Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Ontario County, New York
New York Family Law Statutes and Definitions
New York family law is primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). Key statutes include DRL § 170 for divorce grounds, DRL § 236 for equitable distribution and maintenance (alimony), and DRL § 240 for child custody and support. The law aims for fair, not necessarily equal, division of marital property and bases child support on a statutory percentage of combined parental income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Ontario County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. His background in accounting and information systems provides a distinct advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation or retirement assets.
Official Legal Resources
- N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 236 (official New York State Legislature) – The full text of New York’s equitable distribution and maintenance statute.
- Ontario County Supreme Court website – Official source for court forms, local rules, and contact information.
Ontario County Family Court Procedures
Ontario County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution cases, while the Ontario County Family Court addresses custody, support, and family offense petitions. The process begins with filing a summons and complaint, triggering automatic restraining orders that freeze marital assets.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Discuss your goals and the specifics of your marriage, finances, and children with an attorney.
- Filing the Initial Papers: Your attorney files the summons and complaint with the court clerk and pays the $335 index number fee.
- Service and Preliminary Steps: The other spouse is served. Automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect, prohibiting asset transfers.
- Discovery and Financial Disclosure: Both parties exchange detailed financial information. Business valuations or forensic accounting may be needed.
- Negotiation and Settlement Conference: The court mandates a settlement conference. Your attorney negotiates terms for all issues.
- Trial or Final Judgment: If no settlement is reached, the case proceeds to trial. Otherwise, a signed settlement leads to a final judgment of divorce.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Divorce
In Ontario County, a divorce can result in the equitable distribution of marital property, court-ordered maintenance (alimony) based on a statutory formula, and child support calculated as a percentage of combined parental income.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not necessarily equal, split of marital assets and debts | Varies by asset value and contributions | Retirement account division requires a QDRO |
| Spousal Support | Maintenance (Alimony) | Temporary or post-divorce support based on income, length of marriage, and need | Formula-based calculation up to income cap | Can be modified based on substantial change in circumstances |
| Child Support | Statutory Percentage (DRL § 240) | 17% of combined income for one child, 25% for two, etc. | Ongoing obligation until child is 21 or emancipated | Includes add-ons for healthcare, education, childcare |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal and physical custody arrangements | Can affect child support and tax status | Parenting plan dictates decision-making and time-sharing |
Results may vary. The outcomes above are general legal standards; each case depends on unique facts and circumstances.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Ontario County Family Law Matter
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings a distinct combination of experience and insight to family law cases. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), demonstrating a deep, practical understanding of property division law that informs our approach in New York. Our tagline, “Global advocacy. Local precision,” reflects our commitment to handling the details of your local Ontario County case with focused attention.
Case Results and Client Outcomes
Firm-wide, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes across our practice areas in Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Washington, D.C. Our attorneys use their experience to seek efficient and effective resolutions in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Services in the Finger Lakes Region
Our New York location serves clients at Ontario County courts. We represent individuals throughout the Finger Lakes area, including Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, Seneca (NY), and East Bloomfield. Our office is accessible via major routes like I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, I-390, and Route 17/I-86.
If you need a family law lawyer near Ontario County or the Finger Lakes region, we are available to help. We offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747. All meetings are held by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
Availability: 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 no-fault, requiring an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months (N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and imprisonment.
How is child support calculated in Ontario County?
Child support follows a statutory formula based on combined parental income. For one child, it’s 17%; two children, 25%; three, 29%; four, 31%; five or more, 35%. This applies to combined income up to $163,000. The court may order support above that cap based on the child’s needs.
What is equitable distribution in a New York divorce?
Equitable distribution means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future needs (N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 236). Separate property acquired before marriage or by gift/inheritance usually remains with the original owner.
How long does a divorce take in Ontario County Supreme Court?
An uncontested divorce can take 3-6 months from filing to judgment. A contested divorce often takes 12-24 months or longer, depending on case complexity, court schedules, and whether issues like custody or property valuation require experienced evaluation.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic restraining orders (DRL § 236) take effect. They prohibit both parties from selling or transferring marital assets, changing insurance beneficiaries, or incurring unreasonable debts. These orders remain in place until the divorce is finalized or modified by the court.
Related Legal Resources
- New York Family Law Lawyer – Our state-level hub page for family law information.
- New York County (Manhattan) Divorce Lawyer – Information for family law matters in Manhattan.
- Ontario County Criminal Defense Lawyer – Learn about criminal defense representation in the same locality.
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile – Learn more about the managing attorney for this page.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures change; contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.