Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Richmond County (Staten Island), New York
In Richmond County, family law matters are split between Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and Family Court for custody and child support under the Family Court Act.
New York Family Law Statutes
New York family law is primarily governed by the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) and Family Court Act (FCA). DRL § 170 establishes the grounds for divorce, with § 170(7) providing for no-fault divorce based on irretrievable breakdown. DRL § 236 governs equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance (alimony), using statutory formulas for calculation. The Family Court Act covers child custody, support, and family offense matters. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, applies this statutory framework to protect clients’ interests in Richmond County courts.
Last verified: March 2026 | Richmond County Supreme Court | New York State Legislature
Official Legal Resources
Richmond County Family Court Procedures
Richmond County (Staten Island) Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution matters at 18 Richmond Terrace. Richmond County Family Court, located separately, handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions. New York’s automatic restraining orders under DRL § 236 freeze marital assets upon filing.
Steps in a Richmond County Divorce Case
- File initial divorce papers (summons and complaint) at the Supreme Court Clerk’s Office with the $335 index number fee.
- Serve your spouse with the divorce papers following New York’s strict service requirements.
- File proof of service with the court and wait for your spouse’s response or default.
- Attend a preliminary conference to set discovery deadlines and discuss settlement.
- Complete financial disclosure and discovery, exchanging documents and information.
- Participate in mandatory settlement conferences before any trial is scheduled.
New York Family Law Standards
In Richmond County (Staten Island), divorce follows no-fault grounds requiring irretrievable breakdown for 6+ months under DRL § 170(7), with equitable distribution of marital property and maintenance calculated by statutory formula.
| Matter | Legal Standard | Financial Impact | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault: 6+ month irretrievable breakdown (DRL § 170) | Filing fee: $335 + additional fees | Uncontested: 3-6 months; Contested: 12-24+ months |
| Property Division | Equitable distribution (DRL § 236) | Marital property divided fairly | Determined during divorce proceedings |
| Spousal Support | Statutory formula (temporary & post-divorce) | Based on income, duration of marriage | Can be modified based on changed circumstances |
| Child Support | Statutory percentage of combined income | 17% (1 child) to 35% (5+ children) | Until age 21 or emancipation |
| Child Custody | Best interests of the child | Evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ if needed | Can be modified with substantial change |
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Staten Island Family Law Matter?
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 achieved 4,739+ documented case results with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%. Mr. Sris brings a background in accounting and information systems that provides unique advantage in complex financial divorce cases involving business valuation and asset division.
Family Law Case Experience
Firm-wide across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled 4,739+ documented case results with over 93% favorable outcomes in family law and other practice areas. The firm’s attorneys approach each case with careful attention to New York statutory requirements and Richmond County court procedures.
Results may vary based on the specific facts of each case.
Family Law Lawyer Near Richmond County (Staten Island)
Our New York location serves clients at Richmond County (Staten Island) courts, accessible via I-278, Staten Island Expressway, and West Shore Expressway. We represent clients throughout Staten Island communities including St. George, New Dorp, Tottenville, Great Kills, Stapleton, and Port Richmond.
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 recognizes both fault and no-fault grounds. The most common is no-fault, requiring an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage for at least six months under N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 170(7). Fault grounds include adultery, cruel and inhuman treatment, abandonment, and imprisonment.
How is marital property divided in a New York divorce?
New York follows equitable distribution under DRL § 236. The court divides marital property fairly, not necessarily equally, considering factors like each spouse’s income, contributions, and future needs. Separate property acquired before marriage or through inheritance is typically not divided.
How is child support calculated in Richmond County?
Child support follows a statutory formula: 17% of combined parental income for one child, 25% for two, 29% for three, 31% for four, and 35% for five or more. This applies to combined income up to $163,000; above that, the court has discretion.
What is the difference between Supreme Court and Family Court in Staten Island?
Richmond County Supreme Court handles divorce, equitable distribution, and spousal support. Richmond County Family Court handles custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense petitions. Some cases may involve both courts.
How long does a contested divorce take in Staten Island?
A contested divorce in Richmond County typically takes 12 to 24 months or longer due to court volume. The timeline includes mandatory settlement conferences, discovery, motions, and potential trial. Uncontested divorces can be completed in 3 to 6 months.
Related Legal Services
- New York Family Law Lawyer — Statewide family law hub
- Manhattan Divorce Lawyer — Family law in New York County
- Richmond County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Criminal defense in Staten Island
- Mr. Sris Attorney Profile — Learn more about your attorney
- New York Office Information — Contact our New York location
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.