired during the marriage) in a manner it deems fair, not necessarily equal. Factors include each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and the marriage’s duration.
How is child support calculated?
New York uses the Child Support Standards Act (CSSA). For combined parental income up to $163,000, a percentage is applied: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more. The non-custodial parent typically pays this percentage of their income to the custodial parent.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Kings County?
Kings County Supreme Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, and equitable distribution of property. Kings County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (orders of protection) matters. They are separate courts with different judges and procedures.
How long does a divorce take in Brooklyn?
The timeline varies. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 3-6 months. A contested divorce, where issues are disputed, often takes 12 to 24 months or longer in Kings County due to court scheduling and the complexity of negotiations or trial.
Internal Links: For more information, see our New York Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in Kings County and immigration matters. For similar services in a neighboring area, consider our New York County (Manhattan) divorce attorney.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.