Divorce Lawyers In Manhattan New York | SRIS, P.C.
Divorce Lawyers In Manhattan New York — What Are Your Rights?
Divorce in Manhattan, New York, is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236. The process requires handling the New York County Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the New York County Family Court for custody and support matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for these complex family law issues.
New York Divorce Law and Statutory Grounds
Divorce in New York is primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL). The state recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. Since 2010, New York has allowed for no-fault divorce based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for a period of six months or more, as defined under DRL § 170(7). Fault-based grounds, such as cruel and inhuman treatment (DRL § 170(1)) or adultery (DRL § 170(4)), remain options but require proof. The equitable distribution of marital property is controlled by DRL § 236(B)(5), which mandates a fair, though not necessarily equal, division of assets acquired during the marriage. Maintenance (alimony) is calculated using a statutory formula outlined in DRL § 236(B)(5-a) for temporary support and DRL § 236(B)(6) for post-divorce maintenance.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official text of New York’s divorce statutes, refer to the New York Domestic Relations Law (official New York State Senate). For court forms and local rules, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Handling a Manhattan Divorce Case
In New York County (Manhattan), divorce and equitable distribution cases are filed in the Supreme Court, while custody, visitation, and child support petitions are initiated in the Family Court. A key procedural fact is the automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 that freeze marital assets upon filing. The maintenance (alimony) calculation follows a codified statutory formula, and child support is based on a percentage of combined parental income.
- File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint in the New York County Supreme Court and purchase an index number ($335 fee).
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse following New York’s strict service of process rules.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) with the court ($95 fee) to assign a judge to the case.
- Exchange mandatory financial disclosure (Net Worth Statement) and attend preliminary conferences.
- Participate in court-ordered mediation or a settlement conference to attempt resolution.
- If settlement fails, proceed to trial where a judge will decide issues of property division, maintenance, and, if applicable, custody.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Divorce
In Manhattan, New York, divorce resolves marital status and determines equitable distribution of property, maintenance, child custody, and child support based on statutory guidelines and the best interests of the child.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property. | Division of assets/debts; possible distributive award. | Valuation of businesses, retirement accounts, real estate. |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and/or post-divorce support payments. | Payments based on income, length of marriage, and other factors. | Duration can be temporary or long-term. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody arrangements. | Shared expenses; primary custodian may receive support. | Parenting time schedule; major decision-making authority. |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (DRL § 240) | Obligor pays percentage of combined parental income. | 17% for one child, 25% for two, etc., up to $163,000 income cap. | Includes add-ons for healthcare, education, childcare. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Experience in New York Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in New York. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New York’s equitable distribution laws and custody standards. We focus on clear strategy and diligent preparation for matters in the New York County Supreme Court and Family Court.
Case Results and Client Representation
Our divorce law firms in Manhattan New York have a documented record of handling complex family law cases. Firm-wide, SRIS, P.C. has achieved over 4,739 documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our divorce attorneys in Manhattan New York are familiar with the procedures at 60 Centre Street and work to pursue efficient and favorable resolutions for our clients.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation in Manhattan
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 represent individuals throughout Manhattan’s neighborhoods, including Midtown, Lower Manhattan, the Upper East and West Sides, Harlem, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Hell’s Kitchen, the East Village, the Financial District, Chinatown, Washington Heights, and Inwood.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 | Local: (716) 348-1900
By appointment only.
24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Divorce Lawyers In Manhattan New York
How long does a divorce take in Manhattan, New York?
It depends. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in 3 to 6 months from filing. A contested divorce, where issues like property division or custody are disputed, typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer in New York County due to court volume and the complexity of financial discovery and motion practice.
What is the difference between equitable distribution and community property?
New York is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. Community property states typically mandate an equal split of assets acquired during the marriage.
How is child support calculated in New York?
For combined parental income up to $163,000, New York uses a statutory percentage: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and at least 35% for five or more children. The non-custodial parent’s share of this percentage is their basic support obligation. The court has discretion for income above the cap and will order add-ons for healthcare, education, and childcare.
Can I get alimony (maintenance) in a New York divorce?
Yes. New York law provides for both temporary (pendente lite) and post-divorce maintenance. The amount and duration are determined by a statutory formula that considers the payer’s income, the recipient’s income, the length of the marriage, and other factors. The formula applies to the first $203,000 of the payer’s income.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 go into effect. These orders prohibit both parties from selling or transferring marital assets, changing insurance beneficiaries, or incurring unreasonable debts. They are designed to preserve the status quo of the marital estate until the court issues further orders or a settlement is reached.
Do I have to go to court for an uncontested divorce?
Usually not. In an uncontested divorce where all paperwork is properly filed and signed, you typically do not need to appear in court. The judge will review the submitted documents, including the settlement agreement, and if everything is in order, will sign the judgment of divorce without a court hearing.
For more information, see our New York Family Law hub page. We also assist clients in Kings County (Brooklyn) and with criminal defense matters in Manhattan.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.