Divorce & Family Law Attorney in Ontario County, New York
In Ontario County, family law matters like divorce, child custody, and support are governed by New York statutes and heard in the Ontario County Supreme Court for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Ontario County Family Court for custody and support matters.
New York Family Law Statutes for Ontario County
Family law in Ontario County is governed by New York State statutes. The primary laws include the Domestic Relations Law (DRL) for divorce and equitable distribution, and the Family Court Act (FCA) for custody, support, and family offense matters. New York is a no-fault divorce state, meaning a marriage can be dissolved based on an irretrievable breakdown for at least six months (DRL § 170). The court applies the principle of equitable distribution to divide marital property fairly based on statutory factors (DRL § 236). Child support is calculated using a statutory percentage formula based on combined parental income (FCA).
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, who brings a background in accounting and information systems to complex financial aspects of divorce. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep legislative engagement with family law principles.
Official New York Legal Resources
For the most current information on New York family law statutes and court procedures, consult these official .gov resources:
- New York Domestic Relations Law § 170 (official New York State Legislature) – The statutory grounds for divorce in New York.
- Ontario County Supreme Court website (official NY Courts .gov domain) – Provides local court forms, rules, and contact information.
Ontario County Family Court Procedures
Family law cases in Ontario County are split between two courts. The Ontario County Supreme Court handles all divorce and equitable distribution actions. The Ontario County Family Court handles matters of child custody, visitation, child support, paternity, and family offense (orders of protection) petitions. This division means you may have cases proceeding in two different courts simultaneously.
- Initial Consultation and Case Assessment: Schedule a consultation with Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. to review your situation, goals, and the specific procedures of Ontario County Supreme Court and Family Court.
- Filing the Petition and Serving Documents: Your attorney will prepare and file the necessary petition (for divorce, custody, etc.) with the court clerk and ensure proper service of process on the other party as required by New York law.
- handling Automatic Orders and Temporary Relief: Understand the automatic orders that freeze assets. If needed, file for pendente lite (temporary) orders for support, custody, or use of the marital home while the case is pending.
- Discovery and Negotiation: Exchange financial disclosures and other relevant information. Engage in settlement negotiations or mediation to try to resolve issues like property division, support, and custody outside of trial.
- Court Conferences and Trial Preparation: Attend mandatory court conferences. If settlement fails, prepare for trial by organizing evidence, witness testimony, and legal arguments for presentation before the Ontario County Supreme Court justice.
- Post-Judgment Matters: After a judgment is entered, handle any necessary steps for enforcement, modification of orders, or appeals, ensuring compliance with all court directives.
Family Law Standards and Potential Outcomes in Ontario County
In Ontario County, family law matters involve specific legal standards: no-fault divorce requires an irretrievable breakdown for 6+ months, equitable distribution divides marital property fairly, and child support follows a statutory percentage formula.
| Matter | Legal Standard / Classification | Financial Implications | Other Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divorce Grounds | No-fault (DRL § 170) | Filing fees: $335 + $95 RJI + other costs | 6-month waiting period; automatic asset freeze |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (DRL § 236) | Fair, not equal, split of marital assets/debts | Factors include marriage length, income, contributions |
| Child Support (1 child) | 17% of combined parental income (FCA) | Applies to first $163,000 of combined income | Health insurance and childcare add-ons |
| Spousal Maintenance | Statutory Formula (DRL § 236) | Calculated based on income and marriage duration | Can be temporary (pendente lite) or post-divorce |
| Child Custody | Best Interests of the Child | Evaluation costs: $5,000-$20,000+ if ordered | Determines legal and physical custody arrangements |
Results may vary. The outcomes described are legal standards, not guarantees. Each case depends on unique facts and evidence presented to the Ontario County court.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Ontario County Family Law Matter?
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to family law cases. Our founder, Mr. Sris, is a former prosecutor with a background in accounting and information systems, providing a distinct advantage in complex financial divorces. He 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 applying broad legal knowledge to the specific procedures of Ontario County courts.
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 exceeding 93%. While these results are firm-wide and not specific to Ontario County, they demonstrate the firm’s extensive experience and consistent approach to achieving positive resolutions in family law and other matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your Ontario County family law case.
Family Law Services in the Ontario County Area
Our New York location serves clients at Ontario County courts. We represent individuals throughout the Finger Lakes region. Our office is accessible via major highways including I-90 (NYS Thruway), I-81, I-390, and Route 17/I-86.
We are a family law lawyer near Ontario County and serve the communities of Canandaigua, Geneva, Victor, Farmington, Manchester, Phelps, Hopewell, Seneca (NY), and East Bloomfield.
Availability: 24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
New York Location — Buffalo/NY area
Phone: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (838)-292-0003
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ontario County Family Law
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 Domestic Relations Law § 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, and 35% for five or more children (NY Family Court Act). This applies to combined income up to $163,000.
What is equitable distribution in a New York divorce?
Equitable distribution means marital property is divided fairly, not necessarily equally, based on factors in NY Domestic Relations Law § 236. This includes the length of the marriage, each spouse’s income, and contributions to the marriage.
How long does a divorce take in Ontario County Supreme Court?
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, discovery, and court scheduling at Ontario County Supreme Court.
What are automatic orders in a New York divorce?
Upon filing for divorce, automatic orders under DRL § 236 take effect. These freeze marital assets, prohibit changing insurance beneficiaries, and restrict selling or transferring property without consent or court order.
Related Legal Resources
State Hub: Learn more about our firm’s approach to New York family law.
Nearby Localities: We also serve clients in New York County (Manhattan) and Kings County (Brooklyn).
Other Practice Areas in Ontario County: Our firm also handles criminal defense and immigration matters in Ontario County.
Attorney Profile: Read more about Mr. Sris’s background and experience.
Our Office: For details about our New York location.
Last verified: March 2026. Information is current as of the verification date. Laws and procedures can change. For the most current guidance on your Ontario County family law matter, contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747.