What Court Handles Divorce In New York | SRIS, P.C.
What Court Handles Divorce In New York?
If you are filing for divorce in New York County (Manhattan), you must file in the New York County Supreme Court under New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170. This court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced representation for these complex proceedings.
New York Divorce Law and Jurisdiction
The New York County Supreme Court is the court of general jurisdiction for divorce actions. The legal grounds and procedures for divorce are governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL). A no-fault divorce requires an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. The court also has the authority to decide all related issues, including the division of marital property (equitable distribution), spousal maintenance (alimony), and, in some cases, child custody and support.
Last verified: April 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the official statutes, refer to the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170 (official New York State Legislature). For court-specific forms and procedures, visit the New York County Supreme Court website.
Procedural Insights for New York County Supreme Court
Knowing what court handles divorce in New York is just the beginning. The process in Manhattan’s Supreme Court involves specific local rules and high caseloads. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing. Temporary maintenance and child support are often addressed early via pendente lite motions. The court strongly encourages settlement conferences and alternative dispute resolution before trial.
- File a Summons with Notice or Summons and Complaint: Purchase an index number ($335 fee) and file your initial divorce papers with the County Clerk’s office at 60 Centre Street.
- Serve Your Spouse: Properly serve the divorce papers according to New York law, then file proof of service with the court.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): Pay the $95 fee to assign your case to a specific judge and part.
- Attend Preliminary and Compliance Conferences: The court will schedule conferences to manage discovery, discuss settlement, and set a timeline.
- Complete Discovery and Attend Settlement Conference: Exchange financial disclosures and attempt to resolve issues. A mandatory settlement conference is held before trial.
- Trial or Final Submission: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial before a Supreme Court Justice for a final judgment.
Key Considerations in a New York Divorce
In New York County (Manhattan), divorce involves equitable distribution of marital property, potential maintenance awards, and, if applicable, child support calculated by a statutory percentage of combined parental income.
Consulting with a What Court Handles Divorce In New York Attorney from our firm can help you handle this process. The financial aspects are governed by detailed statutes. Marital property is divided equitably, not necessarily equally. Maintenance is calculated using a specific formula based on income and the length of the marriage. Child support is typically 17% of the combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, and so on, up to an income cap.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Our Firm’s Experience in New York Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our attorneys bring a combined 120+ years of legal experience to complex family law matters. We understand the specific demands of the New York County Supreme Court. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results. Our managing attorney, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a multi-state practice, including New York.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. While results in any individual case depend on unique facts, our consistent record in New York and across multiple states demonstrates our commitment to vigorous client advocacy. We approach each divorce case with a strategy case-specific to the specific financial and personal circumstances at hand.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Representation for Manhattan Residents
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
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Buffalo, NY 14202
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Our New York location serves clients with matters at the New York County Supreme Court. We are accessible via major routes including the FDR Drive and West Side Highway. We provide representation to clients throughout Manhattan’s neighborhoods, including Midtown, the Upper East and West Sides, Lower Manhattan, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Tribeca, Chelsea, Harlem, and the Financial District. For a What Court Handles Divorce In New York Law Firm with multi-state experience, contact us for a 24/7 phone consultation at (888) 437-7747. Meetings are held by appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: What Court Handles Divorce In New York
What is the main court that handles divorce in New York County?
The New York County Supreme Court. This is the trial court of general jurisdiction that handles all divorce filings and equitable distribution matters for Manhattan residents.
Does the same court handle child custody in New York?
It depends. The Supreme Court can decide custody if it is part of a divorce action. However, standalone custody, visitation, child support, and family offense petitions are typically filed in the New York County Family Court, which is a separate court system.
What is the filing fee for a divorce in New York Supreme Court?
The fee to purchase an index number (required to start a case) is $335. Additional fees apply for a Request for Judicial Intervention ($95) and filing a note of issue ($30). Service of process and certified copies incur separate costs.
How long does a contested divorce take in New York County?
12 to 24 months or more. The timeline varies based on case complexity, court scheduling, and the level of dispute. The high volume in Manhattan courts can contribute to longer processing times compared to less populous counties.
What is “equitable distribution” in a New York divorce?
Equitable distribution is the legal principle, under DRL § 236, that marital property must be divided fairly between spouses upon divorce. “Fair” does not always mean equal; the court considers multiple statutory factors to determine a just division.
Can I get a no-fault divorce in New York?
Yes. New York allows no-fault divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for a period of six months or more, as stated under DRL § 170(7). This is now the most common ground for divorce.
Related Legal Resources
If you are facing criminal charges in Manhattan, learn about your defense options with our New York County criminal defense lawyer. For broader New York family law information, visit our New York family law hub page. Residents of nearby Kings County can consult our divorce and family law attorney in Kings County (Brooklyn).
Page last verified and updated: April 2026. Laws and procedures change. For current guidance regarding what court handles divorce in New York, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.