Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Putnam County, New York
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides full family law representation in Putnam County, New York. Divorce in New York requires a 6-month period of irretrievable breakdown under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). The firm has 4,739+ documented case results firm-wide with over 93% favorable outcomes. Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County Supreme Court and Family Court.
In Putnam County, divorce and family law matters are governed by New York’s Domestic Relations Law and Family Court Act, with specific procedures for equitable distribution, child support, and custody.
New York Family Law Statutes
Family law in Putnam County is governed by New York state statutes, primarily the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and the Family Court Act (FCA). The foundational statute for divorce is N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170, which establishes the grounds, including no-fault irretrievable breakdown. Equitable distribution of marital property is detailed in DRL § 236, which provides a framework for dividing assets and determining spousal maintenance (alimony). Child custody, visitation, and support matters are addressed under DRL § 240 and the Family Court Act. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, brings extensive experience with these statutes. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative insight applicable to complex New York cases.
Last verified: March 2026 | Putnam County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Putnam County Family Court Process
Putnam County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters, while Putnam County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions. New York’s automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
- File the initial summons and complaint: Prepare and file the summons with notice or summons and complaint with the Putnam County Supreme Court Clerk’s Office. Pay the $335 index number filing fee and serve the papers on your spouse.
- Exchange financial disclosures: Both parties must exchange a sworn statement of net worth detailing all 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. If custody is contested, the case may be referred to Family Court or a forensic evaluator may be appointed.
- File a Request for Judicial Intervention (RJI): If the case is not settled, file an RJI (fee: $95) to place it on the court’s trial calendar. The court will then schedule pre-trial conferences and a trial date.
- Proceed to trial or finalize settlement: Present evidence and arguments at trial before a Supreme Court Justice, or finalize a written settlement agreement. The judge will issue a judgment of divorce incorporating all terms.
Family Law Standards and Financial Implications
In Putnam County, family law matters involve statutory standards for divorce, equitable distribution, maintenance, and child support, with specific financial obligations and timelines set by New York law.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Obligations | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (irretrievable breakdown 6+ months) per DRL § 170 | Filing fee: $335; RJI: $95; Note of issue: $30 | Automatic asset freeze upon filing |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property per DRL § 236 | Varies based on assets, debts, and contributions | Business valuation, retirement account division |
| Maintenance (Alimony) | Statutory formula based on income and duration | Temporary and post-divorce calculations apply | Tax implications; modifiable based on change |
| Child Support | Child Support Standards Act percentage formula | 17% for one child, 25% for two (up to $163k income) | Health insurance, childcare, education add-ons |
| Custody Determination | Best interests of the child standard | Potential forensic evaluation: $5,000-$20,000+ | Parenting time schedule, decision-making authority |
Results may vary. The financial and custodial outcomes in any family law case depend on the specific facts, evidence, and applicable law.
Firm Credentials and Experience
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to family law matters in New York. Our approach is guided by Mr. Sris’s unique background, which includes personally amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), providing deep insight into property division law. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. We provide full representation with a case-specific approach for clients in Putnam County.
Documented Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has a documented record of 4,739+ case results firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, with a favorable outcome rate of over 93%. Our attorneys use their experience to seek positive resolutions in family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in any future case.
Family Law Lawyer Near Putnam County
Our New York location serves clients at Putnam County courts. We represent individuals in Carmel, Brewster, Cold Spring, Mahopac, Putnam Valley, Kent, Patterson, and surrounding Hudson Valley communities. Our office is accessible via I-87 (NYS Thruway), I-84, I-287, Taconic State Parkway, and Route 9.
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 Putnam 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, as defined in N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). Fault-based grounds like adultery or cruel treatment are also available but less common.
How is child support calculated in New York?
Child support follows a statutory formula under the Child Support Standards Act. For combined parental income up to $163,000, the basic obligation is 17% for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more children. The court has discretion for income above that threshold.
What is equitable distribution in a New York divorce?
Equitable distribution, governed by N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 236, means marital property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally. The court considers factors like each spouse’s income, contributions to the marriage, and future needs. Separate property acquired before marriage or by gift/inheritance is not divided.
How long does a contested divorce take in Putnam County Supreme Court?
A contested divorce typically takes 12 to 24 months or more. The timeline depends on case complexity, court scheduling, and whether forensic evaluations are needed. An uncontested divorce with a signed agreement can be finalized in 3 to 6 months.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 take effect. These orders freeze marital assets, prohibit changing insurance beneficiaries, and restrict selling or transferring property without consent or court order. They remain in place until the divorce is finalized.
Related Legal Services
Last verified: March 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.