Putnam County NY Divorce Lawyer | SRIS, P.C.
Putnam County NY Divorce Lawyer — What Are Your Rights in a New York Divorce?
A divorce in Putnam County, NY, is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 and § 236, requiring a 6-month irretrievable breakdown for no-fault cases. The Putnam County NY Divorce Lawyer team at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full representation in Supreme Court for divorce and Family Court for custody and support.
New York Divorce Law in Putnam County
Divorce in New York is a statutory action. The grounds for divorce are defined in New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170. Since 2010, New York has recognized “no-fault” divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for a period of six months or more. The financial aspects of divorce, including the division of marital property and awards of maintenance (alimony), are controlled by DRL § 236, which mandates equitable distribution. This does not mean an equal 50/50 split, but a fair division based on multiple statutory factors.
Last verified: April 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor whose background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in complex financial divorce cases.
Official New York Legal Resources
Local Court Process for a Putnam County Divorce
In Putnam County, divorce actions are filed in the Supreme Court, while related issues of custody, visitation, and child support are often heard in the Family Court. 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 is calculated using a codified statutory formula, and child support follows a percentage of combined parental income. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
- File the Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint: The divorce action begins by filing the initiating documents with the Putnam County Supreme Court Clerk and paying the index number fee.
- Serve the Defendant: The defendant must be formally served with the divorce papers according to New York Civil Practice Law and Rules.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): This form assigns the case to a specific judge and schedules a preliminary conference.
- Complete Financial Disclosure: Both parties must exchange sworn statements of net worth and relevant financial documents.
- Attend Settlement Conferences: The court will schedule conferences to encourage settlement on issues of property, support, and custody.
- Proceed to Trial if Necessary: If settlement is not reached, the case will be scheduled for trial before the assigned Supreme Court Justice.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Divorce
In Putnam County, a divorce results in the equitable distribution of marital property, potential awards of maintenance and child support, and custody/visitation orders based on the child’s best interests.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital assets and debts. | Value of assets/debts assigned to each party. | May include sale of real estate, division of retirement accounts. |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Temporary and/or post-divorce support based on income, length of marriage, and need. | Ongoing payment obligation for a durational or permanent period. | Tax implications; modifiable based on substantial change. |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (Family Court Act § 413) | 17% of combined parental income for one child (25% for two, etc.) up to $163,000. | Monthly payment obligation plus add-ons for healthcare, childcare, education. | Enforceable by income execution; modifiable. |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody orders determining decision-making and residence. | May affect child support and tax dependency status. | Parenting time schedule; relocation restrictions. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Putnam County NY Divorce Law Firm
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, and we have documented 4,739+ case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our approach is direct and focused on your specific legal situation. For family law matters in Virginia, our attorney Samantha Powers brings deep experience, but for your New York case, our primary counsel is Mr. Sris, who leads our Northeast practice.
Documented Case Results
Our Putnam County NY Divorce Attorney team actively practices in the local courts. Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes. These results include successful negotiations for equitable property settlements, favorable child custody arrangements, and modifications of support orders.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Putnam County NY Divorce Attorney Access
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: (838) 292-0003
By appointment only.
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts. We represent individuals in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, and Patterson. For a Putnam County NY divorce lawyer near you, contact us for 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are by appointment only.
Putnam County Divorce & 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 no-fault, based on the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Fault grounds include cruel and inhuman treatment, adultery, abandonment, and imprisonment.
How is marital property divided in a New York divorce?
It depends. New York is an equitable distribution state. The court divides marital property (assets and debts acquired during the marriage) in a manner it deems fair, considering factors like the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and future financial circumstances. Separate property acquired before marriage or via gift/inheritance is not divided.
How is child support calculated in Putnam County?
It is based on 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 at least 35% for five or more children. The non-custodial parent typically pays their proportional share of this amount to the custodial parent.
Can I get alimony (maintenance) in New York?
It depends. New York law provides guidelines for calculating both temporary and post-divorce maintenance. The court considers the payer’s income, the recipient’s need, the length of the marriage, and the standard of living during the marriage. The formula provides a starting point, but judges can adjust the amount.
How long does a divorce take in Putnam County?
The timeline varies. An uncontested divorce where both parties agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 3-6 months. A contested divorce, requiring discovery, motions, and potentially a trial, often takes 12 to 24 months or longer, depending on the complexity and court calendar.
Related Pages: For other legal services in Putnam County, see our Putnam County criminal defense lawyer and Putnam County immigration lawyer pages. For more New York family law information, visit our New York divorce lawyer hub.
Page last verified: 2026-04. Laws and procedures change. Contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current legal guidance regarding your specific case.