Divorce & Family Law Attorney in New York County (Manhattan), New York
In Manhattan, family law cases are heard in two courts: New York County Supreme Court handles divorce and property division, while New York County Family Court addresses custody, support, and family offense matters.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is governed primarily by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). DRL § 170 establishes grounds for divorce, with irretrievable breakdown for six months being the most common no-fault ground. DRL § 236 governs equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance (alimony), using statutory formulas for calculation. DRL § 240 addresses child custody and support, applying the best interests of the child standard and percentage-based support guidelines.
Last verified: March 2026 | New York County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature website
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of New York family law statutes, visit the New York State Legislature Domestic Relations Law (official state website). For court forms, procedures, and local rules in Manhattan, refer to the New York County Supreme Court website (official .gov domain).
Manhattan Family Court Procedures
New York County (Manhattan) Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters at 60 Centre Street. The court requires a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) with a $95 fee for contested cases. Automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
- File initial divorce papers (summons and complaint) at the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office and pay the $335 index number fee.
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers following New York’s strict service requirements and file proof of service.
- Complete and exchange mandatory financial disclosure forms (Statement of Net Worth) within 45 days of service.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI) with $95 fee if the case is contested, triggering judicial oversight.
- Participate in court-ordered settlement conferences and, if necessary, proceed through discovery and trial.
New York Family Law Penalties and Standards
In New York County (Manhattan), family law matters involve specific legal standards: no-fault divorce requires irretrievable breakdown for 6+ months, equitable distribution applies to marital property, maintenance follows statutory formulas, and child support uses percentage guidelines.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | Irretrievable breakdown (6+ months) or fault grounds | Filing fee: $335 + RJI $95 + other costs | Automatic asset freeze upon filing |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (DRL § 236) | Division of marital assets and debts | Business valuation may be required |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula based on income and marriage length | Temporary and post-divorce calculations differ | Modifiable based on changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Percentage of combined income (17% for one child) | Applies to first $163,000 combined income | Health insurance and education add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Potential evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ | Parenting time schedules enforced |
Results may vary. Each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Firm Credentials
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, our firm has achieved 4,739+ documented case results across Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington D.C. Our approach combines global advocacy with local precision in Manhattan family courts.
Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our attorneys bring this extensive experience to Manhattan family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Local Manhattan Representation
Our New York location serves clients at New York County (Manhattan) courts, accessible via FDR Drive, West Side Highway, and all subway lines. We represent residents throughout Manhattan 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.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the grounds for divorce in New York?
New York allows both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months (no-fault). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment for one year, and imprisonment.
How is marital property divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows equitable distribution under Domestic Relations Law § 236. The court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally, considering factors like marriage length, income, and contributions.
How is child support calculated in New York?
Child support follows a statutory percentage of combined parental income: 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, 35% for five or more. This applies to combined income up to $163,000.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Manhattan?
The New York County Supreme Court handles divorce and equitable distribution. The New York County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions.
How long does a divorce take in Manhattan?
An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 months from filing. A contested divorce can take 12-24 months or longer due to court volume, discovery, motions, and potential trial.
Related Legal Resources
New York Family Law Lawyer | Kings County (Brooklyn) Divorce Lawyer | Manhattan Criminal Defense Lawyer | Attorney Profile: Mr. Sris
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.