Child Custody Lawyer Staten Island, NY | SRIS, P.C.
Child custody in Staten Island, New York is governed by the experienced interests of the child standard under New York Domestic Relations Law § 240. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has extensive criminal defense experience and handles custody cases at Richmond County Supreme Court and Richmond County Family Court.
Child Custody Lawyer Staten Island, New York
Understanding Child Custody Under New York Law
Child custody in New York is determined under the experienced interests of the child standard, codified in New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 240. This statute requires the court to consider a range of factors when deciding custody and visitation arrangements. The court evaluates each parent’s ability to provide for the child’s emotional, physical, and developmental needs. The child’s safety and well-being are the paramount considerations. A custody arrangement lawyer Staten Island can explain how these factors apply to your specific situation.
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., “Advocacy Without Borders,” brings 120+ years combined legal experience to every case. The firm has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%.
Last verified: April 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature — official site
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s child custody statute, visit the New York Domestic Relations Law § 240 (New York State Senate — official site).
For information about Richmond County Supreme Court procedures, visit the Richmond County Supreme Court (nycourts.gov — official site).
What to Expect in Richmond County Family Court
In Richmond County Supreme Court, judges routinely order forensic custody evaluations in contested cases. These evaluations can take 2-6 months and cost $5,000-$20,000. The court also requires mandatory settlement conferences before trial.
We have observed that Staten Island courts tend to prioritize stability and continuity in the child’s life. Parents who demonstrate a consistent and supportive home environment often receive favorable custody arrangements.
- File your custody petition in Richmond County Family Court or Richmond County Supreme Court.
- Serve the other parent with the petition and summons.
- Attend the preliminary conference with a court attorney.
- Participate in mediation or a forensic custody evaluation if ordered.
- Attend the custody hearing or trial where the judge applies the experienced interests of the child standard.
- Receive the court’s custody order, which may include a parenting schedule and decision-making authority.
In Staten Island, New York, child custody disputes are resolved under the experienced interests of the child standard. The court may impose various custody arrangements and parenting time schedules based on the child’s needs and each parent’s circumstances.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Court | Timeline | Cost | Additional Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custody (Legal & Physical) | Best interests of the child (DRL § 240) | Richmond County Supreme Court or Family Court | 3-12 months (contested) | $0 filing fee (Family Court); $335 (Supreme Court) | Law guardian may be appointed |
| Visitation/Parenting Time | Best interests of the child (DRL § 240) | Richmond County Family Court | 2-6 months | $0 filing fee | Mediation may be ordered |
| Child Support | Statutory formula (17% for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc.) | Richmond County Family Court | 2-4 months | $0 filing fee | Up to $163,000 combined income; discretionary above |
| Modification of Custody | Substantial change in circumstances + experienced interests | Richmond County Family Court | 3-6 months | $0 filing fee | Must show change affects child’s welfare |
Results may vary. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Child Custody Case?
Founded in 1997 by Mr. Sris, former prosecutor — Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings 120+ years combined legal experience, 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, and a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. The firm’s tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects its commitment to providing aggressive and compassionate representation for families in Staten Island and throughout New York.
Mr. Sris, former prosecutor, founded Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. in 1997 and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. The firm handles a wide range of family law matters, including child custody, divorce, child support, and spousal maintenance. Every attorney at the firm has over a decade of practice experience.
Your Child Custody Lawyer Staten Island
Our Track Record in Family Law Cases
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 4,739+ documented firm-wide results across VA, MD, DC, NY and NJ, with a favorable-outcome rate above 93%. While specific case results for Staten Island are not available, the firm’s extensive experience in family law matters demonstrates a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients. Results may vary.
Our Location and Service Area
Our location in Buffalo, New York is accessible from Staten Island via I-278 and the Staten Island Expressway. We serve clients at Richmond County Supreme Court and Richmond County Family Court at 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
Looking for a Child Custody Lawyer Staten Island near you? We serve the communities of Staten Island, including St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Our Location: 50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142, Buffalo, NY 14202 | (838) 292-0003
Frequently Asked Questions About Child Custody in Staten Island
How long does a divorce take in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
It depends. An uncontested divorce takes 3-6 months from filing to judgment. A contested divorce takes 12-24+ months due to NYC court volume. A mandatory settlement conference occurs before trial. Forensic custody evaluations take 2-6 months. Pendente lite motions are heard within 30-60 days. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing. New York requires a 6-month irretrievable breakdown for no-fault divorce. The filing fee is $335 (index number) plus $95 RJI. Cases are filed at Richmond County Supreme Court.
An uncontested divorce takes 3-6 months; a contested divorce takes 12-24+ months. Cases are filed at Richmond County Supreme Court.
How is child support calculated in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
New York child support uses a statutory formula: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children on combined parental income up to $163,000. The court has discretion above that cap. Cases are heard at Richmond County Supreme Court, 18 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301.
Child support is calculated using a statutory formula: 17% for one child, 25% for two, up to $163,000 combined income.
How much does a divorce cost in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York?
The Supreme Court divorce filing fee (index number purchase) is $335. The Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) costs $95. The note of issue is $30. Service of process varies from $50 to $150. Certified copies cost $8 to $15. Mediation ranges from $100 to $400 per hour. Forensic custody evaluations cost $5,000 to $20,000 or more. New York requires a 6-month irretrievable breakdown or a signed separation agreement. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing. Cases are filed at Richmond County Supreme Court.
The divorce filing fee is $335 plus $95 RJI. Forensic custody evaluations cost $5,000-$20,000. Cases are filed at Richmond County Supreme Court.
What is the experienced interests of the child standard in Staten Island, New York?
The experienced interests of the child standard is the legal framework used by Richmond County Supreme Court and Richmond County Family Court to determine custody. Under New York Domestic Relations Law § 240, the court considers factors including the child’s age, the parents’ ability to provide for the child’s emotional and physical needs, the stability of each home environment, and the child’s relationship with each parent. The court prioritizes the child’s safety and well-being above all other considerations. An interest of the child standard lawyer Staten Island can help you present evidence that supports your case under this standard.
The experienced interests of the child standard considers the child’s safety, emotional needs, and stability under DRL § 240.
Can a child custody arrangement be modified in Staten Island, New York?
Yes. A custody arrangement can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances that affects the experienced interests of the child. The parent seeking modification must file a petition in Richmond County Family Court or Richmond County Supreme Court. The court will hold a hearing to determine whether the modification is warranted. Examples of substantial changes include a parent relocating, a change in the child’s needs, or evidence of parental unfitness. A custody arrangement lawyer Staten Island can guide you through this process.
Yes, a custody arrangement can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting the child’s experienced interests.
Related Legal Services
For more information about family law matters in New York, visit our Divorce Lawyer Bronx page.
Explore our services in other localities: Divorce Lawyer New York County, Divorce Lawyer Nassau County, and Divorce Lawyer Westchester County.
We also handle related matters such as Partnership Formation Lawyer Staten Island and Commercial Lease Dispute Lawyer Staten Island.
Last verified: April 2026. This page was last updated on 2026-04-30 to reflect current New York law and court procedures.