New York County (Manhattan) Divorce & Family Lawyer | SRIS
Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New York County (Manhattan), New York
New York County (Manhattan) divorce and family law matters are governed by New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation for divorce, equitable distribution, child custody, and support cases in the New York County Supreme Court.
Understanding New York State Divorce Forms and Family Law
In New York, divorce and family law matters are primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). The process begins with filing specific New York State Divorce Forms, such as a Summons with Notice or a Summons and Complaint, to initiate the action. The grounds for divorce, including the no-fault ground of an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months, are outlined in DRL § 170. Property division, maintenance (alimony), and other financial matters are addressed under DRL § 236, which follows the principle of equitable distribution.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to complex family law cases in Manhattan.
Official Legal Resources
- New York Domestic Relations Law (official New York State Senate)
- New York County Supreme Court, Civil Branch (official court website)
Handling a Family Law Case in New York County Supreme Court
Family law proceedings in Manhattan’s Supreme Court involve specific local procedures. The court at 60 Centre Street handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. A key local procedural fact is that New York requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown or a signed separation agreement for a no-fault divorce. Maintenance (alimony) is calculated using a codified statutory formula for both temporary and post-divorce periods. Child support follows a statutory percentage formula (17% for one child, 25% for two, etc.) on combined parental income up to $163,000. Automatic restraining orders (DRL § 236) freeze marital assets and prohibit changes to insurance upon filing.
- Consult with a family law attorney to review your situation and goals.
- File the initial New York State Divorce Forms (Summons with Notice or Complaint) and purchase the index number ($335 fee).
- Serve the filed papers on your spouse and file proof of service with the court.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) ($95 fee) to assign your case to a judge.
- Participate in mandatory disclosure, discovery, and court conferences.
- Attend a settlement conference; if no agreement is reached, proceed to trial.
Financial and Custody Outcomes in New York Divorce
In New York County (Manhattan), divorce involves the equitable distribution of marital property, maintenance calculated by statutory formula, and child support based on a percentage of combined parental income.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Range / Outcome | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Division of marital property, not necessarily equal | Includes real estate, retirement accounts, business interests |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and post-divorce calculations based on income and duration of marriage | Can be modified based on substantial change in circumstances |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (Family Court Act § 413) | 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, etc., of combined parental income up to $163,000 | Health insurance and childcare add-ons; can be modified |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody determinations | Parenting time schedules; decision-making authority |
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. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, we have a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across our practice areas. Our approach is grounded in a deep understanding of New York statutory law and local court procedures. For family law matters in New York, consulting with a knowledgeable New York State Divorce Forms Attorney is a critical first step.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
SRIS actively practices in the New York County courts. Firm-wide, SRIS has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our team understands the nuances of advocating before Manhattan judges and negotiating with opposing counsel in high-stakes family law disputes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Family Law Representation for New York County (Manhattan)
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 | Local: (716) 229-4520
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at the New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines. As a family law lawyer near Manhattan’s courthouses, we represent clients throughout the borough, including 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, and Inwood. We offer 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — with meetings by appointment only.
New York County Family Law FAQs
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
Yes. New York has both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is the no-fault ground of an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months, as defined in DRL § 170(7). Fault grounds include cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and adultery.
How is marital property divided in a New York divorce?
It depends. New York is an equitable distribution state under DRL § 236. This means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income and future earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage. Separate property acquired before marriage or via gift/inheritance is not subject to division.
How is child support calculated in New York?
It is calculated using a statutory formula. 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 35% for five or more children. The non-custodial parent typically pays their proportional share of this amount to the custodial parent.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in New York County?
The New York County Supreme Court handles divorce, legal separation, annulment, and equitable distribution of property. The New York County Family Court handles matters like child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (orders of protection) petitions, especially when not part of a divorce case.
Do I need a New York State Divorce Forms Law Firm to file for divorce?
Yes. While forms are available, the process involves complex financial disclosure, legal standards, and strategic decisions regarding property, support, and custody. An experienced law firm ensures forms are completed correctly, deadlines are met, and your rights are protected throughout the proceeding.
Internal Links: For more information, see our New York Family Law hub page. We also serve clients in Kings County (Brooklyn) and Queens County (Queens). For other legal needs in Manhattan, consider our criminal defense or immigration services.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for the most current guidance on your New York State Divorce Forms and family law matter.