New York County (Manhattan) Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New York County (Manhattan), New York
A Family Law Attorney New York from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles complex divorce, custody, and support matters in Manhattan. New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown for a no-fault divorce.
New York Family Law Statutes and Legal Standards
Family law matters in New York County (Manhattan) are governed by specific state statutes. The primary laws include New York Domestic Relations Law (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). Child custody and support are addressed under DRL § 240 and the Family Court Act. These laws establish that property division is based on equitable principles, not necessarily a 50/50 split, and that child support follows a statutory percentage formula based on combined parental income.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of the statutes, refer to the official New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 on the New York State Legislature website. For court forms and procedures, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Procedural Insights for Manhattan Family Court
In New York County, the Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases, while the Family Court addresses custody, support, and family offense petitions. A key procedural fact is the automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236, which freeze marital assets and prohibit changes to insurance upon the filing of a divorce action. The court strongly encourages settlement through mandatory conferences, and collaborative law or mediation can often provide a more efficient path.
- Initial Consultation & Case Assessment: Discuss your situation with a Family Law Lawyer New York to understand your rights and options under New York law.
- Filing the Petition: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary summons, complaint, or petition with the correct court (Supreme or Family Court) and serve the other party.
- Financial Disclosure & Discovery: Both parties must exchange detailed financial statements and may engage in formal discovery to value assets and determine income.
- Negotiation & Settlement Conferences: Attend court-mandated settlement conferences to attempt to resolve issues of custody, support, and property division without a trial.
- Trial Preparation & Litigation: If settlement fails, your attorney will prepare for trial, presenting evidence and arguments before a judge to decide the outstanding issues.
- Post-Judgment Actions: Finalize the judgment of divorce or court order and address any future modifications or enforcement actions as needed.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Family Law Case
In New York County (Manhattan), family law outcomes are determined by statutory formulas and judicial discretion, focusing on equitable distribution, child support percentages, and the child’s best interests for custody.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (DRL § 170(7)) | Judgment of divorce granted after 6+ month irretrievable breakdown | Court fees, attorney costs | Dissolution of marriage, ability to remarry |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally | Division of assets/debts, possible buyout | Long-term financial planning required |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary or post-divorce support based on income/duration | Ongoing payment obligation | Tax implications (for payer/recipient) |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (DRL § 240) | 17% of combined income for 1 child, 25% for 2, etc., up to $163k | Monthly payment until emancipation | Health insurance, childcare add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody arrangement (joint/sole) | Costs for evaluations, parenting coordinators | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Family Law Matter
The 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 with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor whose deep understanding of courtroom strategy is applied to complex family law litigation.
Documented Case Experience
Our Family Law Law Firm New York has a firm-wide record of 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. While specific results in New York County are part of our active practice, this overall track record demonstrates our consistent approach to achieving positive 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. We represent individuals and families across Manhattan, 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions: Family Law in New York County
How long does a divorce take in New York County?
It depends. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in 3-6 months. A contested divorce, where issues like property division, custody, or support are disputed, typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer in Manhattan due to court volume and case complexity.
What is the difference between equitable distribution and community property?
No. New York is an equitable distribution state, not a community property state. This means marital property is divided fairly based on many factors, not automatically split 50/50. The court considers each spouse’s contributions, the marriage’s duration, and future needs.
How is child support calculated in New York?
A number. 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 35% for five or more children. The non-custodial parent’s share of this amount is based on their percentage of the combined income.
Can I get alimony (maintenance) in New York?
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, and the length of the marriage, though judges can deviate from the formula.
What are “automatic orders” in a New York divorce?
Automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect when a divorce is filed. They restrain both parties from selling or transferring marital assets, changing insurance beneficiaries, and incurring unreasonable debts. Their purpose is to preserve the status quo of the marital estate during the litigation.
Which court handles child custody in Manhattan?
It depends. Initial custody orders are often filed in New York County Family Court. However, if a divorce action is already pending in Supreme Court, custody can be addressed within that same case. The Supreme Court has the power to hear all family law issues once a divorce is filed.
Related Legal Information
If you are facing criminal charges also to family law issues, learn about your defense options with our Manhattan criminal defense attorney. For immigration matters affecting your family, consult our Manhattan immigration lawyer. For more general information on New York family law, visit our New York family law hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change. Contact the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.