Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Ontario County, New York
In Ontario County, divorce is governed by New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) § 170, requiring a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation, handling divorce, child custody under the “best interests” standard, and equitable distribution of marital property. Our firm-wide experience includes 4,739+ documented case results across multiple states.
A divorce in Ontario County Supreme Court starts with filing a summons and complaint and paying a $335 index number fee. The process involves mandatory financial disclosure and settlement conferences.
New York Family Law Statutes
Family law matters in Ontario County are primarily governed by the New York Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). The foundational statute for divorce is DRL § 170, which establishes the grounds, including no-fault based on an irretrievable breakdown of the relationship for at least six months. Property division is guided by DRL § 236, which mandates equitable distribution of marital assets and liabilities, not necessarily equal. Child support is calculated using a statutory formula under the Family Court Act § 413, applying percentages to combined parental income.
Last verified: March 2026 | Ontario County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of New York’s family law statutes, refer to the official state legislative website: New York Domestic Relations Law (official New York State Senate). For local court forms, procedures, and contact information, visit the Ontario County Supreme Court website (New York State Unified Court System).
Ontario County Family Court Process
Family law cases in Ontario County are split between two courts. The Ontario County Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over divorce actions, equitable distribution, and spousal support (maintenance). The Ontario County Family Court handles matters of child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (orders of protection). This division means a single family case may be pending in two different courts.
- File the initial summons and complaint: File the summons and complaint for divorce with the Ontario County Supreme Court Clerk’s office. Pay the $335 index number fee and serve the papers on your spouse.
- Exchange financial disclosures: Both parties must exchange sworn statements of net worth detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses. This is required for equitable distribution and support determinations.
- Attend mandatory settlement conferences: The court will schedule conferences to encourage settlement. Be prepared to negotiate issues like property division, custody, and support with your attorney.
- Complete discovery if contested: If the case is contested, engage in discovery which may include interrogatories, document requests, and depositions to gather evidence.
- Participate in trial or finalize settlement: If settlement is reached, submit a signed settlement agreement and proposed judgment to the court. If not, proceed to trial where a judge will decide the unresolved issues.
Potential Outcomes in a New York Divorce
In Ontario County, a divorce can result in the equitable distribution of property, court-ordered spousal support (maintenance) calculated by a statutory formula, and child support based on a percentage of combined parental income.
| Issue | Legal Standard / Classification | Potential Outcome | Financial Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Division of marital property and debts | Value of assets/debts divided | Retirement account division via QDRO |
| Spousal Support | Maintenance Guidelines (DRL § 236) | Temporary or post-divorce support payments | Formula based on income & duration | Tax implications (payer deductible/recipient income) |
| Child Support | Statutory Formula (FCA § 413) | Monthly payment for child’s expenses | 17% of combined income for 1 child | Health insurance, childcare, education add-ons |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Legal & physical custody arrangement | Costs of evaluations ($5,000-$20,000+) | Parenting schedule, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. The outcomes in any family law case depend on the specific facts, evidence, and applicable law.
Firm Credentials in Family Law
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. With over 120 years of combined attorney experience, the firm has a deep understanding of complex family law litigation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a commitment to the practice area that extends beyond client representation to improving the law itself. Our approach is case-specific, focusing on the unique financial and personal details of each family’s situation.
Documented Case Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has achieved 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Our attorneys use this extensive experience to develop effective strategies for divorce, custody disputes, and support matters in Ontario County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome.
Family Law Representation in the Finger Lakes Region
Our New York location serves clients at Ontario County courts. We represent individuals and families throughout the Finger Lakes region, including Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, Seneca (NY), and East Bloomfield. As a family law lawyer near Ontario County, we offer 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are 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 Ontario County, New York?
New York is a no-fault divorce state. The primary ground is an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months (NY DRL § 170). Fault grounds like adultery or cruel treatment are also available but require proof.
How is child support calculated in Ontario County?
Child support follows a statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income 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 (NY Family Court Act § 413).
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Ontario County?
Ontario County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Ontario County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (domestic violence) petitions.
How long does a divorce take in Ontario County?
An uncontested divorce typically takes 3-6 months from filing to judgment. A contested divorce can take 12-24 months or longer, depending on case complexity and court scheduling.
What are automatic restraining orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets, prohibit changes to insurance beneficiaries, and restrict selling or transferring property without consent or court order.
Related Legal Services
For more information on our statewide practice, see our New York Family Law Lawyer hub page. If you are facing related legal issues in Ontario County, our firm also provides criminal defense representation and immigration law services. Learn more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Last verification: February 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance regarding your specific situation.