New York County (Manhattan) Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New York County (Manhattan), New York
A New York Divorce Lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. handles the details of your Manhattan family law case. New York requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown for a no-fault divorce under Domestic Relations Law § 170. Our firm has documented results in New York County. We provide full representation for divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support matters.
New York Family Law Statutes and Definitions
Family law in New York County (Manhattan) is governed by state statutes, primarily the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). The New York County Supreme Court handles divorce and equitable distribution, while the New York County Family Court addresses custody, support, and family offense petitions. The legal standard for property division is equitable distribution under DRL § 236, which aims for a fair, though not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts. 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 New York’s family law statutes, refer to the New York State Senate official legislation site. For court forms, procedures, and local rules in Manhattan, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Procedural Insights for Manhattan Family Court
The key local procedural fact is that New York County courts are bifurcated: Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, Family Court for custody and support. Maintenance (alimony) is calculated using a codified statutory formula. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing. The court at 60 Centre Street handles these matters.
- File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint with the County Clerk and purchase an index number ($335 fee).
- Serve the divorce papers on your spouse following New York’s strict service rules.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) with the court ($95 fee) to assign a judge.
- Exchange financial disclosures (Net Worth Statement) and attend mandatory settlement conferences.
- Proceed to trial if settlement is not reached, or submit signed settlement agreements for judicial approval.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Family Law Case
In New York County (Manhattan), family law outcomes are based on statutory guidelines and judicial discretion, not fixed penalties.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (DRL § 170(7)) | Judgment of divorce granted | Court costs, attorney fees | Dissolution of marriage |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair division of marital property | Division of assets/debts | Potential sale of real estate |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary or post-divorce support | Ongoing payment obligation | Tax implications |
| Child Support | Income Shares Model (FCA § 413) | Percentage of combined income | 17% for one child, 25% for two | Until emancipation |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody orders | Parenting time schedule | Decision-making authority |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Firm Experience and Authority
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to family law matters. We have a documented record of handling complex cases involving equitable distribution, high-net-worth assets, and contested custody. Our approach is case-specific and focused on your objectives.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
SRIS actively practices in New York County — firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our service areas.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
New York Divorce Law Firm Serving Manhattan
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines. We are a New York Divorce Attorney near City Hall and the Centre Street courts complex.
Neighborhoods Served: Manhattan (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, Inwood).
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
50 Fountain Plaza, Suite 1400, Office No. 142
Buffalo, NY 14202
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
No. New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for a period of six months or more, as stated in Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). While fault-based grounds like adultery or cruel treatment still exist, they are rarely used as the sole basis.
How is property divided in a New York divorce?
It depends. New York follows the principle of equitable distribution under DRL § 236. This means marital property—assets and debts acquired during the marriage—is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, the duration of the marriage, and contributions to the marital estate.
How is child support calculated in Manhattan?
17% for one child. New York uses an income shares model. For combined parental income up to $163,000, the court applies a 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 typically pays their proportional share of the total amount.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Manhattan?
The New York County Supreme Court has jurisdiction over divorce actions, equitable distribution of property, and spousal maintenance (alimony). The New York County Family Court handles matters of child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (orders of protection) petitions.
How long does a divorce take in New York County?
3-6 months for uncontested. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as three to six months from filing. A contested divorce, where issues are disputed, typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer in Manhattan due to court volume and case complexity.
For more information, see our New York Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense and immigration matters in Manhattan.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.